Tag Archives: Carp Reels

Carp Fishing Equipment

Carp fishing Reels, fixed spool or baitrunner which is best?

As well as carp fishing rods, carp reels are a very important part of your tackle that you will need to get right. You will find two types of carp reel that anglers use when they go fishing. One is the fixed spool one clutch reel and the other is the baitrunner two clutch reel. Both carp reels have their supporters and critics, but they both in essence do a similar job.

Fixed Spool Reel

The fixed spool reel is normally setup with the clutch set just under the breaking strain of the line however it does have potential problems. If a big carp was to take your bait and make a run for it then there will be a very good chance of one of two things occurring.

The first thing that will probably happen is that the run would be so fierce that it would break your line before you were able to get to the rod and release the clutch some more.  The other thing that would probably happen if the line didn’t break is that the rod would be pulled from it’s rest and the next you know is your rod and reel will be seen sailing across the lake after the carp. 

 
Really the only time that this kind of carp reel is really any good is if you happen to be sat right next to it and saw the initial indication of the bite and was prepared for when the carp made it’s big run.  You could leave the bail arm off instead of setting the clutch but try that during a windy day and you will end up with all your line over the floor in a terrible mess.

Baitrunner Reel

This two clutch carp reel is the most commonly used one when fishing for carp nowadays.   Your normal (first) clutch is set up to match the breaking strain of the fishing line. With this clutch engaged you cast you bait out and set your rod up on a rod rest or pod. Once you are happy with the position of the bait, you then engage the lighter (second) clutch called the baitrunner.

Similar to the first clutch you will also be able to adjust the tension of the second clutch so if you are fishing in windy conditions or moving water you would increase the tension of the clutch, in still conditions you will have the clutch tension on a lighter setting. With your clutch set up correctly a fish could take the bait, bolt and would take line from your spool without it getting tangled or dragging your rod and reel into the water.

To engage the second clutch is as easy as picking up your rod and turning the handle of your carp reel. The turn of the handle instantly engages the first clutch that is set up to match your fishing line weight.

Carp reels should really therefore be of the baitrunner type, and although a little dearer than the normal fixed spool carp reel, the added cost could mean the difference between landing that large specimen or losing your rod and reel altogether.

 

With all the carp fishing equipment out there it is a good idea to get some knowledge before parting with your money. If you would like to know more then visit www.carpfishingequipment.org

Carp Fishing Equipment

Carp Fishing Equipment the basics you need to get started

Preparation is key when you are looking to take up carp fishing.  The price of the equipment will vary depending on the carp fishing rods, carp reels  and accessories that you want to purchase.  You can pick up a basic set for around £50-£60 or you can go more upmarket and spend hundreds if not thousands.  For someone just starting out it is advisable to study as many reviews and fishing magazines to guage what carp fishing gear is out there.  Again you’ll want to think about the waters that you’re going to be fishing before making any purchases.

Where you decide that you are going to fish is one of the factors that you need to think about before you purchase any carp fishing equipment.  If you are looking to fish thickly weeded areas where you might have to bully a fish to land it  then you need to take a look at a heavier sort of tackle.  If however you are fishing a gravel pit or a large lake free of weed then you can get away with lighter tackle as you can give the fish a lot more slack.

Another great idea is to visit the waters and talk to the anglers that already fish there, by doing this you will probably get a good idea of the kind of tackle that is used.  These people will have no financial interest in the carp fishing equipment for sale in the tackle shops which means you ought to be able to get an unbiased review on what is required for each fishery.
When you have decided what type of tackle you are looking for then it is time to visit the tackle shops.  You should physically visit the tackle shops so you can get an actual feel of different rods and reels.  Once you have got a feel for the rod and reel hold off from making a purchase and begin to shop around.  You will almost certainly manage to get a better deal on the internet and as you will have physically handled the products you are not buying blind.

In addition to a rod and reel there are two other items that you will need to purchase. One of them is a landing net which needs to be at least 42″.  You also need to ensure that it has a fine mesh so that the carp’s fins cannot get caught.  You also must have an unhooking mat as this is a requirement on every fishery which you visit.

What you must not do when buying your carp fishing equipment is try to do things on the cheap. There may be a lot of temptation to buy a basic kit when you are first starting out, but could wind up cursing your luck when that 30 pounder gets away due to your inferior equipment.

 

With all the carp fishing equipment out there it is a good idea to get some knowledge before parting with your money. If you would like to know more then visit  www.carpfishingequipment.org

Carp Fishing Equipment

Carp fishing rods the three types you need to be aware of

The choice of rod is very important when you are going after that elusive specimen carp. There are so many different makes of carp fishing rods and carp reels on the market every one for a specific type of fishing.  There are three main types of rod to consider every one of them dependant on where you are going to fish.  

You will often see when looking to select a rod a mention of a rod’s test curve. A test curve is determine by how much weight it takes to bend the rod through 90 degrees. The most common test curve is 2.5 lb which is normal for close to medium range fishing. If you are looking to fish long distances then a 3lb test curve would probably be more suitable.

The three main styles are as follows.

All through action

These bend through the whole length of the rod. You will often feel the rod bending under the handle. This type of rod is for playing fish with the best safety margin rather than a casting tool. These rods usually feel nicer and are a pleasure to use.

Medium action

The bend on these rods starts about two thirds the way down the rod. This offers a pleasant bend on the rod whilst there’s still power left in the butt to control a good fish. These rods certainly give a greater safety margin when playing a fish but at the expense of some casting distance. This kind of action is the one that I recommend and frequently use myself

Fast tip action

These will usually feel extremely stiff as they bend only in the tip section with other joints remaining rigid. These rods are intended for fast pick-up and long casting. The disadvantage is that every movement of a fish tends to get transmitted right down to the hand. There is also no cushion if the fish makes a sudden run as it is being netted. This can result in the line breaking or the hook being pulled out.

Most rods are made from hollow tapering tubes from a mixture of carbon and glass fibres bonded by a resin. The more carbon present in the mixture, the more expensive the rod. It will also make the rod stiffer and allow manufacturers to reduce the diameter of the tube. Most cheaper rods are manufactured from a mix containing a larger proportion of glass fibres. These rods are often referred to as composites. These are cheaper, less stiff, more robust and of larger diameter and by being less stiff and more robustthey make good carp fishing rods for the beginner.

 

 

With all the carp fishing equipment out there it is a good idea to get some knowledge before parting with your money. If you would like to know more then visit  www.carpfishingequipment.org