Been coarse fishing for many years on and off, but have always had an interest in Carp fishing. There are alot of well known specimen lakes around me and I would love to get onto them.
I've been looking at gear to start off without going straight in and spending 1000's. I have also looked at second hand but for now I've put together a list of the tackle I've considered and need an expert opinion I suppose.
Rod - Daiwa Black Widow G50 x2
Reel - Sonik Vader X RS 8000 x2
Pod/Alarms - NGT Slider Rodpod Set (Comes with NGT VS Alarms)
Net - NGT Specimen Net
Cradle - Advanta Protector Large
Bivvy - NGT 2 Man Double Skinned
Any recommendations to improve without breaing the bank. This is around £500 I think depending on retailers.
Thanks in advance.
I've been looking at gear to start off without going straight in and spending 1000's. I have also looked at second hand but for now I've put together a list of the tackle I've considered and need an expert opinion I suppose.
Rod - Daiwa Black Widow G50 x2
Reel - Sonik Vader X RS 8000 x2
Pod/Alarms - NGT Slider Rodpod Set (Comes with NGT VS Alarms)
Net - NGT Specimen Net
Cradle - Advanta Protector Large
Bivvy - NGT 2 Man Double Skinned
Any recommendations to improve without breaing the bank. This is around £500 I think depending on retailers.
Thanks in advance.
In reply to Post #1
Just starting out I would 100% buy second hand. Got back into fishing myself in September after 9 years in Australia and have kitted myself out almost solely with stuff from Facebook.
I'd avoid NGT if you can, they are extremely budget. I'd be spending similar money buying good brands second hand. I own 1 NGT item and it's their distance sticks (£11 delivered from amazon, I think). Apart from that I wouldn't buy anything of theirs.
I'd recommend Okuma INC 6000 reels, can be picked up for £30 each second hand.
Just starting out I would 100% buy second hand. Got back into fishing myself in September after 9 years in Australia and have kitted myself out almost solely with stuff from Facebook.
I'd avoid NGT if you can, they are extremely budget. I'd be spending similar money buying good brands second hand. I own 1 NGT item and it's their distance sticks (£11 delivered from amazon, I think). Apart from that I wouldn't buy anything of theirs.
I'd recommend Okuma INC 6000 reels, can be picked up for £30 each second hand.
In reply to Post #1
Agree with Post#2 - buy secondhand and steer away from NGT (though they are OK for small "non critical" items). If you see a particular item that looks OK, ask for an opinion of it on here.
The rods you have said are a good decent budget rod, I have a set of the 10 footers for small waters.
The reels, I'd be looking at secondhand Shimano, Daiwa or Okuma. Steer away from Sonik reels, not recommended on here, though their rods meant to be decent.
For a bivvy, I've just looked on facebook and seen a Chub one with a winter skin for £60 close to me. So there are bargains to be had.
Agree with Post#2 - buy secondhand and steer away from NGT (though they are OK for small "non critical" items). If you see a particular item that looks OK, ask for an opinion of it on here.
The rods you have said are a good decent budget rod, I have a set of the 10 footers for small waters.
The reels, I'd be looking at secondhand Shimano, Daiwa or Okuma. Steer away from Sonik reels, not recommended on here, though their rods meant to be decent.
For a bivvy, I've just looked on facebook and seen a Chub one with a winter skin for £60 close to me. So there are bargains to be had.
In reply to Post #3
I'm forever surfing through groups on Facebook, its become an obsession but I never know what to look out for in terms of problems/known issues with tackle, so I'm always skeptical.
What is Fox like? I thought about getting the Fox Eos Pro Rods and Reels
I'm forever surfing through groups on Facebook, its become an obsession but I never know what to look out for in terms of problems/known issues with tackle, so I'm always skeptical.
What is Fox like? I thought about getting the Fox Eos Pro Rods and Reels
In reply to Post #3
Agreed with the sonik comment. Have owned both rods and reels, I still use the rods all the time, the reels were sold within a month of owning they were that terrible
Agreed with the sonik comment. Have owned both rods and reels, I still use the rods all the time, the reels were sold within a month of owning they were that terrible
In reply to Post #4
Personally, I'm not keen on Fox gear. I would imagine the rods being OK, but my lad had a set of their reels and they were crap.
Personally, I'm not keen on Fox gear. I would imagine the rods being OK, but my lad had a set of their reels and they were crap.
In reply to Post #6
Ok, some good info there fellas, thankyou.
One last thing, what Alarms and Pods would you guys recommend?
Ok, some good info there fellas, thankyou.
