Carolina Rig
 

can anyone explain the importance of the use of beads in setting up the carolina rig? i've never used them and im wondering if its for added sound attraction, rig protection, etc.

The bead protects the knots from the weight and makes noise.

I use Carolina Keepers. YOu squeeze them with pliers and insert the line through the slit. No knots to break and you can easily adjust the leader length. The only application I don't like them for is surf fishing. Sand gets in the slit, the keeper then slips and cuts the line.

I've heard the keepers don't work well over 1/2 oz, can anyone comment on that?

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I use them with 1/2oz weights a lot without issue, but I don't think I've ever tried heavier.

I'll use them with 1 and 2oz but they will slip if your casting for distance so ill double them up if I need to throw them. Still not perfect but adjustable leader with one knot is pretty nice.

Thanks, that's what I thought just wasn't totally clear.
I've used the Carolina keepers a lot, mostly freshwater for catfish ( they freakin LOVE hotdogs). Should the bead be used in tandem with the keeper?


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I use beads all the time when surf fishing. Its amazing how much better luck I have with the bead on there. This past weekend I went surf fishing, using the same bait as everyone else.the only difference was the bead. I caught fish 3:1 when compared to the other folks ... call it luck, but I never fish the Carolina rig with out a bead.