Carp Fishing – What You’ll Need and Why
Carp fishing requires some specific gear and tackle, so before you buy do a little research. Understand what type or carp you’re going after, and in what type of waters. Otherwise, you could end up with inappropriate gear, and you’ll have a frustrating fishing experience.
Carp fishing gear can be expensive. Before you purchase gear, talk with an experienced carp fisher or with the personnel at the fishing store. These people can help you understand what gear goes with what carp.
Selecting a Carp Fishing Rod
Some fishers own several rods, but beginners can start with one. Your first carp fishing rod should have a test curve of at least 3 pounds. These rods can cast in ranges of over 100 yards. This is helpful, because carp often congregate in the middle of rivers and seas. A fisher new to the sport will have more success with this rod, and be less likely to become frustrated. The majority of your budget should be spent on the rod. If your budget can’t handle a shiny new rod, look into getting one secondhand.
Hook, Line and Sinker
Second in importance to rods are lines and hooks. The line should be of good quality and designed specifically to catch carp and its fish cousins. Likewise, buy hooks that are designed to catch carp. There is a wide variety of hooks from which to choose. Be sure to buy a couple of lines for each rod, and at least a dozen hooks. Lines will break and hooks will get lost. Have enough on hand to continue fishing. Having to go home because you’re out of line or hooks is no fun.
Reel Them In
Third on the hit parade of carp fishing gear is the reel. Choose a reel that has a free spool system. Carp are strong fish that tend to fight hard. A reel with a free spool allows the fisher to set the tension at a certain level or with a press of a clutch to let the reel spin.
Pods for the Carp Rods
If you decide you want more than one rod you’ll need a fishing rod pod. This is an adjustable stand on which to place your rods. They’re usually good for any type of terrain, except for banks with a lot of rocks or stones.
Alerting the Fisher
There are times when you’re out fishing and you aren’t having any luck, so you decide to put your rod in the pod and relax a bit. Add a bite alarm or buzzer and let the bait continue to “fish” while you do something else. When you get a bite, the alarm will let you know.
Bite alarms aren’t necessary for short fishing sessions, but can be helpful on long sessions, particularly when camping overnight. At the end of the day, bait your rod, set it in the pod and go to sleep. If a carp nibbles the bait during the night, the buzzer wakes you so you can reel it in.
