Choosing the tackle (Carp fishing)

Member Name: nice_wheels

Product:	Carp fishing
Date:	20/12/02 (468 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: GREAT INFO

Disadvantages: None

Before selecting your gear you should ask yourself a few quesions. For instance, are you going to fish the margins or at long range, and is the water snaggy? And what size fish are you after? If in doubt, get advise from a tackle dealer or an experienced carp angler - espesially one who knows the water you want to fish.

Rods: You don't have to buy a special carp rod if you already have a through-action, 11 or 12ft (3.3 or 3.6m) rod with a 2lb (0.9kg) test curve. This is a good bet for most carp on most waters, especially at short to medium range. However, if you want, you can select a rod with a fast taper, tip action for fishing at longer range (what I use). The further out you fish the heavier the weight needed to cast. So use a powerful rod, such as one with a 2.5lb (1.1kg) test curve, when the weight is over 2oz (57g). Below that a 2lb (0.9kg) test curve rod will do and for closein fishing with lighter weights use a rod with a 1.75 (0.8kg) test curve.

Reels: The reel should be of a sturdy, open face design and have a spool with a line holding capacity of at least 140m (153yd) of 8lb (3.6kg) line. It should lay the line evenly on the spool, so that a running fish is able to take line easily. A baitrunning feature is useful - it allows the fish to run without your needing to take the bail arm off.

Line: Choose your line strength to suit the water '8lb (3.6kg) is suitable for open waters but step up to 10 or 12lb (4.5 or 5.4kg) if there is heavy weed or snags.

Hooks: A variety of carp hooks are available and choice is very much a personal matter. In any case hooks should be strong and sharp. Useful sizes range from 4s to 10s. Obviously, the bigger the fish, the bigger the hook.

Summary: