How to start carp fishing

The Kaizen Green Carp Rod series delivers exceptional performance, drawing on the same engineering expertise as its Platinum counterpart.

Despite being the budget end of the Korda range, these rods are superb and they will add distance to your casts. I found I added 10 yards to my cast, reaching over 135 yards (33 wraps) on the day to be precise, with very little change in my technique.

Korda built the Kaizen range to be casting tools and they certainly are that! I also admired the minimalist finish on the rods too, and a set of three will fit in wherever you take them, from the hallowed banks of Yateley to the busy swims of Linear and they will catch perform well above their price tag from both!

The 10ft models, available in 3, 3.5, and 4lb test curves, can be purchased for under £100, offering great value for money which are perfect for short session and boat work!

The Sonik Xtractor+ Carp Rod is a marvel of high-performance craftsmanship, exquisitely tailored for the art of carp fishing. Fashioned from high-modulus C6 carbon, it boasts a featherlight design that whispers responsiveness with every cast. Its RAW carbon finish not only enhances durability but also bestows the rod with a striking allure.

With a progressive action that flows gracefully from tip to butt, this rod is a symphony of balance, making it sublime for both casting and engaging with your catch. Adorned with super-light M-Series DL black guides, a resilient anti-frap ceramic tip ring, and a luxurious matte black DPS reel seat, the Xtractor+ is as functional as it is enchanting.

Available in a range of lengths, test curves and a choice of handle material cork or shrink wrapped, this rod accommodates the diverse desires of anglers, ensuring a perfect match for every fishing adventure. It stands as an exceptional choice for those seeking a blend of quality, performance, and affordability in their fishing.

SEE MARK SAWYERS REVIEW OF THESE RODS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL - CLICK HERE!!

When distance is a priority the Daiwa Crosscast 35 SCWQD is designed to help you cast your line to the horizon and reel in a big un. One standout feature is the 'Slow Cross Wrap' (SCW) which allows the line to wind onto the spool in a unique manner, enabling it to come off smoothly during casting.

Featuring Quick Drag (QD) If a large fish starts to pull hard, you can easily loosen the drag to give it some line without risking a break. Just as quickly tighten it back up to gain control. The reel is constructed from a durable material ensuring it remains lightweight yet strong. It also features ‘Digigear 2’ a system, providing incredibly smooth operation when you turn the handle, along with ‘Air Rotor’ that enhances balance whilst keeping weight down.

Featuring a LC-ABS Spool which optimises line release for longer casts, and ‘Twistbuster 2’ line roller that will minimise tangles and twist ups. With standard features like anti reverse and manual trip bail arm so you don’t crack off by accidently engaging the bail arm. The robust aluminium spool and handle will keep this reel going for a long time.

I bought these reels before upgrading, but I find myself using them as much or more than the upgrades I purchased because of how well they perform, I even take them sea fishing! Also the quick drag is such a great feature, it is hard to use a standard drag after using it, a quarter of a turn and you have a reel in freespool, awesome!

If you're looking for a versatile and lightweight reel, the Fox EOS 12000 offers exceptional performance and value, making it ideal for targeting large carp. With its responsive front drag system, you can precisely control tension for optimal fish-playing control.

These reels are true all-rounders—perfect for both short- and long-range work, and they can even double as a spod reel if needed!The EOS 12000FD features a 5.5:1 gear ratio for efficient line retrieval, a rotor balance profile for smooth, vibration-free operation, and a line-friendly clip.

The large handle provides powerful cranking, ensuring effortless retrieval. The powerful front drag, featuring Mesh-Tec technology, can handle even the largest carp, while the ample spool capacity accommodates plenty of braid or monofilament.

The excellent line lay improves casting accuracy and helps prevent tangles. Simply put, this is a great, solid reel for anyone who enjoys all styles of carp fishing but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a high-end model. The EOS 12000 delivers top-tier performance at a fraction of the price!