One last thing, what Alarms and Pods would you guys recommend?
In reply to Post #7
ATTS alarms, definitely. Can get a set of 2 with receiver for £75-80 on FB.
I personally use bars and sticks, if you're trying to keep cost down Cygnet do great bars and sticks for very reasonable prices.
ATTS alarms, definitely. Can get a set of 2 with receiver for £75-80 on FB.
I personally use bars and sticks, if you're trying to keep cost down Cygnet do great bars and sticks for very reasonable prices.
In reply to Post #8
Do you need a 2 man double skin biv, get a 1 man if thay do one
Do you need a 2 man double skin biv, get a 1 man if thay do one
In reply to Post #1
As said below buy second hand.
You deffinetly buy twice if you buy cheap when it comes to fishing tackle.
I'd deffinetly steer clear of NGT for main items like alarms, bivvies, rods and reels.
It would be a good idea to narrow down what type of waters you will be fishing and days or nights.
For e.g. a lot of commercial waters these days supply nets, slings, cradles etc. So that could be something that you could buy later on when you need them for other waters and free up extra cash to buy better rods, reels etc.
If you don't plan on fishing nights then you won't really need a receiver and you could pick up a couple of fox microns for about £30-40. This could also be said for a bivvy and a lightweight brolly would do.
As said below buy second hand.
You deffinetly buy twice if you buy cheap when it comes to fishing tackle.
I'd deffinetly steer clear of NGT for main items like alarms, bivvies, rods and reels.
It would be a good idea to narrow down what type of waters you will be fishing and days or nights.
For e.g. a lot of commercial waters these days supply nets, slings, cradles etc. So that could be something that you could buy later on when you need them for other waters and free up extra cash to buy better rods, reels etc.
If you don't plan on fishing nights then you won't really need a receiver and you could pick up a couple of fox microns for about £30-40. This could also be said for a bivvy and a lightweight brolly would do.
Definitely avoid NGT as said before, like the new badger tackle. Definitely get rods and Reels 2nd hand if your starting out, can get a pair of 2nd hand fox warriors and 2 shimano bait runners fairly cheep, Facebook is your best bet for 2nd hand gear 👍
From johnsonrosstackle
-Daiwa Black Widow 25A £52.5
-Sonik VaderX RS 10ft £45 12 ft £49.99
-Sonik Vader X Rod Pod 2 £45
-Nash Siren S5 Digital Bite Alarm £18.33 (Fox Micron X is the best buy in lower price but price x3)
-Sonik S1 Landing Net 42inch £29.16
From Angling direct:
-Advanta Protector Peak Fishing Bivvy 1 Man V2 £199.99
-Advanta Protector Quick-Cradle Large £37.49
Some alternatives
Angeling direct:
Sonik SK-TEK BIVVY 1 man bivvy £179.99 2 man £199.99
JRC Rova Camo Peak Fishing Bivvy 2 Man £194.99
-Daiwa Black Widow 25A £52.5
-Sonik VaderX RS 10ft £45 12 ft £49.99
-Sonik Vader X Rod Pod 2 £45
-Nash Siren S5 Digital Bite Alarm £18.33 (Fox Micron X is the best buy in lower price but price x3)
-Sonik S1 Landing Net 42inch £29.16
From Angling direct:
-Advanta Protector Peak Fishing Bivvy 1 Man V2 £199.99
-Advanta Protector Quick-Cradle Large £37.49
Some alternatives
Angeling direct:
Sonik SK-TEK BIVVY 1 man bivvy £179.99 2 man £199.99
JRC Rova Camo Peak Fishing Bivvy 2 Man £194.99
In reply to Post #1
As said avoid ngt fox alarms mini micron or atts are good best look second hand or buy middle of range new eg esp Gardner fox if you buy new cheap gear like us all you will want to change once you see others set ups
as you get into it more cheap gear is cheap and you will waste money as you will get nothing for it when selling it that's if you can find someone to buy it
As said avoid ngt fox alarms mini micron or atts are good best look second hand or buy middle of range new eg esp Gardner fox if you buy new cheap gear like us all you will want to change once you see others set ups
as you get into it more cheap gear is cheap and you will waste money as you will get nothing for it when selling it that's if you can find someone to buy it
Must be horrendous the costs for anybody starting out these days, especially kids and parents who are funding it!
I'm with what has been said, buy second hand or my advise is buy middle of the road stuff. For example, I would personally avoid the cheaper Shimano and Daiwa reels and go for something like an Okuma or Penn, I think you will get much more value for your money around the same price tag
Rods, unless you are casting miles or big bags there's loads of cheaper options about
Fox alarms, bullet proof for me, maybe look at the new microns?
