Saturday, October 24, 2009

A Novice's Guide to Carp Fishing Equipment

By Tony G. Stevenson

One of the most popular freshwater fish for anglers is the carp, which gets a lot of attention in Europe, but is still struggling to catch on in the United States. Carp fishing is a popular outdoor activity, and the large size and good fight of these fish is sure to help the growth of this sport continue. One thing every would be carper needs, however, is good fishing equipment.

The first piece of fishing gear to look at is a good carp fishing rod. A suitable fishing rod should be at least six feet long (more is okay), and also medium action. This is the best combination of strength and flexibility to make carp fishing a challenge, but give you a good chance to lead even the trophy sized fish.

When you're considering fishing rods, obviously you also need to consider reels. Open faced reels should also be the only type you consider, although this is true of almost any good fishing rod. In addition, you want the reel to be large enough to hold at least 150 yards 12 pound test line.

Finding the right bait is important with any type of fish. Carp aren't picky eaters, but some bait is going to work better than others. While many bass anglers love rapalas, the best tackle for carp is actually sticky and smelly bait. There are many specialty carp baits available, so test around and see what the carp in your area like best.

There is also the matter of "pods." A pod is a set up that holds three rods at once for the carp angler, allowing the fisherman to be hands free during the wait for a trophy carp to take the bait. These are optional pieces of fishing gear that are often used by more seasoned carpers.

Don't forget about the fishing line, either. Good fishing line for carp is a minimum of 12 pound test line, and higher can be better. Many carp fishermen prefer line made from Kevlar.

While advanced fishing tackle and gear is going to cost more, the good news is that beginners can get started for pretty cheap. While fishing might not be the least expensive of hobbies, learning to carp fish is a deeply rewarding hobby that provides hours more entertainment than a movie or night out to an expensive bar.

Every angler knows you have to have the right gear to get the job done. If you want to really enjoy carp fishing, get the right tackle and gear early on and you'll be glad you did.

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