Reel Choices

The reel is the most important component of your carp fishing tackle. If you intend to fish seriously for carp, you must have a baitrunner reel. These reels generally have a freespool lever in the back that when flipped forward, it allows a fish to take out line (little or no resistance) while the bail is flipped. Once the line is moving, pick up the rod and reel and turn the reel's handle to put the reel in gear and let the drag take over.

Many companies make these reels. Buying a quality reel is the key here. Years ago, Shimano had the market sewn up with its 3500, 4500 and 5500 reels. It made a stupid decision to discontinue these workhorses and go with an overpriced upgrade. Their new reels, named the Baitrunner D series, are selling for about $170, nearly double the price of their old versions. I suspect the quality is still there, but few fishermen are willing to shell out that amount of cash for a freshwater reel. There are some other quality reels out there at reasonable prices. The Okuma Coronado (see photo at right) gets very good reviews. These reels in a size CD 55 A and CD 40 A sell for $65 at Bass Pro and would have to be rated as a "best buy". I've used an Okuma Avenger for years and would rate the Okuma reels as top quality baitrunner reels. Daiwa also has their "Regal" line of baitrunners. I don't know anyone who uses them, but they also get good reviews. If you are looking for a long casting reel, take a look at the Daiwa Big Pits. New World Carp has them. They are not cheap, but are a specialized reel that many top anglers favor.

My advice is to avoid any of the inexpensive, no name reels. These usually sell for $20-$50 and often have trouble with the drags, free spools and anti reverse systems soon after being purchased. There is not much difference in price between the bargain reels and the name brands (Daiwa and Okuma).