Nets, I have had quite a few, can't go wrong with JRC for the money
Ultimately the game is about catching carp so I would spend your money on decent bait and the last few meters that's in the water
I'm with what has been said, buy second hand or my advise is buy middle of the road stuff. For example, I would personally avoid the cheaper Shimano and Daiwa reels and go for something like an Okuma or Penn, I think you will get much more value for your money around the same price tag
Rods, unless you are casting miles or big bags there's loads of cheaper options about
Fox alarms, bullet proof for me, maybe look at the new microns?
Nets, I have had quite a few, can't go wrong with JRC for the money
Ultimately the game is about catching carp so I would spend your money on decent bait and the last few meters that's in the water
In reply to Post #14
And it only gets worse with the current price increases
And it only gets worse with the current price increases
In reply to Post #1
Hi Luke.
NGT has been slated here so just for balance I've had their medium carryall for several years now with zero issues. Possibly not quite so well built as my sonik stuff but it does the job and it's a lot cheaper.
Seriously consider Okuma reels or Penn if you want to spend a little more.
I've never found a secondhand reel I've been totally happy with, so I would suggest you avoid secondhand unless you are very sure what you are looking at.
Perhaps do some days first to avoid buying the camping gear until you are certain which way you want to go.
Hi Luke.
NGT has been slated here so just for balance I've had their medium carryall for several years now with zero issues. Possibly not quite so well built as my sonik stuff but it does the job and it's a lot cheaper.
Seriously consider Okuma reels or Penn if you want to spend a little more.
I've never found a secondhand reel I've been totally happy with, so I would suggest you avoid secondhand unless you are very sure what you are looking at.
Perhaps do some days first to avoid buying the camping gear until you are certain which way you want to go.
In reply to Post #1
I've recently decided to start again after 6 years or so away, luckily I kept most of my gear apart from rods and a few other bits, I've just bought the blackwidow G50, haven't used them in anger yet but first impressions for the price seems good, I think I payed around 108 quid for all 3 but there was 15% discount too at the time. Think it was total fishing tackle I got mine from
I've recently decided to start again after 6 years or so away, luckily I kept most of my gear apart from rods and a few other bits, I've just bought the blackwidow G50, haven't used them in anger yet but first impressions for the price seems good, I think I payed around 108 quid for all 3 but there was 15% discount too at the time. Think it was total fishing tackle I got mine from
In reply to Post #1
Hi there, just thought I'd add my two penny worth. I had 3 hand built rods on Harrison blanks and Shimano big bait runners but lost them when the rod bag saw fit to fall off my van on the M25. Replaced with Sonik Vader X rods and reels to get fishing quickly. The reels were good enough to catch 50s 60s and a 75lb leather from a lake in France and were not bad for the money but the clips and washers etc. were not up to the job long term. The rods however are, I think, terrific value for money. I replaced the reels with shimanos but am absolutely happy with the rods and will not upgrade to more expensive ones. I'm also a believer in Fox alarms. I have 6 of them and have had no trouble whatsoever for years. So, my advice would be new Sonik rods, and second hand Shimano reels with a second hand set of Fox nxr alarms with receiver.
Happy hunting.
Hi there, just thought I'd add my two penny worth. I had 3 hand built rods on Harrison blanks and Shimano big bait runners but lost them when the rod bag saw fit to fall off my van on the M25. Replaced with Sonik Vader X rods and reels to get fishing quickly. The reels were good enough to catch 50s 60s and a 75lb leather from a lake in France and were not bad for the money but the clips and washers etc. were not up to the job long term. The rods however are, I think, terrific value for money. I replaced the reels with shimanos but am absolutely happy with the rods and will not upgrade to more expensive ones. I'm also a believer in Fox alarms. I have 6 of them and have had no trouble whatsoever for years. So, my advice would be new Sonik rods, and second hand Shimano reels with a second hand set of Fox nxr alarms with receiver.
Happy hunting.
In reply to Post #17
Not much has changed in 6 years, rods have got shorter , carp have got bigger , and tackle shops staff are all in red, baiting poles are getting longer, and we can now see the carp farting from the comfort of our living room, never had it so good.
Not much has changed in 6 years, rods have got shorter , carp have got bigger , and tackle shops staff are all in red, baiting poles are getting longer, and we can now see the carp farting from the comfort of our living room, never had it so good.
Been doing a little research taking on all your advice.
