I'm with you on circle hooks. I started using them for catfish a few years back, and they work very well, once you get used to not setting the hook! I do just what you're doing (except with cut bait); I set my rods in a rod holder and watch 'em. When they load up, I just pick up the rod and start reeling! As you said, it doesn't get any easier! Plus you have the added benefit of greatly reducing the number of gut-hooked fish.
Great step by step guide on what you do to land fish. I like that Carolina rig with the egg sinker. Very cool to go out and catch bait that easy. You look like a pro with the casting net. 👍🏽
I bought my first kayak this past summer, an entry-level fishing kayak, and I would love to get into some reds and speckled trout. I have some good places locally (Lynnhaven Inlet, Rudee Inlet, and Elizabeth River, for three), but I need to learn how to locate fish, where to fish, how to navigage tides, etc. I love your idea of fishing with Carolina rigs while you're casting artificials--best of both worlds for more catches!
I'm glad I found your channel. I don't own a boat. Can't afford one. But have 3 Grandsons and I love to Salt Water Fish. My Dream is catching Red Fish, Specks and Flounder. Your Grandslam. Great Video. I live about 25 minutes from Sunset Beach. The spot you fished at Pamlico looked great. Maybe I can find a place like that around our Coast Line without a Boat. Thank you for encouraging me to get out there and try. I'm now 65 years old. I'm all my Grandsons have. Thank you again. Great Video.
Very good and educational videos. Just retiring and hope to explore the Neuse, Pamlico areas beginning next year. Have fished all up and down the NC coastline but never the western areas of the sounds. Looking forward to it!
Like what you're trying to provide. I fish currently out of the swansboro emerald Isle area. Considering getting a house somewhere in the pamlico River in the next year. I need to come fish with you. Thanks for the vid. John
Great Question. I set my drag on "strike", which is the same tension you would want to fight the fish. No more, no less. This allows the drag to hook the fish. The circle hook sinks in immediately and typically will not come loose. This has been a popular video and I'm getting ready to make a new one in which I clarify in detail many of the questions that have been asked since it's release. Thanks for supporting the channel Craig!
In the video I'm using a 2o. If you are using cut bait i recommend using a larger hook like a 4-8o. With cut bait they can swallow it faster and the bigger hook help prevents gut hooking. Also, you may want to look at my most recent video. I have changed my Carolina rig set-up a bit, although this set up still works. Thanks for checking in!
Great channel. I have been fishing the same area since '97 and love it dearly. How do you determine location for something like this? I am NOT asking for spots but rather what made you pick that particular cove. Love the serious tone of this video. Too many wanna-be comedians out there.
Hi Jerry, thanks for the comment. This particular spot has deeper water, 5-6 feet, and a point that current sweeps around creating an eddy on the back side where fish ambush. Generally when picking a spot, I look for some kind of anomaly such as deeper water, root or oyster bottom, current visible on top, bait moving thru, etc. Also, I'm not sure why, but shorelines with vibrant green grass in the summer tend to hold fish better?
Thanks for the video! So I am an artificial guy trying to adapt for my young kids a bit lol. How long is your leader, 18”? Also, do you keep the line tight to the egg sinker or leave a bit of a bow in the line to allow the bait to swim better? Thought the point of the Carolina was so when the fish picked up the bait it didn’t feel the weight and drop the bait? So would think leave slack in the line? Though you said it was windy, so how do you leave slack on a windy day and still know when you get but unless they run with it? I am writing a book....sorry! Been fishing since I was 3 and we didn’t Carolina rig back when I was coming up...nowadays it’s soft plastics, topwater and other hard baits and spoons....for a couple decades. Help? Thanks in advance for any and all advice! Just trying to get a picture in my head. Cheers.
In most scenarios a 12"-18" leader is all you want. This allows the bait to swim freely but not so long that you miss strikes. The fish hooks himself with the circle hook when he eats the bait and begins to swim away. You should have almost no slack while fishing this rig. It definitely is easier with the wind at your back and current going away from you. If the line is tight to egg sinker (barrel swivel to egg) the bait is still free to swim around on his leader. Hope this helps. Good luck with the kids!
Just became a new subscriber. How were the water conditions besides dirty? I mean, was the tide going out while you were in a creek or what? I'm going to the southern part of NC right after Labor Day, and hope the fishing is as good was what you were experiencing...or better even! lol Thanks for any info on the tide condition that day.
Hi Chuck, thanks for subscribing! Whenever possible, fish the incoming tide. Bait is moving into shallow water and predator fish will follow. In the northern Pamlico sound where i shot this video, our tide is more wind driven. In the video a hard SW wind was creating a current moving down the shoreline. My biggest factor was that i was in deeper water (5-6ft) and had plenty of baitfish moving thru. Always look for bait (live water).