Baitrunners are among the most commonly used reels for anglers starting their journey in carp fishing, and the Shimano Baitrunner ST RB 10000 continues to uphold the reputation set by its best-selling predecessors, offering a high-quality reel at an affordable price.

Strong and sturdy, these Shimano reels are built to last. They feature a silky-smooth rear drag and the ever-reliable Baitrunner freespool system, keeping you in control of the fish from the moment you get a bite to the instant you slip your net under it. If you find front drags fiddly or often forget to set them, the Baitrunner feature engages with a simple click of a switch, making it ideal for anglers of all experience levels.

Due to their size, these reels are perfect for a lighter second setup. If you enjoy stalking or floater fishing, they excel in those situations too! I have personally had a set of these for my pike and carp fishing and after five years, they haven't skipped a beat and I don't mind saying they've been beaten about a bit!

Other features include Varispeed gearing, an ARC line system, and a durable XT7 molded body. This reel also transitions seamlessly into other styles of fishing, making it well-suited for targeting all large freshwater species.

Tiger Line has had a huge following since its release by John Llewellyn a few years ago, that same product is now being produced and distributed by Gardner Tackle as Gardner Tiger Line. This multi-directional polymer, 100% fluorocarbon is very resistant to UV rays and as such will last an incredibly long time, with many anglers, including myself, having had it on their reels for over 5 years.

Unlike many other fluorocarbons, Tiger Line is very supple, which aids casting. You still won’t get anywhere near the distances you can expect from a monofilament, but it is superior to other 100% fluorocarbon lines. This isn’t the reason you choose a fluoro, however, and the area this line really excels is how well it sinks and how invisible it is underwater. Tiger Line sinks incredibly quickly, and it will completely sink to the bottom, so if you’re an angler that wants the best line concealment, then this line is for you. A perfect choice for those lakes that require you to fish mainline to the lead or tactics like naked Chod rigs.

The knot strength is great and the line itself is famed for its durability and outstanding abrasion resistance, it won’t snap easily. The low stretch also improves the feedback from the lead, helping you to feel exactly what you're fishing on, great for when you're casting to showing fish or fishing for a drop.

As "tough as old boots" and sinks reasonably well, the Korda Carp Line blends in with most lakebeds thanks to its green colour. In breaking strains from 8lb to 20lb, it makes for a great beginner line or for fishing upto snags or in weedy situations due to its abrasion resistant qualities.

It is a good option if you're not really sure what style of fishing you'll be doing over the season, as it will perform well in a range of scenarios. If you only have one spool with your reels and are on a budget, this line will cover most of the UK angling situations you're likely to face, so you'll never turn up somewhere and not be able to fish effectively.

This line seems to get better the more it’s fished with. There are possible line management issues with heavier/thicker diameters, however. As it is a cheaper line, always soak for 24 hours before you spool it onto your reels, this will help take the twist out and it will bed down better on your spools.

Fox Exocet Pro mainline has been designed to be used for distance casting. With many of the lakes now being pressured in the UK and abroad, the fish will naturally migrate to the centre of the lake to escape the angling pressure, which can call for a very long cast.

This line is a very limp and supple line with a low diameter profile, this helps keep friction to a minimum when it is flowing through the eyes of the rod, which in turn helps you hit those longer distances far more efficiently - in situations where those extra yards count, it makes all the difference. As such, it is a great choice for anglers looking for a mono to cast to the horizon with and is available in breaking strains from 10lb up to 20lb, covering any scenario or size fish you're likely to encounter.

A Lo-viz green colour was proven by underwater filming to be the best colour Fox could use to make it as invisible as possible for a monofilament line. Exocet Pro is very durable too, which is important when you consider you may have over 150 yards of line in the water that could potentially get damaged when fishing at range.

If you’re new to carp fishing or on a budget, the Korda Basix Coated Hooklink is an excellent choice. It offers high-quality material at a fraction of the cost compared to other coated braids on the market.