Found someone local to me selling 3x Sonik Vader X RS 12ft 3lb TC for £90 (for all 3)
Also found another fella willing to post 2x Shimano ST 10000 RB reels for £80
Both rods and reels look in very good condition, are these good deals?
Found someone local to me selling 3x Sonik Vader X RS 12ft 3lb TC for £90 (for all 3)
Also found another fella willing to post 2x Shimano ST 10000 RB reels for £80
Both rods and reels look in very good condition, are these good deals?
In reply to Post #21
My starter carp reels for getting back into carp fishing were very similar shimanos. Personally think the baitrunner is a great feature for someone who is new to carp fishing.
My starter carp reels for getting back into carp fishing were very similar shimanos. Personally think the baitrunner is a great feature for someone who is new to carp fishing.
In reply to Post #21
be careful buying S/Hand by post
DO NOT PAY BY BANK TRANSFER OR PAYPAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY unless you really know the person as you will get scammed and you cant get your money back
you can pay by normal paypal and if the goods dont arrive get your money back but thats the only way
be careful buying S/Hand by post
DO NOT PAY BY BANK TRANSFER OR PAYPAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY unless you really know the person as you will get scammed and you cant get your money back
you can pay by normal paypal and if the goods dont arrive get your money back but thats the only way
In reply to Post #23
I think I'm going to be collecting most of it, like you say, bit skeptical with postage of second hand stuff.
What would be your main problems to look out for with tackle?
I think I'm going to be collecting most of it, like you say, bit skeptical with postage of second hand stuff.
What would be your main problems to look out for with tackle?
In reply to Post #21
If he's local to you pick them up have a good inspection deal sounds good
Make sure check all rings have not been damaged and there's a gap on the spigot
And that clutch and baitrunner all work
The most important thing is never drive far to collect tackle as you will have to buy it to justify to yourself the journey buy local and never be frightened if not happy to walk away
If he's local to you pick them up have a good inspection deal sounds good
Make sure check all rings have not been damaged and there's a gap on the spigot
And that clutch and baitrunner all work
The most important thing is never drive far to collect tackle as you will have to buy it to justify to yourself the journey buy local and never be frightened if not happy to walk away
In reply to Post #24
Reels could look nice feel OK quack like a duck, but the insides could be worn out
Reels could look nice feel OK quack like a duck, but the insides could be worn out
In reply to Post #26
Could be a lot of things might be hardly used like new same as anything buy a car a house might be problems or anything that's the gamble of buying second hand
Could be a lot of things might be hardly used like new same as anything buy a car a house might be problems or anything that's the gamble of buying second hand
Another vote for Sonik rods - I've got Xtractors in 8ft and 10ft and they've been great.
I agree that the Sonik reels aren't up there with high-end Shimmys or Daiwas, but they're more than good enough. I've had a pair of the gold-spooled 5000 sized reels for a year now, and they've been really good in the UK and in France - definitely not dodgy, bargain-bucket reels. I'd say they're great value.
On NGT...I can't agree with all the slating on here, but I think you've got to be selective. My son has a pair of their 4-piece Profiler rods matched with their small, Nash Scope-clone Profiler reels, and for the money they're absolutely fantastic. The action of the 4-piece rods is really impressive, and the reels are great quality and outstanding value...and if they satisfy a tackle tart like my son, they must look okay as well.
On another note, if it's new rather than second-hand that you want and you're not bothered by brand, have a look at the Ultimate kit on the fishdeal.uk website. I've just taken a punt on their 10ft extendable rods and mini big-pit reels as a cheap birthday upgrade for my son, and they're very good indeed. Very similar quality, and probably slightly better value, than the Sonik kit. The wider Ultimate range is, I suspect, similarly good value for money.
Edit: definitely agree on Fox alarms, I've used them for years, but my son's Prologic alarms are really good at a fraction of the price. I think they've got a far larger following in Europe than here.
I agree that the Sonik reels aren't up there with high-end Shimmys or Daiwas, but they're more than good enough. I've had a pair of the gold-spooled 5000 sized reels for a year now, and they've been really good in the UK and in France - definitely not dodgy, bargain-bucket reels. I'd say they're great value.
On NGT...I can't agree with all the slating on here, but I think you've got to be selective. My son has a pair of their 4-piece Profiler rods matched with their small, Nash Scope-clone Profiler reels, and for the money they're absolutely fantastic. The action of the 4-piece rods is really impressive, and the reels are great quality and outstanding value...and if they satisfy a tackle tart like my son, they must look okay as well.
