louis Posted May 6, 2009 Report Posted May 6, 2009 Once upon a time, carp anglers would head to quiet locations armed with a rod, reel, small bag with a few pieces of tackle and maybe a flask of strong tea. No more. To illustrate this, here's a photo scanned from the UK Total Carp magazine running a competition to win a 'complete' set of carp fishing equipment fit for the 21st century carp angler. Now dear reader, while it is common here to see people with about as much equipment as this, it is not all necessary. What I'm going to do however is introduce you to the basic tackle myself and thousands of others use week in and out, since to anyone completely new to carp tackle the range of stuff can be mind-boggling ( not to mention a bit expensive - the above gear is £3,000 worth. Fear not - you can kitted out in good equipment for a lot less ) Lets start at the basic kit with the 3 Rs - Rods, Reels and Rests Rods Generally Carp rods here are 12ft - 13ft in length. There are obviously many different manufacturers/prices and quality rods. There are 2 basic things you need to take into consideration. First is the rods test curve ( TC ). Generally taken as a guide to rod strength, TC is the amount of weight needed to bend a rod tip round so that it's at 90 degrees to the butt ( handle/bottom end of the rod .) Most carp rods are 2.5, 2.75,3,3.25, 3.5lb TC range, with 2.5 and 2.75 being the most widespread. Generally the higher the TC, the more weight it can cast over a bigger distance. This brings us on to 'action.' This is the way the rod bends under pressure. Rods that bend all the way down the length under maximum pressure are 'through action' rods. Rods that bend in the top half only are medium tip/progressive action, those that bend only about in the top quarter are fast taper tip action. Carp rods can be any of these, generally lower price rods tend to be progressive action rods. Reels The most widely used reel for carp angling here is the 'baitrunner™' style reel. The handle on the top right of the reel can be engaged to allow the reel spool to be free running. When a carp takes off with the bait, the spool runs freely allowing line to be taken. Turning the handle of the reel disengages this, and you can then reel in as usual. Rests Since carp angling is a waiting game you need a good rod rest. There are 3 main types of rests. •Banksticks. The most simple set up ( and the cheapest ) •Buzzer bars Single banksticks or sometime 'goal post' (2 banksticks ) that have 'buzzer bars' that hold 2,3 or 4 rods. •Rod Pods Good for ground where banksticks can't be used. Obviously the most expensive option, although some lower price models exist. Note many do not come with 'buzzer bars' or alarms as pictured here. Which brings us onto.... Bite indicators •Alarms. These come with a variety of features and styles. basically its an audio alarm attached to the top of the bankstick etc. that also acts as a rod rest/holder. It emits a sound when the line runs over a wheel or digital indicator to let you know you've got a bite. •Visual indicators. Most common of these are bobbins.These help you know whats going on in more detail. Attached to the line as shown, if the bobbin goes up you know the fish is heading away, down its coming towards you. Also shows the various knocks and tentative bites you can get. There are a variety of such indicators, but these are most commonly used here. Useful accessories Carp angling is a long waiting game. While many fish for just a few hours or a day, its also very common here to spend days or even weeks fishing. Whatever, you're going to spend long periods looking and waiting, so some home comforts help. Also you need something to carry your gear around in. This is my usual set-up for a full day session. A. Shelter. Can be anything from a fishing umbrella to a full sized tent ( or 'bivvy' ) This is a Fox Evolution brolly shelter that erects in a minute or two. Pretty necessaries here during cold weather, but works well also for shade. B. Rucksack - for carrying tackle and bait etc. C. Stove and kettle - when its cold nothing beats a nice hot drink or even food. D. Table ( got this for £5 from Walmart ) E. Quiver ( rod/equipment carryall ) F. Nice comfy chair Rods, rests etc are carried around in holdalls. Usually rods and reels are transported fully made up with end tackle to save time when you get to the bank. Most carp rods are 2 piece, so you just fold them in half and use some kind of strapping or end pouches ( see below ) to hold them together From left to right Rod carryall/holdall - carries up to 6 rods, 3 made up ( the large pouch on the bottom left of the bag is for the reels ). Mostly I use this for longer trips. Single rod bag. - allows you to fully protect a made up rod. Quiver- I use this for short sessions. The rods go on the outside, the shelter, table and unhooking mat in the main compartment, and there are two outside compartments for banksticks, net handles etc. I apologise now for any mad generalisations I've made, but this is just meant as a short intro to tackle 'euro' style. Happy spending!!
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