The outer coating is between soft and semi-stiff, making it ideal for almost any situation and rig, thus simplifying your choice of hooklink material. The material straightens out well without the need for steaming, is very strong, and strips easily if you want to adjust the presentation. It also blends in effectively with the lakebed.

Available in Camo Green in 18lb and 25lb breaking strains on a 10m roll.

The Korda Ready-Tied Spinner Rigs offer the ultimate convenience for anglers who want to use one of the most effective modern carp rigs without the hassle of tying it themselves. The Spinner Rig has been widely featured in Korda’s videos and is a firm favourite among many of their top consultants. Now, with this pre-tied version, you get a rig constructed to the same high standard as those used by Korda’s elite, making it perfect for anglers who lack the time or confidence to tie their own.

Designed specifically for use with buoyant hookbaits, these rigs feature a 5.5-inch Boom hook link that helps ensure the perfect presentation. They come pre-tied with a choice of Krank, Kurv Shank, or Spinner hooks, each mounted on a Spinner Swivel that has been crimped for maximum strength.

The latest addition, the Spinner Hook version, is the only one available in size 5, featuring a 55-degree eye angle that works seamlessly with a kicker to ensure the hook sits perfectly. Its long, curved shank enhances the hooking potential, making it one of the most effective rigs in carp fishing.

At the opposite end, a crimped loop allows for quick attachment to any of Korda’s quick-change systems, adding to its versatility. The real beauty of this rig is that it can be used multiple times just swap out the hook without having to tie a new rig. Available in size 4, 5, and 6, in both barbed and barbless versions.

The ESP Camo Hair Rigs are the perfect choice for anglers who want a ready-tied rig that’s both reliable and effective straight out of the packet. Designed to the same standard as any experienced carp angler would tie, these rigs take the hassle out of rig-making.

Each rig features ESP’s Gripper Cryogen hook, known for its incredible sharpness and strength. The unique Camo Sink Link hooklength blends seamlessly with the lakebed, offering a natural presentation that helps fool wary carp. These rigs ensure perfect bait presentation, increasing your chances of a solid hook hold.

Whether you're short on time or simply prefer the ease of a professionally tied rig, these ESP Camo Hair Rigs offer ultimate convenience without compromising on quality.

A no-fuss solution for anglers who want an easy to use, reliable setup straight out of the packet The Korda Basix Lead Clip Leader is made from a supple, lead-free woven material, it sinks quickly and follows the contours of the lakebed, ensuring a natural, low-visibility presentation. The camo green colour helps it blend seamlessly into the surroundings, keeping it well disguised.

Each 50cm leader comes pre-fitted with a lead clip, tail rubber, and a size 8 quick change swivel, making it perfect for use with the BASIX Ready Tied Hair Rigs. Just clip on your rig, add a lead, and you're good to go.

Ideal for anglers who want to spend more time fishing and less time tying rigs. With a spliced loop for quick attachment to your mainline, the Basix Lead Clip Leader is a hassle-free way to get your rigs presented effectively. Available in packs of two, it’s a solid addition to any angler’s tackle box.

The Avid Quick Change Lead Clip Kit is a compact, reinforced camouflaged system designed for fishing in snaggy or weedy swims where you need the lead to drop off if it gets caught during a fight. It’s an easy-to-use, reliable setup that provides a streamlined presentation, making it perfect for bottom rigs.

Each kit includes everything you need; a flat-profile lead clip, tail rubber, and an anti-tangle sleeve, all in an camo finish to blend seamlessly with the lakebed. Available in a standard and micro size.

Whether you're fishing in heavy weed or using zigs, this durable and effective lead clip system ensures you stay in full control of your setup.

For anglers who fish with helicopter setups and need a reliable way to drop the lead safely and consistently the Korda Heli-Safe Lead Clip is a game-changer. It’s especially useful when fishing chod rigs at range, where a heavy lead can sometimes cause lost fish due to the short hook link.

