I tried C Rig first time the other day at Ray Roberts. I noticed that the line between the Carolina Keeper and the worm was frayed like you wouldn't believe after fishing with it for a short time. Is the line getting frayed from the rocks? If so, is this because maybe the worm is too heavy and just lays on the bottom getting dragged through all rocks when I reel it in which would cause the line to rub all the rocks?

Setup: 7' Falcon Grass Rod/Heavy with Shimano Chronarch BSV100, 12-14lb mono (I only fish fluoro on spinning reel). I used 3/4oz Lindy No Snagg slip sinker (line runs through it), 2 beads and a Carolina Keeper so I don't have to use the swivel. The bait was 9' Power Worm (bit off 1") and I had one of those bullet weight shaped floats placed in front of the worm so the heavy worm would float up off the bottom better.

Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks

I would suspect that your beads are cutting into your line. Additionally, I would upgrade to a heavier line.

The beads where behind the Carolina Keeper stop so there is no way the beads could have even touched the part of the line that was frayed. The line was frayed all the way down to the hook so basically all down the "leader", which was 14-16".

What line weight do you recommend when C Riggin'?

Sounds like keeper is moving up and down causing the line to fray. I stopped using them for that reason. Some guys like them and have no trouble at all, but I prefer the long way!

I'd try fluorocarbon line and a smaller bait like a brush hog or lizard. The rattlesnake type baits float well too. Even a fluke would be good.

Funny that you use fluoro on your spinners and mono on your baitcasters. Seems like it would be a lot better the other way around.

Sounds like the rocks are eating up your line.

That's what happens when you fish rocks.

You have to re-tie often.

I prefer not to carolina rig in rocks.

Crankbaits,spinnerbaits,t-rig,wacky rig,football head jigs are better choices for fishing rocks.

I use fluoro on my spinning reel as it's my finesse/drop shot setup. I tried fluoro on my baitcasters and first time I had an overrun, that reel was finished for the day.

Also, doesn't fluoro impede the bait from floating up off the bottom due to it's heavier density?

+1

Yes on the fluoro question.

Try a smaller hook size to get the bait to float up on the pull.

I use 15# powersilk line (use to use McCoys Mean Green Extreme 15#),1/2 oz weight,carolina keeper,number 2 Owner rig'n hook.

I have fished anywhere from 4" baits to 10" baits on this set-up.

Flat baits on this rig will cause line twist.

I'm betting its either the SINGLE Carolina keeper and the 3/4 oz weight, or the rocks. I have had trouble with C-keepers and heavy weights. Anything 3/4 oz or above gets TWO C-keepers. The single is not enough to keep a 3/4 oz or heavier weight from pushing the keeper toward the hook. Use TWO.

Eihter its either that or the rocks are eating you up. I'm with SkeeterHawk, C-rigs and lots of rocks don't mix. Scattered rock, gravel, shell beds, etc. you're ok.

Good luck!

Ahhh...OK. Didn't think about this. From what I read, due to it's banana shape and how it sits flat on the bottom almost, I didn't think it would push the C Keeper around like a normal heavy weight would. I will say that I don't recall ever having to push the keeper back up the leader to it's original position. I'll try using 2 next time.

Also, I think I'll agree with you guys about the rocks. I guess I thought it'd float up enough to stay off the rocks but I guess not.

If you've not noticed the keeper slipping down toward the hook, your problem most definitely sounds like rocks.

If that's the "bananna" shaped Lindy No Snagg slip sinker then GET RID of it!! Use a standard bullet shaped sinker, either brass, lead or tungsten.
Really need to use a barrel swivel instead of the keepers.

Yea, you've got wayyyy too much stuff going on with that carolina rig. Lose the lindy no snag weight, the carolina keeper, and the floating bullet weight. Your bait doesn't need to "float" off the bottom to be effective with a c-rig. Use a 3/4 to 1 0z bullet weight, lead or tungsten, PLASTIC bead (no glass, the weight will crack it and it will cut your line), small barrel swivel, 15-20 lb flourocarbon leader. I'd beef up your main line to at least 15 lb test mono or flourocarbon. Yes, I know it sinks, but you'll still get more bites because the fish can't see it. If you want your bait to float off the bottom, use a dropshot. Good Luck