Equipment for carp fishing – carp rods

Gear selection criteria

Each option has its own design features that need to be studied in order to know how to choose the right one. The catalogs discuss two types of structures: telescopic and plug-in. Let's consider both options.

Plug rod

The tackle is assembled from two, three or five parts on bushings. People call this connection “father - mother”. They are distinguished by a serious margin of safety. Used as the main one.

Telescopic tackle

Transformable or extendable. Each subsequent section (from the handle to the top) is smaller in diameter than the previous one. In the assembled position, all sections are hidden in the first one. In the working position – they are extended to the working length and fixed. The design is compact and mobile. These are its main advantages.

Selecting gear by length

Since this sport came to us from good old England, the length of the tackle is measured in feet.

On a note! Foot, in English - leg. This length measure gets its name from the average size of a person’s foot. One foot is equal to 30.38 cm.

There are three main lengths of a carp rod:

• 12 feet, more suitable for anglers whose height does not exceed 175 cm;
• 12.6 feet – for those whose height has exceeded 175 cm;
• 13 feet is also used by tall athletes to perform long casts.

When choosing the length, remember that the above tips are advisory in nature. Here you should rely more on your own sensations from the gear. If the tackle “feels in your hand”, it is yours.

Carp tackle test

In our case, the word “test” does not mean trial or test. This is a characteristic of the tackle, the same as its length. It indicates the flexibility of the upper part of the whip. It is measured in pounds, this is an English unit of weight. One pound is equal to 0.45359 kg.

Here's what we need to know about the test:

• testing of the tackle is carried out with a load, increasing it until the moment when its end, bent, makes an angle of 90° with the straight part;
• this weight is called dough;
• the size of the test load will tell the owner how strong his tackle is and what weight of trophy he can fish out;
• if the test is small, the whip is considered soft;
• Hard tackle with a large cast allows you to cast the bait further and catch larger fish.

Fishing conditions can vary greatly, so gear must be selected taking into account the fisherman’s preferences for a certain type of reservoir, casting range and the physical ability to fish for very large specimens. It's better to have several different sticks. This expands the possibilities of obtaining trophies.

Selection of gear formation

Action is the speed at which the curved end of a structure bends under a load. Depends on the rigidity of the tackle and the weight of the trophy. There are three types of structure:

1. A fast action is one in which the curved end of the fishing rod quickly straightens. This is a characteristic feature of hard, long-range whips.
2. Slow or parabolic is a system in which the whip slowly returns to its original shape. This whip is easier to control. It smoothes out the sharp jerks of large fish.
3. Average or semi-parabolic is a certain average rate of return of the curved end of the tackle to its initial position. The option is to some extent universal.

The fisherman decides which system to choose based on fishing conditions, characteristics of the reservoir and personal preferences. In any case, choose the gear that is more convenient to work with. It is possible that before you find your fishing rod, you will have to go through more than one option.

Auxiliary rods

Let's look at the fishing rods that are used to “reconnaissance” the bottom of the reservoir and bait the selected place.

Selecting a Marker Form

To increase the effectiveness of fishing, you need to study in detail the habitat of the carp and, first of all, the topography of the bottom of the reservoir. This is done with a marker whip. Do you know how sailors determined the depth under the keel in the days of sailing ships? They used a lot - a long rope with marks (marks) at a certain distance in meters or feet and a weight at the end. The lottoy (sailor) threw the device into the water and counted the marks until the moment the load hit the bottom.

A marker whip works the same way. Only marks are applied to the rod. Markers are most often selected in lengths of 12.6 - 13 feet. They must be sensitive enough to feel it touching the bottom when casting a load. The length of the fishing line that comes off the reel is measured using the marks on the form. This is how the depth of the reservoir is determined.

How to choose a spod model

With this tackle, bait is thrown onto the favorite fishing spot. Length doesn't matter. This can be a 12 to 13 foot blank. The main thing is that it can withstand the load of feed. Of course, you can use a carp blank as a spod or marker. It’s just not very convenient and will bring some discomfort to the process of hunting for a trophy.

Experienced carp anglers have an arsenal of two main sticks and one spod and one marker each. This is called the basic carp fishing set. Professionals use four carp blanks, a spod and a marker. For a beginner, the basic set is enough.

