My brother (and life long fishin' buddy) Warren was workin' the point with a crankbait while I opted for a worm on a Carolina Rig. Then, as is with fishin', luck showed it's wonderful face! With my rig on the bottom in about 30 ft of water, I decided to pour myself a cup of coffee and set my rod down on the deck.

Noticing the rod tip starting to bend, I thought I was hung and picked it up to free the snag. WHAM! The 3 lb Spotted Bass about jerked the thing outta my hands! After releasing the fish, I cast into 30 ft again, and within a minute was fast into another Spot.

Since that day 9 years ago, I've perfected the technique my brother has christened "The Drag."

Rigging
First of all, I need to tell you that while this technique works over wind swept points, with the aid of a trolling motor, it can be applied any time the bass are holding deep (15-60 ft). It's great for Smallmouth, Spotted Bass and I have used this option for Trout, walleye and other species as well. It is a great locating technique if the guy in the front of the boat is searching shallow water structure with a hard bait and the back is performing the drag. You'll be covering 0 - 10 ft in the front, and 15-60 in the back. When you hit a fish, STOP and thoroughly worn the area and depth of the take.

The Carolina Rig
If you have never fished a Carolina rig, this section will show you how to set one up, as it's the heart of the technique. What you will need is 1 brass weight hook- size 1 - 3/0, 2 glass beads, and a swivel.

Put the brass weight on your main line, followed by the 2 glass beads. Tie on a swivel (no need for expensive ball bearing swivels, your going to loose a lot of stuff). To the other end of the swivel, attach a 3-4 ft length of 8-12 lb leader. When you're done it should look something like the picture. Yeah I know a 3-4 ft leader sounds kind of long, but in this technique it enhances the action of the worm. As the weight contacts the bottom, two things happen. The glass beads and the weight make a "clacking" sound to attract Mr. Bass. Secondly, when the weight pulls free of an obstruction the worm "darts" in an erratic motion giving the appearance of a fleeing baitfish. The longer leader gives the worm a lot more freedom of movement.

Fishin' the Drag
Start up wind from the section you want to fish in about 20 ft of water. Cast your rig into the wind about 20-30 ft. from the boat and allow it to sink to the bottom. As the boat is blown down wind, you'll feel the Carolina Rig drag across bottom structure (rocks, stumps etc.). This is normal, but if you're constantly getting hung up, switch to a lighter weight. On the other hand, if you can't keep in contact with the bottom, go a little heavier. Now it's a waiting game as your worm announces to Mr. Bass - Bite Me!

You can vary the depth of the drag by casting into deeper or shallower water and letting the rig swing up or down the bank to the depth of the boat. When you hit a fish, STOP and work that area thoroughly with a worm, jig, grub or slow roll a spinner bait off the bottom.

Simple, huh? Yeah it is and with a little thought, it will work in different situations for different fish. This simple technique does not require a plastic worm to be effective. Try a minnow (where legal) for smallmouth, trout or walleye. Inflate a night crawler for all species.

Believe me, when the fishin' is tough or you need a break from poundin' the water, sit back - have a cup of coffee and Drag up some Bass!