@@haltysalty7537 Thanks , and I know what you mean by " live water". I lived on Topsail Island for a while, and learned how to "read the water", and sometimes could even tell by the activity, what type of fish it was without ever seeing one of them...at least until I'd caught some, either by cast net or by rod and reel. Keep the lines tight!!
Sounds like it'll get the job done Randy. If I was going for trout, smaller drum, or flounder, I might would down size the hook to a size 2 depending on the bait size. I like the bait and the hook to be proportionate, to look natural together. Thanks for watching.
If it's a new area I'll do alot of scouting on Google earth, looking for shoreline and points that look deep. Maybe some cuts that would have good moving water. Once on the ground or boat I'm looking for bait, flipping menhaden, jumping mullet, birds, any kind of life. Also sudden depth changes. For example a shoreline that goes from 2ft to 6ft on a sharp decline tends to create a highway for bait and predators. It can take some time on the water to develop good spots. Your question would be a good title for a RUclips video. 🤔
Yes, I have used gulp effectively with this technique. Also unscented plastic with procure. Frozen shrimp and mullet can work. Fresh is much better. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
How is your drag set for circle hooks? Should it be loose enough to hook and then tighten my drag or should it be a constant tightness with no adjustment?
It should be set on what is referred to as "on strike", which is enough tension too hook the fish but he can still pull some drag if he runs. It's basically the same drag set up as casting artificial. I pretty much leave on the same drag setting and don't make adjustments while fighting.
Yes, I assume you are talking about mud minnows, sometimes called Bull Gugeons. I think they call them bull minnows South of where I live. Flounder can't resist them. If they are small, use a small hook.
Yes, use the weight needed to keep bait in strike zone! I typically fish this rig in 4-8 feet of water but have used it on some bridges as deep as 25ft. Thanks for watching.
That's going to depend on your location. During the summer and fall in NC they can be found in shallow waters near the shore line. Little creeks usually hold them too. Just have to get out there and look for them. If you walk a shoreline, they will spook and give themselves away. Thanks for watching. Good luck
That was 2/0. Sometimes I'll use bigger or smaller depending on the size of the bait. The hook needs to be small enough so that the bait can swim and look natural. Thanks for watching!
I'm with you on circle hooks. I started using them for catfish a few years back, and they work very well, once you get used to not setting the hook! I do just what you're doing (except with cut bait); I set my rods in a rod holder and watch 'em. When they load up, I just pick up the rod and start reeling! As you said, it doesn't get any easier! Plus you have the added benefit of greatly reducing the number of gut-hooked fish.
i'm going to start with this method and see if I get used too. thanks. happy new year.
Avid subscriber.. Thanks for the excellent content and information .. You have a awesome channel
Thank you!
Great step by step guide on what you do to land fish. I like that Carolina rig with the egg sinker. Very cool to go out and catch bait that easy. You look like a pro with the casting net. 👍🏽
It's not always that easy. Thanks for the support!
I bought my first kayak this past summer, an entry-level fishing kayak, and I would love to get into some reds and speckled trout. I have some good places locally (Lynnhaven Inlet, Rudee Inlet, and Elizabeth River, for three), but I need to learn how to locate fish, where to fish, how to navigage tides, etc. I love your idea of fishing with Carolina rigs while you're casting artificials--best of both worlds for more catches!
Good fishery up there for sure. They catch some huge trout in the winter months.
Just go out anytime. diffance times
I'm glad I found your channel. I don't own a boat. Can't afford one. But have 3 Grandsons and I love to Salt Water Fish. My Dream is catching Red Fish, Specks and Flounder. Your Grandslam. Great Video. I live about 25 minutes from Sunset Beach. The spot you fished at Pamlico looked great. Maybe I can find a place like that around our Coast Line without a Boat. Thank you for encouraging me to get out there and try. I'm now 65 years old. I'm all my Grandsons have. Thank you again. Great Video.
Good luck to you sir!
@@haltysalty7537 Thank you.
Very good and educational videos. Just retiring and hope to explore the Neuse, Pamlico areas beginning next year. Have fished all up and down the NC coastline but never the western areas of the sounds. Looking forward to it!
Thanks for sharing this video 👍👍
You're welcome!
Like what you're trying to provide. I fish currently out of the swansboro emerald Isle area. Considering getting a house somewhere in the pamlico River in the next year. I need to come fish with you. Thanks for the vid. John
Thanks John, If you enjoy fishing without crowds, you'll love the Pamlico!
@@haltysalty7537 I'm a big proponent of circle hooks. It's fun fishing for me. Keep us informed.
