Carp Fishing - Essential Equipment That Every Angler Needs

Carp fishing can be a great way to relax but, as a beginner, it can often be a little daunting knowing what equipment you will need. Read on for some handy hints and tips for when choosing your first equipment. You don't have to spend a fortune on the equipment, but it's worth buying better than just the cheapest option on offer as it means you'll be able to use it even when you're more experienced and you're more likely to have success early on in your angling career.

One of the most important pieces of equipment you'll need is a rod. Most anglers buy two or more, but you only need one to get started. The type of rod you need will depend on where you'll be fishing. If you're after carp of less than 15lb, then a fairly light rod with around 2lb of test curve will be plenty. If you need to cast off to bigger distances, go for a test curve of 3lb. Medium action rods are good for beginners as they're flexible and powerful.

Also important in carp fishing is the reel. It's best to check out how the reel feels on your chosen rod as ideally these should go together. Also, choosing a reel is a personal thing so you need to feel comfortable. For good balance, the reel should fit the rod well. A reel with a baitrunner is a good idea. This means that you'll hear the line move when any carp take your bait, giving you time to react so the fish won't pull the rod into the water.

To go with your chosen rod and reel, you need to get some line. For a rod with a 2lb test curve, a 10lb line is ideal. A good rule is to multiply the test curve of the rod by five to work out the type of reel you need. Beginners are recommended to use standard monofilament lines, but this will depend on the reel you buy. Make sure you're line isn't too light or you'll risk losing more carp.

To complement the rest of your equipment, it's worth spending a bit of money on decent hooks, as cheap ones are likely to lose fish. This is because they bend, break, or aren't sharp enough to hook the fish in the first place. Invest in a selection of sizes from 12 to 4 to cover all eventualities. It can also be an idea to invest in some 1-3oz weights to help sink the hooks. Then all that's left to do is buy a case to carry it all in!