Designed for weedy and snaggy venues, the Heli-Safe System ensures that the lead only drops when necessary, reducing the risk of fish loss. It works through a pressure-release function, allowing the lead to detach when a fish pulls against it. For situations where dropping the lead isn’t required, a small plastic collar can be fitted to keep it in place.

Paired with Korda’s Helicopter Safety System and No-Trace Beads, this setup provides unmatched versatility for rotary rigs, making it a must-have for anglers tackling challenging conditions, available in brown and green to suite the bottom you're fishing over.

The Mainline Baits Cell Boilies have earned legendary status among carp anglers, with an unrivaled track record of producing some of the biggest fish in the country. Their success is undeniable, making them a go-to choice on even the toughest waters.

Formulated through decades of research and development, Cell is a complete food-source boilie designed for long-term effectiveness. Its carefully balanced ingredients ensure year-round attraction, whether you’re fishing short sessions or long-term campaigns.

Available in 10mm, 15mm, 18mm & 20mm, with a full range of complementary products like pop-ups, wafters, and groundbaits. Cell gives you the confidence that you're fishing with a bait that has proven itself time and time again.

The go-to choice for many of the country’s best carp anglers, Sticky Baits The Krill Boilies has proved their effectiveness time and time again. Packed with high-quality nutrition and natural attraction, this bait has an irresistible profile that carp actively seek out as a food source.

The inclusion of Krill, widely regarded in aquaculture as one of the most complete, natural, and nutritious micro-organism helps trigger a feeding response like no other. But it doesn’t stop there, this carefully formulated bait contains 25 different ingredients, with a few secret additions that have made it one of the most successful boilies on the market.

From the moment it was released, The Krill made a massive impact, accounting for an unreal number of big fish. It’s already cemented itself as a modern classic, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most trusted baits in carp fishing.

A seriously potent bait packed with highly digestible proteins and water-soluble attractants the CC Moore Pro-Stim Liver Shelf-Life Boilie has a distinct smoked garlic sausage aroma and a smooth spiced liver kick, it triggers intense feeding responses from carp in all four seasons, making it perfect for both short sessions and long-term baiting campaigns.

This nutrient-rich boilie has been developed over four years to create something truly unique. It’s low in oil, making it highly effective in both warm and cold water, and is loaded with essential amino acids, liver, yeast, marine proteins, and spices to provide a balanced, highly attractive food source. The open-textured mix ensures excellent leakage, constantly drawing fish in.

Available in 10mm, 15mm & 18mm in 1kg and 5kg quantities.

The latest version of what is now an iconic carp fishing bite alarm. The Delkim TXI-D V2 features Delkim's highly developed vibration sensing tech, which is almost unrivalled in terms of sensitivity. These expensive alarms also feature an advanced security system, alerting the angler should they be tampered with at night, something we obviously hope is never needed.

The LEDs on the TXI-D V2 can be adjusted in terms of brightness with stealth mode and instant day-to-night settings.
Volume, tone and sensitivity can all be adjusted to suit the angler's needs, with the Delkim's classic and unique sound now being almost legendary in modern carp fishing.

Battery life is long on these alarms too, with low battery warnings and auto power down, alerting the user when it's time to boost the power. One of all Delkim's biggest selling points, however, is their durability. Despite their advanced technology, these little beauties can really take anything you throw at them, from torrential rain to heavy frosts.

The Fox Mini Micron Multicolour v2 is a practical bite alarm designed to enhance your fishing experience. It is reliable and cost-effective, making it a smart choice for anglers. The device features multi-colour LEDs to ensure visibility of bites. You can easily control the volume and tone, and adjust the sensitivity to suit your preferences.

The drop-back differential helps detect subtle bites effectively. With the D-Tec sensing system and roller wheel technology, it accurately registers even the lightest nibbles. The piezo speaker provides clear sound, while rubber inlays protect your rod. Suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers

The Nash Siren S5 is a great entry alarm for youngsters or anglers just getting into carping. A traditional roller dual wheel system also features an integrated line guard to minimise false indications. Only the volume can be controlled, but the alarms can go very loud or super-quiet if necessary.

