With what equipment to go fishing for carp
One of the characteristic features of carp is its militancy, therefore, special gear designed for carp fishing can be taken for granted in an average-equipped angler. The carp specialist has equipment that varies according to the different fishing methods. The tendency to choose the softest gear that is noticeable nowadays applies only to a certain extent to carp rods. If we took into account the purely sports side of fishing, we could choose a delicate set and fight the fish in the spirit of "fair-play"”. Generally, however, we cannot afford it, because, as a rule, we are not alone in fishing and we probably have no right to spoil our neighbors' expeditions by allowing this to happen, that our carp, towed on a too delicate rod, get tangled in their rigs. We may also have problems with the use of heavy lures, which we will not be able to properly pass with a too delicate fishing rod.
For typical carp rods designed for ground fishing with heavy bottom lead in more spacious waters, where long distance casting is necessary, be careful rods with a length over 3 m, with semi-soft action and load capacity up to 60-80 g (and even bigger, if we use a "TV set”). Their weight is not very important, therefore they can be made of stronger and heavier material; double folding, maximum triple, are more suitable for this method than telescopic ones. Any large type of fixed spool reel is suitable here, provided, that it accommodates 150-180 m of fishing line in thickness 0,30 Mm. We choose the line – depending on the nature of the fishery and predicted prey – rather softer with high knot strength; on average from 0,22 into 0,30 Mm, only stronger for extreme conditions. If used harder lines, then we should leave more reserve in the brake pressure of the reel, to avoid breaking the prey in the first phase of the fight.
When fishing with a float, even longer ones are more suitable - even 4,2-4,5 m – rods with semi-soft action, generally softer (load capacity up to 30-40 g). The telescopes are suitable here especially due to their lightness, however, they must have the vias so arranged, that each section of the rod is proportionally loaded during towing.
The reel can be lighter, lines thinner and more delicate.
In easy for fishing, vast waters, monofilaments are enough 0,18-0,20 Mm, in more difficult, where maneuverability is limited fishing lines are better for 0,28 Mm, because thanks to their durability they support a delicate rod more effectively. Stronger lines, due to the delicacy of the rod, we do not use. This type of rod can also be successfully used when fishing with a crust of bread. Anglers specializing in this method, they should equip themselves with a heavier type of fly rod, and, if possible, also in a special one, a more capacious fly reel.
We have already discussed the views on the optimal size of carp hooks, they can be summarized with a conclusion, that it is best to use hook numbers 2-3 through 5-6. Rather, the quality of the material and the workmanship are more important; the hook should be as thin as possible, but very durable, it should also have a strong and expressive burr, which is important especially when towing for long periods. The color of the hook doesn't really matter, however, the shape of the arch and the length of the shaft do matter, especially in connection with the bait used (longer handle when fishing for earthworms and similar lures, regular bow of the hook when fishing for corn and peas).
For these, endowed with a romantic soul, who associate the charm of fishing with the sight of a colorful float floating on the quiet depths, his choice is a real delight. However, the functionality of this element should be taken into account here – after all, its task is to keep the bait in the selected place and at the appropriate water level and to signal even minimal interest of the fish in the bait. A good float should be as light as possible, with optimal hydrodynamic properties, and its antennae can have a distinct color, but not the lower part, visible to fish.
The loading of the rig should be considered a necessary evil when fishing for carp; the bigger it is, so much the worse. Each load deprives the set of sensitivity and makes the fish suspicious. Various innovations to replace the classic lead weights, it must be used firmly in carp fishing (ice cubes, special ways of mounting and compiling loads, etc.). If you want to minimize the weight of the necessary load, you have to choose the lesser evil and give preference to thinner lines, because the weight of the necessary load increases exponentially with the thickness of the line.
