New to C-Rig? Top Secret way to increase hookup ratio!

[iClass]

Now that I have your attention.  People love or hate this presentation.  In my opinion, the C-Rig will catch more numbers of fish any day of the week.  It is great for probing deep water and transmitting what the bottom is or what type of cover is there.  You can also catch some really nice fish with this as your cast is usually far enough away that the fish aren't as leary of your approach. 

I have a Trick I have used to teach those that are new to the Carolina rig or to folks that just have trouble hooking up with one.  I can almost guarentee if the fish bites your rig, you can put it in the boat. 

Tie your rig with a one ounce sinker, glass bead, swivel, 30" of leader and (Top Secret  ) a 2/0 circle hook with a weed guard.  Nose hook the french fry, lizard, finesse worm, 10" ribbontail worm, or whatever and insure the weedguard is in place.  The weed guard makes your setup basically weedless and the circle hook will get you hookup easier than any other hook on the market.  Nose hooking your bait gives it a very lifelike and realistic appeal. 

When the bite occurs - DO NOT SET THE HOOK! (this is the beauty of this type of Crig) reel down and then keep tension on the fish and reel in, the reel will basically set the hook for you.  No more fussing because you slammed it like a jig in the brush and lost your fish (I still do this every once in awhile) 

This works similar to a drop shot rig in that you are using a circle hook.  I promise this will increase your catch to bite ratio on a C - Rig ... Ya know, maybe I could change the name to an iClass rig!   

[ronalddipietro]

Me and you G-man..same boat..you circle hooks me conventional...we count...winner gets 1 cold budwiser/coke...whatever...Ha Ha..SERIOUSLY, your idea sounds alot mine...my first choice in looking for fish...

[Dunham Fisher]

Excellent suggestion iClass!  I like Carolina riggin', so I'm goin' right out to buy some 1oz. sinkers and 2/0 weedless circle hooks!

[iClass]

Ron,
Not saying it will take the place of a conventional Carolina rig with an experienced angler, but when someone is trying to learn or cannot afford to miss a bite those circle hooks will do the job for them.  Great for introducing someone to fishing, a spouse or child.  They don't have to worry about all the technical aspects of fishing....Just Reel!

The iClass 'C' Rig....Yeah, Kinda has a ring to it...LOL

[ronalddipietro]

just messing with u Gary...I might love them if I tried them...NOT..

[Bassinkorea]

I've never actually tried fishing with circle hooks before, and I've never had much luck with a c-rig, so I may just have to try this idea 

[ronalddipietro]

at a boy...try new stuff

[coldfront]

... maybe ... change the name to an iClass rig!   

I'm on board!

for me, another key was going to braid as my main line...

(love the 'iClass rig'... )

[bassindude]

I caught my PB on a C-rig.  Blind luck really, but you have me curious about the Nose hook idea.  Gonna have to try that one. Jim

[bigjim5589]

Great tip! I have heard that circle hooks work well for wacky rigging too.

I don't know how many types of circle hooks are available with weed guards, so this may not be an issue. There is some controversy among folks who regularly use circle hooks about which is better, those that are offset, or those that are inline. Additionally, some argue that straight eyes make a difference over up turned eyes.

iClass, have you tried different types of circle hooks, if so, does it matter with this and do you have a preferred hook?

[Kal-Kevin]

Ok on top of bigjim5589 hook question, how do the hook up come are they lip hooked or more deeper in general? 

[coldfront]

Ok on top of bigjim5589 hook question, how do the hook up come are they lip hooked or more deeper in general? 

Kal...I'm betting the vast majority are lip hooked...based on the action of the hook and the way it works.

that said, it's pretty critical to make sure the fish has the bait in any application before setting on them...the hook, the method proscribed...would very much result in increased hook percentages...but only in those fish that really commit...not in those that pick it up/spit it...

this would be a great tool for a guide to use...and anyone else...but light biters...that will 'drop it' when there's a bit of pressure...those fish won't get hooked.


that's not saying that the iclass rig is not a great idea and something that everyone should consider/use...it is just that...a great idea and approach for anglers..   

[ronalddipietro]

Deep throat hook ups will happen using the c-rig with conventional hooks..I do not know about Circle hooks..i know it sucks when the fish is bleeding and you have to toss it back because of slots..or minimum sizes..but turtle have to eat too.

[SkeeterMatt]

who makes these circle hooks with weed gaurd? I've not seen them before. Great idea by the way.

[coldfront]

Deep throat hook ups will happen using the c-rig with conventional hooks..I do not know about Circle hooks..i know it sucks when the fish is bleeding and you have to toss it back because of slots..or minimum sizes..but turtle have to eat too.

Ronald, this 'through the gills' removal procedure really works.  Often times I believe the bleeding is from the angler working with pliers directly down the gullet...that does the damage.  I've used this on lots of fish and most of them didn't bleed a bit.  I think that esophagus might be so darned pliable it's really hard to perforate it...and on that note, if it DOES perforate easily...that'd be a problem with those spiny rayed prey species (bullheads, bluegill) and/or crayfish...

Last point:  fish blood has evolved to actually CLOT IN WATER...they'll bleed far more out of water than they will 'in' water...so a bleeding fish is not necessarily turtle food. 

[ronalddipietro]

good information..thanks..will try it out...I am an old schooler...instant..powerful hooksets is what I like and it works for me...

[BaitcasterlessBavaro]

Nice idea for the "iClass" rig, I think I'll give it a try. The link on how to remove the hook through the gills is also some great information.     Thanks guys!!

[ronalddipietro]

coldfront...turtle food isn't all bad...

[bassindude]

Them thare turtles taste pretty good also,  the best tasting ones bite back so be careful

[ronalddipietro]

never did et one

[fishinfranklin]

I liked this ideal of using a circle hook for a c-rig!! I can see where it will help lots
with there hook ups. All of the fish I have caught with circle hooks have been hooked in the side of the mouth.
As for a bleeding fish that has to be released, I allways
cut the line and just leave the hook in and release the fish. Heck it was time
to re-tie anyways.

[hornytoader]

iClass...have to say never been a fan of C-rig , have tried before and NEVER caught a fish on it. I've used circle hooks for wacky' wormin' with good success. Have a tournament coming up on Grand Bayou and will have to give it a try for sure. One of the better small lakes around here for using the C-rig I've heard. Thanks for the tip.

[jellyroller]

braided line is the stuff.  Instant telegraph of the fishs actions.  Feels like they are crankin a chainsaw down there.  Makes for short strong hooksets

[zjc5019]

Thanks for posting this. I have been looking into how to set up a good C rig.

[Baja Waters]

Circle hooks a great.  I like to use them flyling a light bait around docks.  by not swinging it allows me to guide the fish out of danger.  The hook is always in the corner of the mouth.  As others have mention great for C-rig and wacky.