Also called a Carolina-style bait rig, this is what you tie when you want bait sitting on the bottom and the fish to feel nothing but the bait. It is the default rig for channel cats in the Red River and Grand River, for carp anywhere in southern Ontario, and, tied light with a floating bait, for stocked trout in put-and-take lakes.
What you need
- SinkerEgg sinker 1/4–1 oz for lakes; no-roll or flat sinker 1–4 oz for river current
- BeadProtects the knot from the sinker
- Barrel swivelSize 5–7 for catfish, 10 for trout
- Leader12–24" of 15–30 lb mono for cats/carp; 4 lb fluoro for trout
- Hook3/0–8/0 circle hook for cats; #6–#10 for carp or trout
- BaitCut bait, shrimp, chicken liver, dip bait, corn or boilies, or a floating trout dough
- Main line15–30 lb mono or 30–50 lb braid; 4–6 lb for trout
How to tie the slip sinker rig
- Slide the sinker onto the main line, then a bead.
- Tie the main line to the swivel.
- Tie on a 12–24 inch leader and the hook.
- Bait the hook, leaving the point exposed on a circle hook.
How to fish it
Cast out, let it settle, reel just enough to remove slack, and put the rod in a holder with the bail open or a bait-clicker on. When the line runs, close the bail and reel steadily — circle hooks set themselves; do not jerk. For trout, use a 4 lb leader and a floating bait so it hovers above the bottom.
Tips
- A short leader (12") in current keeps the bait from spinning; longer (18–24") in still water.
- For carp, a "hair rig" hook link with corn on the hair below the hook is the next step up.
- Rod holders with a loose drag prevent losing your rod to a big fish.
Common mistakes
- Setting the hook hard with a circle hook — it will pull out. Just reel.
- A sinker too light for river current, which drifts the bait into snags.
FAQ
What size hook for channel catfish?
3/0–5/0 circle hooks for eating-size channel cats; 6/0–8/0 for big river fish and cut bait.