Carp fishing has many devotees in the UK. Among freshwater fish, the carp is known to be a ferocious fighter by virtue of its formidable size and weight. British angler Graham Slaughter recently caught the world's biggest carp weighing a whopping 88.6lbs - almost as much as Kylie Minogue! There's nothing more exciting than hooking one of these freshwater behemoths and landing it. For newcomers, here's some information about the kind of
carp fishing equipment that you'll need to get started.
Fishing Rods, Reels and Line for Carp
For fish up to 15 lb in weight, carp rods need to have a 1.5 to 2.0 lb test curve. Test curve is a term that refers to the power of a rod. In simplest terms, test curve is the weight required to bend the rod tip to a 90-degree angle from the rod's butt. There is a direct relationship between the test curve of a rod and the strength of line used in carp fishing. In carp tackle, the line strength should be 5 times the test curve rating. Reels should be matched to the rod. Spinning or spin casting reels can be used if they have good drag and can hold about 120 yards of 12-pound test line. The type of line can be either braid or monofilament. Braided line is made by weaving man-made fibres together. Braided line is very strong, very resistant to abrasion and is easy to see in the water.
Hooks and Weights for Carp Fishing
Some fishermen make the mistake of using inexpensive hooks. Because the carp is such a fighter, good quality strong hooks are essential pieces of carp fishing gear. Have a range of hooks available, ranging from number 4 to number 12. And be sure to remember that barbless hooks may be required in certain areas. The type of line weights preferred is either inline or bomb, depending on application. Inline weights are used for trolling and have a profile that helps reduce line twist. Bomb weights are used for legering. Legering refers to a variety of bottom fishing techniques. Have a variety of weights on hand in your carp tackle, rated from 1 to 3 lbs.
Other Important Tackle Items
A strong landing net is essential in a large size. Also, be sure to carry forceps or pliers for removing hooks. An unhooking mat is an important piece of carp fishing gear if you plan to release the fish. Unhooking mats are padded so as not to injure the fish but hold it immobile while you remove the hook. Rod pods are tripod-like fishing gear devices that hold your rod at the correct angle while you attend to other tasks. Some anglers also carry a scale with a sling for weighing their catch. Finally, you might want to consider a bite alarm. These electronic gadgets alert you when a fish has taken the bait.
Since
carp fishing equipment is often quite specialised, UK anglers might want to seek advice. Call Keen's Tackle and Guns on 01656 722448.
