The Bubba Rig. That nickname could apply to a lot of things, but in fishing it applies to a unique fishing rig that has transformed from a technique formerly employed by old timers and now adapted by new young guns. You may know this rig by other names, such as Carolina rig or split shot rig.
These rigs are all basically the same but can be used in different situations and at different times of the year to target largemouth bass: a main line with the sinker up from the bait, and a leader of different lengths tied to a hook, with various plastic lures added to that hook. What makes these so special? When you think about it, a Texas rigged worm is always nose diving along, either bouncing off the bottom, or if there is a bunch of muck on the bottom usually dredging it up.
Most largemouth prey swims or scoots along the bottom. These rigs let the bait of your choice emulate the prey more naturally. Since the weight is away from the bait, the lure floats along or looks to be swimming or scooting. You can change the action simply by adjusting your retrieve. Twitch your rod tip and make the bait swim like a shad or scoot like a crawdad.
So, why all the different names? Well, the rig has evolved over time, but has probably been known as a Carolina rig the longest. Split shot and Bubba rig came along after that. These names were affectionately bestowed on the Carolina rig by west coast fishermen as the good ole southern boys brought the technique West. No matter what you call it, it works, and the variations of the rig will catch bass all day long at any lake.
The Bubba rig is a heavy duty version of the Carolina rig. Usually, the main line is run through a sinker of 1- to 3-ounces, tied to a swivel, and then a long leader of about 3-feet is tied to that. Then the hook is tied on and a plastic creature or crawdad bait of some kind is added to the hook. The Bubba rig is thrown out in open water where the bass are locked on bottom structure in deeper water; old river beds, contours, gravel bottom, light brush, or whatever is down there.
The larger weight of the Bubba stirs up the bottom attracting the bass to the lure. Snags are usually common, but not too bad since you are throwing this rig where the structure is minimal. Fishermen cast beyond the structure and slowly pull the bait along. The long leader lets the bait float along attracting bites. A fish will just feel like pressure on the line. Don’t hesitate and set the hook.
The Carolina rig is the version that has been around forever. This rig is the most versatile, and when used by bass fishermen, can be fished around most any bottom structure. The rig is set up the same; main line through a sinker, then to a swivel, then a leader is tied to a hook. The difference with this rig is that you can adjust the size of the sinker to the depth you are fishing or the length of the leader to the structure. This rig can be used with various plastics but my favorite is a Gary Yamamoto Kreature Bait.
This rig can be fished on casting gear or spinning gear, depending on the weight you are throwing. As I mentioned, the leader’s length can be adjusted as well. I tend to go with an 18- to 24-inch leader most of the time, but will shorten it up in heavy cover. Even with a shorter leader the bait still has a more natural presentation and look to it. Sinkers should not only be adjusted to the depth you are fishing, but the structure. Too heavy of a weight is hard to drag through rock or heavy brush for example.
Evolving out of these rigs comes the split shot rig. West coast bass pros found that some of their finesse-style baits work better floating along the bottom and through structure then hopping. They added a small split shot to the line or behind their worm sinker to form a leader. They didn’t take the time for tying on a swivel; most of the split shot fishermen just added the weight to the line.
Spinning gear is usually the tackle of choice for throwing this light weight rig along with tiny baits. This rig works in all situations that call for a small bait presented with a more subtle presentation. Finesse fishing was practiced this way probably more than any other. Lengthening or shortening the leader also helped this rig around the appropriate structure. Usually, I go with this theory: the shorter the leader the more intense the structure. Small Yamamoto Kut Tail worms and the Sanshouo Salamander work well.
These methods, no matter who takes credit for them or where they originated, will help all fishermen from novice to pro catch more fish. Master these rigs and you will find yourself never at an end for a method to use.