What to pay attention to

It is better for a beginning carp angler to try with a rod that is easy to control, a smaller test rod, with a slow or medium action. In addition, experienced fishermen advise:

1. Purchase gear from the best manufacturers, the popularity of whose models is deserved by their high quality and positive customer reviews.
2. You shouldn’t buy frankly cheap samples, but it also doesn’t make sense for a beginner to buy the most expensive product.
3. When choosing options, be sure to take into account the size of your height.
4. You should get used to working with a spod and a marker right away, from your first fishing trip.
5. Don't forget about the "catch and release" rule of carp fishing.

Where can I buy

The best option would be to purchase in a specialized store. In this case, you can examine the product with your own eyes, try how the stick fits in your hand, and fully appreciate its merits. If this option is not possible, it is convenient to order a purchase online in an online store, having first studied its detailed description.

AliExpress

Those who are looking for budget options can be advised to buy a carp blank from AliExpress. This site sells goods from China. You should not treat them with disdain. “China to China” is different. Many well-known companies, in order to reduce the cost of their goods, have located production in the Middle Kingdom. For example, all gear from Fox is made in China. Avoid the cheapest whips so as not to run into a fake “one-day” one. “China” is better to choose more expensive.

High-quality gear is produced by Chinese companies Aiko. The sticks are produced in Korea and assembled in the Middle Kingdom. The average price is between 3500 - 5000 rubles.

Another Chinese gear manufacturer, Libao, is not inferior to Aiko. Her Tele Carp model is 3.6 m, has good characteristics: a telescope of five sections, 12 feet long, weighing 365 g, medium action, with a top test of 150 g. Quite suitable tackle for beginners. Price – within 1000 rubles.

The best manufacturers

Market for carp models from domestic and foreign companies. In order not to purchase a cheap fake, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a short review of well-known manufacturers whose products can be purchased, as they say, “with your eyes closed.”

Daiwa

The popularity of the models of this Japanese company is explained by excellent quality, constant innovation and excellent knowledge of the needs of fishing enthusiasts. For carp anglers, the company offers the Carp Rods IFSP model, which is distinguished by its lightness, extreme strength and casting range. To combat particularly stubborn trophies, the company offers the Emblem Carp, a very powerful whip that weighs less than similar products from other manufacturers.

Shimano Inc

A well-known company is a manufacturer of fishing gear and bicycle accessories. It makes its products from high-quality graphite with guide rings only from the best manufacturers. Externally, Shimano products look elegant and ergonomic. The popular Shimano Alivio DX Specimen models are in high demand among carp fishing enthusiasts, since despite having all the features of an expensive device, they are quite affordable.

Fox

Manufacturer of gear from England. Since this country knows a lot about carp fishing, the company produces the right gear for this type of fishing. In addition, in terms of price-quality ratio, Fox products are very attractive. Not only experienced fishermen, but also beginners will be able to “arm themselves” here. For them, the company has released a new product - the Warrior CTS carp blank, a product of impeccable quality and reliability that will help a novice angler master the skills of fishing for carp.

Flagman

Well-known Ukrainian manufacturer of fishing tackle. Due to their reasonable cost and high quality, Flagman poles are well-deservedly popular. Patriot Carp two-piece medium-action fishing rods are reliable and inexpensive, suitable not only for carp fishing, but also for other types of fishing.

Harrison rods

British brand. Famous throughout Europe for its high-quality fishing rods. The company produces products under its own brand and consumables for other companies. Its feature is considered to be carp tackle, with which athletes perform record-breaking long and accurate casts.

Sonic

The English company produces models from Japanese carbon material Tory. The forms are light and balanced due to the design features. The products are quite powerful and long-range. With the help of some models, the bait can be sent further than 180 m. The carp model SK 4 has excellent balance, lightness and strength. In addition, it is quite a budget material.

Salmo

Products for carp anglers from the Latvian company are popular among fishing enthusiasts. The material for their manufacture is high-modulus graphite and fiberglass. Screw spool holders are used. The price is moderate. For carp fishing, the company offers sticks from the Dimono Carp 3 PCS series.

Micado

Manufacturer from Poland. On the market for 30 years. Specialization - production of elite and premium gear.