Great tips bud ! Beauty red fish ! Thanks for taking us along
Glad you enjoyed tubby! Thx
Great content 🤘 looking forward for more videos and great info fishonnn 🎣🎣 ❤️
Thank you
Great video this was really helpful I made that mistake with dirty water and I get nothing on plastics this worked pretty well.
Glad to hear, thanks for watching!
Loving the channel!!!!
Thanks Chris!
Subscriber # 475! Awesome Video man.. Not quite sure why your subscribers aren't higher, but keep at it! Great job man
Much thanks!
Liked the whole vibe. See your starting out. Keep em coming man. I just subscribed. 😎🤝
Thanks Eric!
I need to go pire fishing 🎣🎣
Love your videos, mate.
How tight do you have your drag set when the rods are in the holder ?
Great Question. I set my drag on "strike", which is the same tension you would want to fight the fish. No more, no less. This allows the drag to hook the fish. The circle hook sinks in immediately and typically will not come loose. This has been a popular video and I'm getting ready to make a new one in which I clarify in detail many of the questions that have been asked since it's release. Thanks for supporting the channel Craig!
What size of circle hook are you using? Great video. Super helpful.
In the video I'm using a 2o. If you are using cut bait i recommend using a larger hook like a 4-8o. With cut bait they can swallow it faster and the bigger hook help prevents gut hooking. Also, you may want to look at my most recent video. I have changed my Carolina rig set-up a bit, although this set up still works. Thanks for checking in!
I love catfish man i need to go fishing but i im out here in las Vegas Nv it be to hot right now
Digging your channel. Keep posting and I'll keep watching subr 230 lol!
Thanks for sharing!! Just subbed!!
You got it brother! Thanks for watching, more to come!
Hey I just saw this vid. Great fun. Was that a creek flushing out to your left side? Just trying to picture the environment you were fishing. Thanks.
Hi Mike, yes it was
Just learning how to fish I'm loving your videos what size weight do you use when you Caroline
Typically I will use a 1 ounce egg weight. You can go lighter or heavier depending on the wind and current speed.
God bless you brother. Happy 2024.
God Bless You! Happy New Year
Great channel. I have been fishing the same area since '97 and love it dearly. How do you determine location for something like this? I am NOT asking for spots but rather what made you pick that particular cove. Love the serious tone of this video. Too many wanna-be comedians out there.
Hi Jerry, thanks for the comment. This particular spot has deeper water, 5-6 feet, and a point that current sweeps around creating an eddy on the back side where fish ambush. Generally when picking a spot, I look for some kind of anomaly such as deeper water, root or oyster bottom, current visible on top, bait moving thru, etc. Also, I'm not sure why, but shorelines with vibrant green grass in the summer tend to hold fish better?
Thanks for the video! So I am an artificial guy trying to adapt for my young kids a bit lol. How long is your leader, 18”? Also, do you keep the line tight to the egg sinker or leave a bit of a bow in the line to allow the bait to swim better? Thought the point of the Carolina was so when the fish picked up the bait it didn’t feel the weight and drop the bait? So would think leave slack in the line? Though you said it was windy, so how do you leave slack on a windy day and still know when you get but unless they run with it? I am writing a book....sorry! Been fishing since I was 3 and we didn’t Carolina rig back when I was coming up...nowadays it’s soft plastics, topwater and other hard baits and spoons....for a couple decades. Help? Thanks in advance for any and all advice! Just trying to get a picture in my head. Cheers.
The book comment was about the length of my post and a joke...not really writing a book if that wasn’t clear lol
In most scenarios a 12"-18" leader is all you want. This allows the bait to swim freely but not so long that you miss strikes. The fish hooks himself with the circle hook when he eats the bait and begins to swim away. You should have almost no slack while fishing this rig. It definitely is easier with the wind at your back and current going away from you. If the line is tight to egg sinker (barrel swivel to egg) the bait is still free to swim around on his leader. Hope this helps. Good luck with the kids!
Nice video and great advice. Are you fishing Texas?
No, North Carolina. Thanks for watching!
Just became a new subscriber. How were the water conditions besides dirty? I mean, was the tide going out while you were in a creek or what? I'm going to the southern part of NC right after Labor Day, and hope the fishing is as good was what you were experiencing...or better even! lol Thanks for any info on the tide condition that day.
Hi Chuck, thanks for subscribing! Whenever possible, fish the incoming tide. Bait is moving into shallow water and predator fish will follow. In the northern Pamlico sound where i shot this video, our tide is more wind driven. In the video a hard SW wind was creating a current moving down the shoreline. My biggest factor was that i was in deeper water (5-6ft) and had plenty of baitfish moving thru. Always look for bait (live water).
@@haltysalty7537 Thanks , and I know what you mean by " live water". I lived on Topsail Island for a while, and learned how to "read the water", and sometimes could even tell by the activity, what type of fish it was without ever seeing one of them...at least until I'd caught some, either by cast net or by rod and reel. Keep the lines tight!!
