Carp Fishing, What Do I Need?

There are so many bits of equipment available that will make the carp fishermans dream come true. But make sure that you have the basics for your carp fishing expeditions to begin with. Before going out on a fishing gear spending spree, make sure that you are familiar with the types of places that you are fishing in, and what size of carp are being caught in the area.

Important Tackle
A good landing net that is fairly large in size is needed when carp fishing. Reliable forceps are needed to detangle hooks. To take the hook out of a carps mouth, you will need an unhooking mat. Fish like carp should never be placed on hard surfaces while the hooks are being removed.

Carp Rods
Depending on where you are fishing, Carp rods for small lakes and carp around the size of 15lbs need 1 ½ to 2 lb test curve. For distance, casting 3lb is ideal. There are other types of carp rods such as fast taper tip action, medium tip action and all through action. The conditions you are fishing in will have a lot to do with your choice.
For close work, the all through action rod is perfect, while distance will require a medium action rod as this will bend easily at the tip. For really long distance work when heavy weights need to be cast long distances, the fast tip action rod is the best.

Carp Reels
Reels need to be matched to your carp rod, so depending on the type of fishing that you are doing, you will want to choose something that feels comfortable and balanced on your rod as well as does the job that you need it to do. If you are not sure of the sizes needed, speak to someone in your local tackle shop, they will provide you with advice and choices in carp reels.

Line for your reel
Again, the line has a lot to do with your rod and reel. Keep in mind, though, not to use line that is too light, this will result in more lost fish and tackle. There are lines available called braids that seem to be popular, or using a standard monofilament line is just as good.

Hooks
Carp hooks should never be cheap. A cheap hook means a lost fish in most cases. Buy the better quality hooks. Compared to the cost of other equipment discussed here carp hooks are relatively inexpensive anyway. Make sure that the hooks that you buy are barb-less if that is the requirement in your area by the fishery department. A selection of hooks from a number 4 to 12 hook sizes will give you a good variety.

Weights
Look for in-line and bomb weights. These are the two best weights for carp fishing. In line and bomb weights are easy to thread and are a pale gray color so they will blend in with the bottom of the lake. There are many different sizes of weights. You will need a selection of these. Around 1-3-lbs will provide you with plenty to choose from. But keep in mind that what you buy, you will need to carry along with you, so dont go overboard with your weights.

Carry Alls
Carp carry alls are great for carrying around a heap of gear, although a carry all must be carried in your hands. A plain rucksack is also another way to effectively carry around your gear. Make sure that any bags or rucksacks that you do choose are made from a good waterproof anti-rip material. Rod carriers are ideal for protecting your rods and with the pouch included in some carriers, you can leave the reels on your rods. If you have the room in your carrier, put an umbrella in there to provide protection from adverse weather conditions.

Tackle Box
Your choice in a tackle box is really a personal thing. There is a style available for almost any taste, size, or budget. What you choose really doesnt matter, an old lunch box is good enough. Ideally, you may want to choose something that has partitions that will keep all of your gear neatly in the right places for easy reference. Make sure that if you invest in a fancy tackle box, it is made of quality robust materials so it will stand the test of time.

More goodies
Pods can be useful while fishing for carp and a weigh sling and scales are a must if you want to weigh those massive carp you catch. The Rolls Royce of all extra bits you can get is a bite alarm. It is costly, but what a convenience.
A few other bits that will complete any carp fishermans list of tackle is a baiting needle, bollies stops, swivels and some floats and stops. There are new things coming on the market every day that will add to your fun while carp fishing. So keep looking, you never know what you may find.

James Johnson
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