The LEDs on this alarm are awesome, with one or both lighting up depending on if it’s a liner or a full-blown take. Available with red, white, purple and blue LEDs, the Siren S5 alarms do the basic principle well - they let you know when a carp is on the end!

These alarms also have remote function, so can be used in conjunction with a receiver, incredible really for under £30.

The Leeda Rogue 3-in-1 Pod is a very popular rod pod and for good reason, it is incredibly versatile, well-built and it costs a fraction of other similar pods on the market. The pod has the capacity to accommodate three rods and is very stable thanks to four adjustable legs, allowing you to get the pod level on any ground.

The Rogue allows the user to remove the front and back rests as they are attached to banksticks. So should you decide you don’t need the pod on a session, simply slide the banksticks out and set them up in the ground. These are also adjustable, so you can get the pod looking exactly how you want it to, with the goalpost arrangement making it rock solid. The frame can also be elongated or shortened via a simple clip located on the central bar, should you need to adjust it.

The Fox Horizon Duo Pod has been designed with increased stability and durability in mind. The twin rail design offers an optimum level of stability on the bank by spreading the load over the legs more equally, preventing the pod toppling over in windy conditions or being pulled over by powerful fish. The Horizon Duo Pod also features two Karabiner mounting points underneath the legs front and back to pin down the pod in extreme conditions, set up correctly, this pod is going nowhere. 

All the threading points for alarms, rod butts and legs are made of high quality brass to prevent any oxidisation occurring and there is even a rubber moulding around the head fittings to prevent damage to your bobbins on the strike, something that can happen with particularly big bobbins.

The pod comes in a 3 or 4 rod version and is a great choice for any angler fishing abroad or on particularly large, wild waters here in the UK, it also ideal for those anglers who want a larger, more robust setup. XL legs can be purchased that allow the pod to be positioned in a skyrocket arrangement for fishing at extreme range, or on flowing water.

In search of a lightweight, sturdy, and highly practical net then the Korda Kaizen Green 42” Landing Net is an excellent choice, this net pairs perfectly with the Kaizen Green rod series. Evolved from the premium Spring Bow landing net, it offers the same high-quality performance but at a more competitive price. The 6ft ultra-light carbon fibre handle is both strong and responsive, providing stability and control when landing fish. Its reverse tapered design enhances grip and manoeuvrability, allowing for quick and precise netting, even in the most confined swims.

A stand out feature of the the Kaizen Green 42” Landing Net is its natural buoyancy, eliminating the need for an additional net float, it wont sink, making solo netting much easier. The robust, injection-moulded spreader block ensures durability where it’s needed most, while the 42-inch shallow mesh guarantees fish safety, making unhooking and returning your catch effortless. The integrated stainless steel spike allows you to secure in the margins, freeing up your hands when needed, and the Mini Stow-Lite slot in the spreader block (light sold separately) allows you to illuminate the net so it’s always visible even on the darkest nights.

Designed to complement shorter retractable butt carp rods, the Sonik Xtractor Recon carp landing net is both compact and durable. Its telescopic design allows for easy transport and storage, making it ideal for anglers with limited space.

The tough glass-filled nylon spreader block ensures a secure and stable net, while the reinforced olive green 42” mesh, featuring free-flowing hexmesh sides and a super soft base, provides a gentle and secure environment for the fish. With a generous depth of 95 cm, the Sonik Xtractor Recon Landing Net strikes the perfect balance between temporarily holding fish and moving quickly through the water.

The Avid Revolve 1-Person Bivvy is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a high-quality bivvy without breaking the bank. Constructed from durable materials, it features a unique square shape that provides ample space to accommodate a bedchair and all your essential gear. Plus, thanks to its captive frame support, setting up and packing away the bivvy is quick and hassle-free.

