I fish C-Rigs a lot, and like everything else, theres really no hard and fast rules. Somedays I sort of pop it off the bottom trying to make it clack, somedays its a slow drag, somedays its a 2 minute dead stick. Really depends on how active and hungry the fish are. Have fun with it, try everything you can think of until you get bit, then try to repeat what you were doing to see if you found a pattern thats working. The C-Rig flat out catches fish.

I like to use these : http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/presco-c...per&Ntk=All . I rig them the same way with a glass bead and s brass weight. I like to adjust the length quickly, and they have worked well for me.

Fast real and long(at least 7ft) rod with a backbone and soft tip so you can take up slack when setting the hook. Sweep set to the side not straight up like T-Rig. Everyone is saying plastic of choice which is kinda true but I have probably caught more fish in 20 years of fishing this as my primary technique on a centipede/fry style bait than any other. Also I am way more successful with a long leader than a short, a little harder to cast but it is like a weightless presentation that way. Also some of the fancy setups suggested above will work but in my opinion, a braid main line and a lighter mono leader(leader breaks first when hung up and you don't lose the whole set up) work best. Great feel with the braid and shock absorption with the mono leader. 1 OZ weight, glass bead to protect the knot and make a little racket, barrel swivel, 3-6 ft. 15lb. test leader, 3/0 hook for centipede, 4/0 for stud or ring fry. Have fun!

Carolina Rig is one of my favorite ways to fish, and a large percentage of the big fish that I have caught have come off one. Build confidence in it, and I believe that you can use this presentation at most any lake and catch fish if you find the right structure. The only lakes that I tend to not use a c-rig on are lakes with Stripers. I like to hold the rod at an angle and only move it a foot or two at a time. I have gotten out of position and missed a lot of fish when I started out, that I would now catch. Try to keep your rod position where you have room for a full hook set. I like 10in power worms and hoo daddy jrs Hope that makes sense and helps. Good Luck

If you REALLY want to learn it, take only C-rig stuff with you. Rig up 4 or 5 rods with different main line, leaders, weights, etc. and fish it all day. You'll surely pick up a few fish and it will build your confidence in something.

With this said, a lot of what has been mentioned in my opinion is great advice and I'm not sure there is a wrong way to fish it unless you rig it completely incorrectly.

This is great advice.

If your going to use tungsten weights, I would recommend using braid as your main line. That way when you have to break it off you don't typically loose the weight. But make sure your drag is set because I have broke off 20lb big game mono several times setting the hook.

In shallow water go to a smaller weight, deep or really windy (normal in DFW area) go to a heavier weight. you want to keep in contact with the bottom and you want to feel the weight - keep you line tight. No wrong way to fish the c-rig as I believe everyone has stated. I have fished the c-rig for several years and brought in many a fish, PB 9.9. good luck

Keith
A woman will quickly make a millionaire out of a billionaire!

Just don't get lazy and buy the carolina cheater rigs. They reduce sensitivity and mess up bait action. Use heavy enough weight to keep it on bottom. Being your first time I wouldn't use a leader longer than 3ft so you can get the feel of the cast down. Sidearm lob your casts if you can, it's easier. Like everyone said, fish it slow. . .and then slower. . .and then even slower. My favorite bait ever to use on a c rig is a baby rattlesnake, but you can use pretty much any plastic. C rigging is my favorite summer technique, it WILL catch them if they're there and biting.

Tim is correct, big NO on the cheater quick rigs. Grande Bass Rattlesnake, watermelon red works well.

Good information! Thanks everyone

I believe the biggest mistake people make when learning C-Rig is not using a heavy enough weight. 3/4 -1 oz, 1oz being better.