Hey Guys - First post in a long time - please forgive the questions.

I am getting back into fresh water fishing after a few (too many) years away. Had to strip all my reels (the line was that old) and am rebuilding my leaders. I'd like to do it right this time and I know "right" is somewhat subjective. Sooooo I am fishing Ray Hubbard (because I live very close to it) and Texoma. After some reading I've decided to go with Copoly: P-Line CX Premium, Mossy Green and Fluorocarbon for the leaders, both 15lb test. To build the Carolina Rigs I'd like to know what size(s) bullet weights are typical, bead size and crane swivel test. I don't want to over build - use gear with a test rating beyond what is reasonable, but don't want to lose fish either.... guide me on this one...

Personally I quit using beads and swivels. Just use 2 pegs and adjust on the fly. If you’re dead set on building them, I’d recommend spro swivels and start with 1/2oz..... lots of guys use 3/4-1oz. Honestly depends what bait and depth is on what weight I’m using. I’ve even used 1/4oz weight in grass in 8-10 fow. Don’t over think it and make it fun.

My leaders consist of 2.5-3ft line, 20lb fluoro, 90% of the time. I use 3/4oz egg sinker with bead and then knot protector bead to add some clanking. I tie it to 50lb braid as main line with barrel swivel. There are times that I will throw a CS rig and split-shot rig with a lot less pound test and weight when conditions warrant. Good luck...one of my most favorite presentations.

Okie

Change the leader from fluorocarbon to 15lb. mono and that’s pretty much my C-Rig setup also. One of my LEAST favorite techniques but works to good to ignore . Also, while I’m not a big braid fan I believe if most people ever tried braid on their main line they would be amazed at how much sensitivity braid adds. No matter how long your cast or how deep you’re fishing you feel the fish breathing on your lure. Really helps with the long cast hook sets also.

I typically use 15-20# fluorocarbon all the way and I don't pre-rig C-rigs. I like to use these for setting up a C-rig. It eliminates 2 knots and the knots are the weakest link in the whole setup.



I probably use a heavier weight than most too. I never drop below 3/4 oz and mostly use a 1 oz lead bullet weight. You will need to use 2-3 bobber stops for 3/4 & 1oz weights to keep them from sliding down when you cast. Set them about 24-36" above your hook and tie on your hook and you're done. It is faster than using swivels to build leaders and you lose the weak links. Plus, you can adjust the length of your "leader" on the fly.

On the weight size, I feel you get more bites with a heavier weight vs lighter. The big weight bangs around and kicks up silt on the bottom like a crawfish or feeding minnow which draws the fish's attention.

The only time I go to a lighter weight is to add a little bit of weight to a normally weightless presentation like a Fluke or Senko when the wind is really blowing. Then I will add a #3 split shot about 18" above the hook for that.

I haven't tied a leader in 25 years. Just use the carolina keepers

I still prefer the swivel, i just think i feel better with it (maybe in my head). And like Mark Pack said once, the size of the weight doesnt matter, as long as its 1oz. I run a longer leader (4-5ft min) regardless if im fishing 5ft or 30ft - i just think the longer leader has more action.

Only c-rig I throw consist off a 3/4 oz round cat fish weight, glass bead, brass clacker. Leader is usually 2-3' really depends on the depth for me. 20lb main line and 17lb leader is what I use 90% of the time, sometimes ill use 12/15lb line if water is clear. I tie a double uni for my main line a double uni for my connection to by swivel. But when I tie on my hook I used a single Uni, the single uni is still very strong and I have yet to break it on a fish. But if the bait gets hung I can usually pull really hard and break that knot without breaking off the whole rig so then I just loose a hook.

I use a swivel and a 1 oz tungsten. 3-4 ft leader. The swivel/leader allows the fish to pickup and pull the bait with little resistance. I feel it helps with hookup ratio of the fish keeps the bait in its mouth just a bit longer. I also use 65 lb braid mainline with an 80lb spro swivel. It allows me to break off the hook or leader and not lose a $10 tungsten weight.

Been working great for me this way for years.

I also vary the leader test depending on cover I’m fishing. It’s always fluorocarbon line, usually 17lb, but as high as 25 lb to as low as 12lb.

Thank you all for your input.... I am just getting back into this and your comments are very helpful.