On another note, if it's new rather than second-hand that you want and you're not bothered by brand, have a look at the Ultimate kit on the fishdeal.uk website. I've just taken a punt on their 10ft extendable rods and mini big-pit reels as a cheap birthday upgrade for my son, and they're very good indeed. Very similar quality, and probably slightly better value, than the Sonik kit. The wider Ultimate range is, I suspect, similarly good value for money.
Edit: definitely agree on Fox alarms, I've used them for years, but my son's Prologic alarms are really good at a fraction of the price. I think they've got a far larger following in Europe than here.
In reply to Post #26
Vv true, I had/have a thing for the old baitrunners, the gtes and suchlike, for barbel and tench fishing mostly, you just can't tell until they are in use, been caught more than once, and the old 'they just need a good service ' has been another waste of money for me.
Vv true, I had/have a thing for the old baitrunners, the gtes and suchlike, for barbel and tench fishing mostly, you just can't tell until they are in use, been caught more than once, and the old 'they just need a good service ' has been another waste of money for me.
In reply to Post #28
but my son's Prologic alarms are really good at a fraction of the price. I think they've got a far larger following in Europe than here.
Yes thats very true !!
sadly in the UK far to many people think as they are so cheap and the earlier versions were not so good these Prologic Bat3 Plus cant be a good alternative to Fox or Delkim but in reality they are superb
whats that saying ? you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink
but my son's Prologic alarms are really good at a fraction of the price. I think they've got a far larger following in Europe than here.
Yes thats very true !!
sadly in the UK far to many people think as they are so cheap and the earlier versions were not so good these Prologic Bat3 Plus cant be a good alternative to Fox or Delkim but in reality they are superb
whats that saying ? you can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink
In reply to Post #30
I was brought up with that, always buy the best and it will last. What a total and utter myth that has become, British manufacturing on its arse and a market flooded with Chinese crap with somebody's badge on it, becoming a thing of the past that
I bought some JRC Radar alarms for a two rod set up, around £24, cracking little alarms for what I paid
Long live honest feedback and reviews from people and places like here
I was brought up with that, always buy the best and it will last. What a total and utter myth that has become, British manufacturing on its arse and a market flooded with Chinese crap with somebody's badge on it, becoming a thing of the past that
I bought some JRC Radar alarms for a two rod set up, around £24, cracking little alarms for what I paid
Long live honest feedback and reviews from people and places like here
In reply to Post #31
Well said I've been saying for a while now this saying you pay for what you get doesn't exist anymore
Well said I've been saying for a while now this saying you pay for what you get doesn't exist anymore
In reply to Post #32
Agreed. It's a case of a company charging what they think they can get away with.
This is true in walks of life. Certainly some companies are expensive because they produce very good stuff but there's no guarantee that you always 'get what you pay for'
Agreed. It's a case of a company charging what they think they can get away with.
This is true in walks of life. Certainly some companies are expensive because they produce very good stuff but there's no guarantee that you always 'get what you pay for'
In reply to Post #32
Don't know about there reels , but sonic are doing some great kit now
Don't know about there reels , but sonic are doing some great kit now
I find one can still "buy well, buy once"
And luckily you don't have to rely on price.
I use online reviews but particularly this forum. I wait untill something has been out quite a while. I read reviews and opinions. Mind you that is a skill in itself. You can be mislead by over enthusiastic reviews by people that hardly use the item.
Or quietly sell it. Lol
But if you are patient and don't rush it. You can get the right product for yourself first time.
And luckily you don't have to rely on price.
I use online reviews but particularly this forum. I wait untill something has been out quite a while. I read reviews and opinions. Mind you that is a skill in itself. You can be mislead by over enthusiastic reviews by people that hardly use the item.
Or quietly sell it. Lol
But if you are patient and don't rush it. You can get the right product for yourself first time.
In reply to Post #33
Yes charging what they think they can get away with then they can always drop the price if it doesn't sell then people think there getting a real bargain as I.say to people don't pay these rip off prices then they have no choice but to drop the price either do that or be stuck with it
Something I've never forgotten when I went into a furniture shop once an old Asian man I said are you the boss he said no you are I said me he said your the one holding the money when I am holding it I am we can control the price if we don't buy
Yes charging what they think they can get away with then they can always drop the price if it doesn't sell then people think there getting a real bargain as I.say to people don't pay these rip off prices then they have no choice but to drop the price either do that or be stuck with it
Something I've never forgotten when I went into a furniture shop once an old Asian man I said are you the boss he said no you are I said me he said your the one holding the money when I am holding it I am we can control the price if we don't buy
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