Not a Light Tackle Game

Beginners are often confused about the equipment that carp fishermen use. First off, this is not a light tackle game. I cringe when I see beginners who are accustomed to reeling in 12 inch trout trying to use that same trout gear to catch carp. If you are using 4, 6 or even 8 lb. test line, it's too light. If you hook into a decent carp, expect there to not be a happy ending most of the time with the carp swimming off with a hook impaled in its lip and you cursing on the shore.

So, what constitutes ideal carp gear. Here is what I use:

Light outfits- 7 ft. St. Croix Triumph surf rods, 3500 Shimano Baitrunner reels, 12 lb. test Berkley Big Game line. Good for tight spots, freelining, canals, small ponds, small fish under 8 lbs.

Medium outfits- 8 ft. St. Croix Triumph surf rods, 3500 Shimano Baitrunner reels, 15 lb. test Berkley Big Game line. Good all around use for average fish 8-15 lbs. Will cast 3 oz sinkers needed to fish river currents.

Heavy outfit- 12 ft. DAM Crosspower carp rods, Shimano 4500 reel, 17 lb. test Berkley Big Game mono. Good for big fish, 15-30+lbs. Good for use on open banks, big river currents and places where long casts are needed.

If your wallet can only absorb only one outfit, go with the medium one. Less expensive rods in the 8-9 ft. range that will cast 3 oz. sinkers will do fine. Looking for a less expensive reel, go with Okuma Avenger 50 reels. Avoid cheap line.