San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Looking for info on what range of weights I should be using for Perch with a Carolina Rig. Used at local beaches like Coronado, PB, Blacks, etc.

Just trying to gauge to utilize the rig correctly but also size a new rod appropriately and feel the fight of the fish even if it’s a small perch.

Thank you.

I think most use 1/2 oz for normal conditions… I throw 3/8 oz, because that’s what the max my rod is rated for.. I’ll occasionally go smaller, but usually just in bays.. I love my lighter weight rod for fighting perch or even larger game like small bat rays or leopard sharks.. And is perfect for corbina and croaker… There are times of heavy surf, that it does get over matched, but rarely… I’m strictly a C-rig user and don’t often throw lures… I have other rods for heavy surf or using a Lucky Craft….
Butch

When I used to use a c-rig, I matched the weight to the sweet spot of my rod which was 3/4oz. For me, it was more about casting and feeling the weight on the retrieve. I like to cast long for croaker and then see what bites when it gets closer.

I'd say, find a weight, line and leader length that "feels right" for your fishing style and go with that.

But to answer your question, I'd say weights between 1/4 and 1oz work well for c-rig.

And to stir the pot a little... a buddy of mine likes to cast a swimbait with a grub about 2 feet above it. He calls it a "double trouble" rig, but there's probably another name for it. He's casting for halibut and perch at the same time.

In the end, I'm sure you'll converge to your "confidence" setup. Trust yourself and fish the way that makes you smile the most

I use mostly 1 ounce for my Carolina rigs in the surf, sometimes 3/4 ounce. That sounds like more than others, but I’m also probably using a heavier line (14 lb). The 1 ounce does well for me until waves get over 4ft, and I’d rather surf than fish if waves get bigger than that. I’ll still use 1 ounce in low surf conditions just because I’ll end up casting into the onshore wind if I fish more than a couple hours after sunrise.