Saturday, October 24, 2009

A Beginner's Introduction to Carp Fishing Gear

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.

One of the most important parts of getting good gear is obviously the fishing rod. A good carp rod will be medium action, and long - generally at least six feet long, although longer can be better. This gives the strength and flexibility needed for carp fishing.

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.

More advanced carpers will often use racks with several rods, or "pods," and set them all up with bait and wait for any carp to show. These rod holders can be very expensive, but also free up the hands for anglers who don't mind catching up on a good book while waiting for the trophy carp to show.

Without the right fishing line, the rest is moot. For carp the absolute "lightest" fishing line you want is 12 pound test line. Heavier line isn't a bad idea, either.

A beginning carp fisher can get all the tackle and gear needed for a fairly inexpensive price. Between rod, reel, line, and bait you can start out for well under $100 in most areas. This is a fantastic fresh water fish to pursue, and one that lives up to its reputation as a fighter.

These are the basic things you have to look at when considering carp fishing gear. If you look at every topic and make an intelligent and educated decision, you'll be enjoying pulling in the trophies in no time at all!

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