SPRO

European company. Has been producing gear for amateur professional fishing for 26 years. It produces strong and inexpensive products, popular among beginning carp anglers.

Volzhanka

Russian-made carp sticks are produced by the Volzhanka company. For 31 years now, the company has been producing gear that is not inferior in quality and performance to European models.

It would take a long time to list all the well-known manufacturers of quality gear. Which brand of fishing rod is best to buy ultimately depends on the buyer’s desires. In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you should listen to the advice and recommendations of experienced fishermen, determine at what price you are willing to purchase gear, and evaluate the characteristics of the product offered.

Main characteristics

The main characteristics of carp forms are:

• Build a rod.
• Test for the weight of the thrown load.
• Breaking load test.
• Length.

Build and test

The term “action” refers to the way the rod bends under load. Carp blanks have a separate classification according to their structure:

1. Slow build. It is also called parabolic, and in the English version - slim. This carp rod is suitable for a beginner. Unbending the fishing rod from tip to butt will prevent the line from breaking or the form itself from breaking.
2. Medium build. The second name is universal or multirange. Bend under load starts from the middle of the rod. These forms are suitable for fishing in most water bodies, as well as for casting heavy equipment at a distance of up to 100 meters.
3. Fast action or carp rod for long casting over 100 meters (longdistans). Only the tip is bent on the form. They are used both for long and accurate casting and for catching carp over 5 kg. A blank with a fast action is convenient for casting heavy gear: feeders, heavy sinkers, PVA bags and other equipment.

The test for the weight of the equipment is marked in Latin letters “OZ” as the average value of the thrown load in ounces. Exceeding the test may damage the tip. To determine the maximum possible weight of the equipment, you need to additionally add 0.5. In the European metric system, 1 ounce is 28 grams. To get the limit value of the test, add 0.5 to the number next to OZ and multiply by 28. For example, a test for 2.5 OZ in grams is: 2.5 + 0.5 × 28 = 84 grams.

For fishing in small bodies of water, it is enough to have a form marked from 2.5 to 2.75 OZ. Using a rod marked 3 OZ allows you to fish large bodies of water. The 3.75−4 OZ marking indicates a powerful rod for large fish or for fishing in fast-flowing areas.

The breaking load test shows the tensile strength of the form when it is bent 90 degrees or until it breaks completely. It is determined in pounds and denoted by the English letters “LB ” - libra. If 1 pound is equal to 453 grams, then the marking “7 lb” will mean the maximum value: 7 × 453 = 3171 grams. With a large fishing rod, you may not notice bites from small fish.

Middle segment (from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles)

Making a rating of carp rods in prices up to 10 thousand is a thankless task, because this is the most widely represented category. It is completely unrealistic to choose the best carp fishing rods for the top 3 without offending anyone, so please be understanding about the top three winners.

SHIMANO TRIBAL TX-1 12-300 (TX112300)

• plug
• test up to 120 g
• springs well
• casting accuracy

• weight 406 g

The thin, extra-heavy action blank, 3.65 m long, opens up the view. Despite its elegance, the fishing rod weighs a lot for its length. But it is durable due to the combination of carbon fiber and carbon fiber, has reinforced steel rings coated with aluminum and ensures precision casting. There is a case for transportation.

KOSADAKA Absolut Carp Specimen 360 (CABT360MH)

• test up to 180 g
• 7 rings with SiC coating
• convenient to transport (length 1.2 m)
• casting range
• good bend test, 3.75 lb

• hard handle

The super-heavy action of this blank allows you to catch carp in deep rivers with powerful currents. The 3-arm rod, 3.6 m long, becomes compact when transported and fits into a case. The downsides are the untreated handle and the metal cut of the reel holder.

DAIWA REGAL CARP (RGC2300-AD)

• weight 342 g
• easy to assemble
• powerful Fuji DPS reel seat
• strong rings

• transport length 1.84 m

A good heavy (test up to 120 g) blank with a length of 3.6 m is easy to assemble, because there are only 2 parts and 6 rings. On the other hand, when transporting, you need to be careful not to break the rod. The 3 lb bend test coupled with the Fuji DPS holder suggests that the blank can handle the jerks of a large common carp.