How big are the fish you're getting in Newport on the powerpulse and Castaics? What Castaic bait are you throwing?

Here's my best advice on carolina rigs as far as hook setting and boating fish: use the longest rod you can get away with. I carolina rig with a 7' casting rod and high speed reel. Make a sweeping, fluid hookset, and then REEL like mad to put maximum pressure on the fish. If you're using spinning stuff, use a 6 1/2 or 7 foot spinning rod. Long rods and fast reels are a key component to effective carolina rigging!

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BigBait Fishing in the South