What is a Free Rig?
It typically consists of a hook, weight or sinker and a bait. The Free Rig is a variation of the Texas or Carolina rig. 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 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.
Making A Free Rig.
Its pretty simple. All you really 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. 
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.
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.
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.
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 I’ve ever used. From the variety of weights, hooks, line sizes and soft plastic that work with this rig to the fact that this it performs well on both a baitcaster and spinning rod. 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.
The Free Rig Shopping List!
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