Click on illustration to view larger version. Rigging Wrinkles Though Carolina rigging is undeniably effective, even some adherents admit it's not the most exciting way to catch a bass. Some pros groan when they anticipate such a bite. "Boring," they say. Well, perhaps it's during those idle minutes dragging a big sinker around that inventive folks think of alternative tactics. Since bass sometimes bite the sinker, several "sinker-lures" have been invented to catch those fish, in addition to those attracted to the softbait. Or how about rigging a pair of baits behind the sinker, to offer options or to simulate a natural grouping of small defenseless creatures. In addition to Jimmy Mason's double-sinker trick, I've reversed my weight to create more bottom commotion. The concave face puffs sand nicely, and also makes baits trip awkwardly over rocky bottoms.

"Next, check the area with sonar to pinpoint hard bottom to weed transitions or holes indicated by the map. Place GPS icons on those features as you move along. Finally, go back and place marker buoys adjacent to points, inside turns, or rockpiles. GPS just isn't accurate enough for these fine features. Moreover, buoys help you visualize the shape of the spot better than dots on a screen, so your casts are more accurate.

"The most productive weedlines generally aren't straight," he notes. "The best casts keep the lure on the open-water side of the edge so it doesn't land in the thick cover. You must know exactly how the structure runs. Another point: Most people fish Carolina rigs too fast, particularly around grass. Once you've defined a good area and pinpointed key spots, work them slowly and methodically. It sometimes takes bass a while to move out and eat the bait. I think the sound of the sinker with beads and swivel is part of the draw around thick grass." If you've watched Thliveros on TV, you know he's not kidding about fishing at a slow pace.

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