Designed with a two-rib ‘pram hood’ structure, the bivvy boasts a large peak that offers additional protection in rough conditions, preventing rain from seeping inside. The front panel can also be set up in a letterbox style, allowing you to keep an eye on the water while staying fully sheltered.

For improved airflow in the warmer months, the rear panel can be rolled up to reveal a mesh window, helping to keep you cool while keeping insects out. If you’re an all-season angler, the Avid Revolve is a solid investment for year-round comfort.

The bivvy comes supplied with a groundsheet and heavy-duty pegs, all neatly packed into an oversized zipped carry bag, eliminating the usual struggle of fitting everything back in after a session. An overwrap is available as an optional extra, and for those needing more space, a 2-person version is also available.

Dimensions: 230cm (D) x 270cm (W) 140cm (H)

The revolutionary Trakker Tempest Brolly V2 is an upgraded evolution of its predecessor, featuring anti-twist poles and enhanced waterproof material to ensure exceptional durability and performance in challenging conditions.

Constructed from robust yet lightweight 210D polyester fabric with an impressive 10,000mm hydrostatic head, it's built to withstand the harshest weather. This brolly offers ample space, rapid setup, and a range of customisation options (available separately), making it a versatile choice for anglers seeking a reliable and adaptable shelter.

If you’re on a budget, then the Avid Carp Revolve bedchair offers excellent value for both novice and budget-minded carp anglers.

Sized the same as Avid's flagship Benchmark beds, the revolve boasts a padded mattress on a flat frame design, with rocksteady legs providing an ultra stable platform, whilst the strap and buckle system allows the bed to be folded down compactly even with a sleeping bag in place.

Available in standard 6 legs and 'X' size with 8 legs, its a comfortable and practical option for anyone wanting to enjoy a goodnights sleep on the bank.

The Trakker RLX Flat 6 Leg Bedchair offers a comfortable and convenient sleep on the bank. The completely level bed profile and ergonomically designed mattress ensure a perfect night's sleep, while the super-lightweight design and sleeping bag storage option make it easy to transport. Perfect for a beginner, a mobile angler or someone looking to reduce the weight of their equipment.

The bed is also super easy and quick to use, and it folds down comfortably even with a winter sleeping bag stored inside. The six-leg design with adjustable legs provides maximum stability

If you are a mobile angler, the ESP Quickdraw Unhooking Mat is a compact and innovative tool designed to provide optimal care for your catch, on-the-go. It’s simple yet ingenious design allows you to quickly transform the mat from a rolled-up state to a flat surface or a cradle, offering versatility for various fishing scenarios.

Crafted with a soft, wipe-clean contact surface and tough camo outer material, the Quickdraw Unhooking Mat provides a protective and hygienic environment for your fish. Reinforced carry handles make it easy to transport carp back to the water after weighing and photographing. The drawcord at one end can be slackened off to effortlessly slide the fish back into the water.

The Quickdraw Unhooking Mat features drainage holes in each corner to minimse water collection, ensuring the fish remains comfortable and healthy. Available in two sizes, the Compact version is ideal for travel, while the Large version can accommodate even the biggest carp.

The Sonik Bank-Tek Carp Unhooking Mat is crafted with a hybrid construction of high-density foam and micro beanie balls, providing exceptional cushioning and protection for your fish.

Designed with angler convenience in mind, the Bank-Tek features a Velcro-secured top flap to keep your fish calm and secure during unhooking. Its heavy-duty 420D PVC-backed polyester construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance. For added comfort, the mat includes a fold-back padded kneeling pad, offering support for your knees during extended fishing sessions.

To keep the mat securely in place, four corner pegging points allow it to be firmly anchored to the ground. The removable and adjustable padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry and transport to your fishing spot. Additionally, the super heavy-duty wipe-clean base material ensures effortless maintenance and easy cleaning.

With generous dimensions of W120 x D78 x H12 cm, the Sonik Bank-Tek Carp Unhooking Mat provides ample space for handling and measuring your catch while ensuring optimal protection.