What is the Free Rig?
The Free Rig is a variation of the Texas or Carolina rig. It typically consists of a hook, weight or sinker and a soft bait of some kind.
Bullet weights are replaced by drop shot weights. Instead of a clip or a tunnel, the weight has a smooth round metal loop. You just need to slip the weight onto the line before you tie on your hook.
Compared to bullet weights, a weight with a wide open circular line tie slides down the line much faster. This is what make the Free Rig so effective is its initial fall. Because the weight slides down the line at such a fast rate, this creates a large gap between the bait and sinker on the drop. Once the sinker hits bottom, your bait still has a significant distance to fall and this results in natural, subtle flutter for the rest of its descent.
Why fish the Free Rig?
While somewhat similar to the Texas Rig in functionality, the Free Rig allows a more vertical drop in getting your bait closer to cover. There are more advantages to using the Free Rig as you can see below.
- Natural Movement: It allows the bait to move naturally in the water, which can attract fish more easily.
- Versatility: This rig can be used to target a wide variety of fish species and can be customized to fit different fishing conditions.
- Sensitive Bite Detection: Since the bait is not restricted by weight or other rig components, a free rig can provide more sensitive bite detection.
- Easy to Set Up: A free rig is relatively easy to set up, making it a great option for beginners or anglers who want to try something new.
- Reduced Snags: Since a free rig allows the bait to move freely, it can reduce the likelihood of getting snagged on underwater obstacles.
Do I Use A Power Combo Or A Finesse Combo Options
The free rig can be fished with either a baitcaster, or a spinning rod and reel combination. You can roll with a medium or medium-heavy rig using a 1/2-ounce weight and 20-pound test, or you can break out with a finesse rig using 1/8-ounce weight and 8-pound line. Either will catch fish.
What Baits Can I Use With The Free Rig?
- Soft plastic lures: Soft plastics are versatile and can be rigged to look like a variety of baitfish, worms, and other prey. Any soft bait you use on a Texas Rig will work on the Free Rig. Using a Offset EWG Worm Hook, you can use Craws, creatures, worms, tubes, lizards, any type of soft jerk bait works. They all work with the Free Rig!
- Live bait: This can include anything from worms and minnows to larger live baits such as crayfish or baitfish.
- Artificial lures: Some anglers have success using spoons, spinners, or other types of lures with a free rig.
Not sure what color soft baits to use? Check out my article on Fishing Shock Colors: The Unseen Game-Changer
Making A Free Rig.
It’s pretty simple. All you need are some Offset EWG Worm Hooks and Drop Shot Fishing Weights. The “free” in the name refers to the way the weight can move up and down the line without any restrictions. This also allows the bait to move freely. Take your line and run it through the loop of a drop shot weight. Then tie on your preferred hook and add your preferred soft plastic. 
How to Fish The Free Rig
“Okay! Why don’t I just use a Texas Rig?” you ask. While these rigs are very similar, the Texas or Carolina Rig doesn’t create as much separation between the sinker and bait on the fall as the Free Rig does. Plus the Free Rig gives you a more vertical drop angle compared to the Texas or Carolina Rigs. This allows you to hug the banks and drop-offs much closer.
The Free Rig works just as effectively if you need to drag your bait over a large area. Lifting the rod tip up and down will recreate the deadly weightless action the bait has on the initial fall. Repeating this action back to the boat on a cast is a great option when the bite is finicky.
Fish this rig like you would the Texas or Carolina rigs. It just gives you some options unavailable to either of those.
Quick Tips
- Choose the Right Weight: Select a weight that matches the water depth and current. Heavier weights are better for deeper water or strong currents, while lighter weights work well in shallow water.
- Use a Soft Plastic Bait: Soft plastics like worms, creature baits, or crawfish imitations work well on a free rig. Their natural movement attracts fish.
- Rigging the Bait: Texas rig your soft plastic bait to keep it weedless. This prevents snagging and ensures a natural presentation.
- Use a Fluorocarbon Leader: Fluorocarbon is less visible underwater and has a higher sensitivity, helping you detect subtle bites.
- Slow and Steady Retrieval: A slow and steady retrieve often works best. Let the bait sink to the bottom, then gently lift and drop it to mimic natural movements.
- Fish Around Cover: Target areas with structures like rocks, weeds, or submerged logs where fish are likely to hide.
- Set the Hook Quickly: When you feel a bite, set the hook quickly and firmly to ensure a good hookset.
- Experiment with Colors: Try different colors of soft plastics to see what the fish prefer. Natural colors often work well, but don’t be afraid to try something more vibrant.
- Use a Sensitive Rod: A sensitive rod helps you feel the bottom structure and detect even the slightest bites.
- Be Patient: Fishing with a free rig can require patience. Spend time thoroughly working an area before moving on.
- Try Different Areas: If one spot isn’t producing, move to different areas. Fish can be more active in different parts of the water at various times.
- Watch the Water Temperature: Fish behavior can change with water temperature. Adjust your tactics based on whether the water is warm or cool.
In Conclusion
This is a great “do-it-all” fishing rig you can use in just about any situation. The free rig is one of the most versatile rigs you can used. From the variety of weights, hooks, line sizes and soft plastic that work with this rig, to the fact that it performs well on both a baitcaster and spinning combo’s. There really isn’t any angler out there who wouldn’t benefit from adding some version of the free rig to his or her arsenal.