Above is a bottom dragging drift rig.It became very popular on the Santee Cooper Lakes but has made its way thru-out the nation and is most lake fisherman's go to rig for putting fish in the boat.It consists of a 2 way barrel swivel and a 2 to 4 foot leader.About 6 to 10 inches above the hook a float is placed on the leader,The size of float ranges from 1 1/2 to 3 inches usually, depending on what size bait you need to float.Above the swivel on the main line is a snap swivel.The snap swivel allows you to change weight sizes with out having to re-tie.The weights are called slinky, snake or just plain drifting weights.Theres lots of different ways to make them but most are made by either hollowed out shoe strings or parachute cord filled with some type of round lead or ball bearings.A good place to buy drift weights that comes ready to make or already made for a good price is www.tackleforcatfish.com. These are the easiest to make.The shot provided fits into the parachute cord very easily.The style choice of hook depends mostly on the person fishing.Circles, kahles and J-hooks all work fine.The size depends on size of bait and size of fish you are targeting.

Above is a basic Carolina rig mainly used for anchoring, shore fishing and fishing straight down under the boat.Its a 2 way swivel with a leader and hook.Above the swivel on the main line is a bead or some kind of rubber (lots of different things can be used) to keep the lead weight from beating the knot up.The length of leader depends greatly on how heavy of cover you are fishing in.For example, fishing with live bait in heavy cover for flatheads calls for a shorter leader.A long leader with live bait in heavy cover is a good way to get hung.It allows the baitfish to much freedom and they will swim down into cover and hang up before the flathead even bites.Longer leaders can be used where heavy cover is not a factor, although theres still not much need in going longer than 2 foot while anchored.