Hello, nice video! What size hook is that?
2/0 octopus circle hook. Thanks for watching
@@haltysalty7537 Thanks!
I tried a carolina rig with a big waight at a peir and the line got stuck in the rocks. So unfortunate.
Quality TV. I want to be your sidekick.
Well come on then!
What is your opinion on using 5/0 circle hook with 25 lbs test and a 50 lbs shock leader with a 3 oz egg sinker for heavy current with a Sandy bottom
Sounds like it'll get the job done Randy. If I was going for trout, smaller drum, or flounder, I might would down size the hook to a size 2 depending on the bait size. I like the bait and the hook to be proportionate, to look natural together. Thanks for watching.
Did you chum before you threw the cast net?
No, it was just sight casting in an area where some mullet were bunched up
How do yo go about choosing a spot to fish
If it's a new area I'll do alot of scouting on Google earth, looking for shoreline and points that look deep. Maybe some cuts that would have good moving water. Once on the ground or boat I'm looking for bait, flipping menhaden, jumping mullet, birds, any kind of life. Also sudden depth changes. For example a shoreline that goes from 2ft to 6ft on a sharp decline tends to create a highway for bait and predators. It can take some time on the water to develop good spots. Your question would be a good title for a RUclips video. 🤔
Hello sir, can you give me the size of the pearl, of the swivel for the assembly?
8mm round plastic bead. I believe the barrel swivel is a 100lb. Thanks for watching!
Wow, you catch a punch of fishy!
Lol, they cooperated on that day
Hi, just saw the video, are you using mono or fc for leader?
In this vid I'm using mono. If the water was clearer I'd switch to flouro
what size beads do you use on these rigs?
6mm
Ever tried this with scented soft plastics? What exact hook are you using? You said frozen bait is a decent substitute?
Yes, I have used gulp effectively with this technique. Also unscented plastic with procure. Frozen shrimp and mullet can work. Fresh is much better. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Video on how to throw a cast net
What's up D, there are literally a hundred videos on RUclips that could teach better than I could. Thank you for checking out the channel!
How is your drag set for circle hooks? Should it be loose enough to hook and then tighten my drag or should it be a constant tightness with no adjustment?
It should be set on what is referred to as "on strike", which is enough tension too hook the fish but he can still pull some drag if he runs. It's basically the same drag set up as casting artificial. I pretty much leave on the same drag setting and don't make adjustments while fighting.
@@haltysalty7537 thank you very much!
Does bull minnows work on Carolina rig if I'm fishing for flounder?
Yes, I assume you are talking about mud minnows, sometimes called Bull Gugeons. I think they call them bull minnows South of where I live. Flounder can't resist them. If they are small, use a small hook.
@@haltysalty7537 yea I'm talkin about bull minows, also thanks for the fast reply :)
do you use braided line
Yes, that's all I use.
Do you ever use heavier weights in strong current?
What's the max depth you are fishing with the carolina rig?
Yes, use the weight needed to keep bait in strike zone! I typically fish this rig in 4-8 feet of water but have used it on some bridges as deep as 25ft. Thanks for watching.
What hook size did you use?
2o circle gamakatsu in this video
How do you know where the finger mullet are located?
That's going to depend on your location. During the summer and fall in NC they can be found in shallow waters near the shore line. Little creeks usually hold them too. Just have to get out there and look for them. If you walk a shoreline, they will spook and give themselves away. Thanks for watching. Good luck
Better late than never! Great to hear from you TL. Hope to see you soon! Thanks for watching!
What size circle hooks?
1o and 2o . Try to match hook to bait so it looks somewhat proportional. On a 3-6" bait, a 2o circle hook works great.
#493 carolina here
Thanks for watching! New Carolina rig video loading up in a few days
What size circle hook do you use? What's your leader length?
That was a 2/0 hook, 40 lb mono leader. I'll use lighter fluorocarbon if the water is clearer. Hook size needs to match the bait. Thanks for watching!
I still like my regular hooks
We need to go head to head🤣
Let go then
Put me down for Saturday!
I live in Beaufort if you ever want to cast a line here
Thanks man!
What do you use for your main line?
Braid, 10-15lb. Thanks for watching
What size circle hook?
1 or 2 depending on size of live bait
What size circle hook did you use?
That was 2/0. Sometimes I'll use bigger or smaller depending on the size of the bait. The hook needs to be small enough so that the bait can swim and look natural. Thanks for watching!
What number were those hooks
2
Is this in california
No, it's North Carolina
Just curious, what’s your favorite all-around go to size circle hook?
2o Gamakatsu octopus circle hook.
@@haltysalty7537 thank you