Morning guys,
Please forgive the lack of knowledge. I am looking to get into carp fishing after sitting on the bank with my mate a couple of times.
Would love to know the basics from some of you experienced guys on what I need to purchase for a standard carp set up for doing a quick overnighter on the banks.
It really is mind blowing just googling carp fishing gear and guessing if I will need it or not
Again apologies in advance for stupid questions as I am sure I will have some
Cheers
Bob
Please forgive the lack of knowledge. I am looking to get into carp fishing after sitting on the bank with my mate a couple of times.
Would love to know the basics from some of you experienced guys on what I need to purchase for a standard carp set up for doing a quick overnighter on the banks.
It really is mind blowing just googling carp fishing gear and guessing if I will need it or not
Again apologies in advance for stupid questions as I am sure I will have some
Cheers
Bob
Hello Bob, welcome
Bit of an open ended question that mate! If you've no experience with fishing whatsoever I'd recommend you start out with a float rod and fish for whatever comes along.
Keep going with your friend and fish the float along side him 👍
Bit of an open ended question that mate! If you've no experience with fishing whatsoever I'd recommend you start out with a float rod and fish for whatever comes along.
Keep going with your friend and fish the float along side him 👍
In reply to Post #1
Ali Hamidi wrote a book for people just getting into carp fishing. I can't remember what it's called but it helped me. My best advice for a beginner is that location is everything, then keep it simple!
Ali Hamidi wrote a book for people just getting into carp fishing. I can't remember what it's called but it helped me. My best advice for a beginner is that location is everything, then keep it simple!
In reply to Post #1
Find a good local tackle shop. But also work out your top budget is. Also day sessions may help to start. Bed chairs sleeping bags cooking equipment will all bump your price up.
Find a good local tackle shop. But also work out your top budget is. Also day sessions may help to start. Bed chairs sleeping bags cooking equipment will all bump your price up.
In reply to Post #1
Youtube,
Youtube,
Visit your local tackle shop. I'd agree with the comments below and try some general course fishing first, there's a lot to be said about catching roach, bream etc, refine your methods. I think it's sad a lot of carp anglers wouldn't know how to set up a float rig.
I'd actually avoid a lot on YouTube, there is so much advertising from all the big names, speak to your friends, and the chap at your tackle shop.
If you do end up going straight to carp, don't waste money on expensive beds, brollies etc, spend your money on sharp hooks, decent line and good bait.
I'd actually avoid a lot on YouTube, there is so much advertising from all the big names, speak to your friends, and the chap at your tackle shop.
If you do end up going straight to carp, don't waste money on expensive beds, brollies etc, spend your money on sharp hooks, decent line and good bait.
In reply to Post #1
Hi Bob,
Agree with everything said but as Paul said in post 2, get a basic float rod setup and fish for general coarse fish first.
Most decent match lakes will have a good head of small carp so you can expect to catch a few anyway by fishing a float.
Don't want everything too soon, earn your stripes and you will have a greater appreciation for fishing in general that way.
Whatever you do just enjoy it.
Neil
Hi Bob,
Agree with everything said but as Paul said in post 2, get a basic float rod setup and fish for general coarse fish first.
Most decent match lakes will have a good head of small carp so you can expect to catch a few anyway by fishing a float.
Don't want everything too soon, earn your stripes and you will have a greater appreciation for fishing in general that way.
Whatever you do just enjoy it.
Neil
Unless you pay for one on one tuition where you will be taught how to handle the fish you catch, the best advice like others have said before me is catch the small stuff and.work your way up. Putting aside your carp itch you want to scratch, you need to gain experience in fish handling which is above all else is imperative. If you caught a carp and ended up damaging it at best or killing it at worst, you might have to deal with some very angry anglers.
Get yourself a float fishing rod and learn how to catch Rudd, roach or perch first, once you've got to grips with that and that you feel confident in your ability, maybe fish from for small carp and take things from there. Even though catching small stuff might not be that enticing right now, what you will learn from catching smaller fish is it's applicable to all fish and fishing in general.
Carp fishing is only a tiny fraction of what angling has to offer, for all you know you might deeply connect with fly fishing, or you might love catching barbel. If you'd never tried, how will you ever know? I love nothing more than watching a float dip under and catch a beautiful rudd or two or watch a float fall over fishing the lift method for tench.
Get yourself a float fishing rod and learn how to catch Rudd, roach or perch first, once you've got to grips with that and that you feel confident in your ability, maybe fish from for small carp and take things from there. Even though catching small stuff might not be that enticing right now, what you will learn from catching smaller fish is it's applicable to all fish and fishing in general.
Carp fishing is only a tiny fraction of what angling has to offer, for all you know you might deeply connect with fly fishing, or you might love catching barbel. If you'd never tried, how will you ever know? I love nothing more than watching a float dip under and catch a beautiful rudd or two or watch a float fall over fishing the lift method for tench.
In reply to Post #1
Just remember how fortunate that you are to be learning from scratch. I genuinely envy you.
The most exciting years are the early years, when you actually work it out I'm afraid that it loses a little of its allure, just a little mind.
Keep it simple, watch the weather and ignore what others are doing.
Just remember how fortunate that you are to be learning from scratch. I genuinely envy you.
The most exciting years are the early years, when you actually work it out I'm afraid that it loses a little of its allure, just a little mind.
Keep it simple, watch the weather and ignore what others are doing.
Echo the other guys enjoy float fishing on easy still waters first then try out local rivers with the float. One rod, one reel and one net and a shoulder bag for your kit.
You will enjoy just catching different types of fish and being on the bank.
Then if you enjoy it you may want to take the plunge and specialise in setting yourself up and go fishing for carp?
You will enjoy just catching different types of fish and being on the bank.
Then if you enjoy it you may want to take the plunge and specialise in setting yourself up and go fishing for carp?
Aren't we all so superior! 
A carp angler has to "earn their stripes" and "serve their apprenticeship" What a load of old cobblers. Yes, we all did it back in the day but times change and if the guy wants to go carp fishing then who's to stop him? Surely his mate can point him in the right direction?
To the OP. Get on Youtube and search for some beginner videos.
Tackle wise Sonik do some decent budget stuff. 2 rods, 2 reels 2 buzzers (Fox have just re-released their mini micron for £30 each), 4 banksticks, a net, a retainer sling, scales, an unhooking mat (I have an NGT pop up one and it's ace for £40) a bed/ sleeping bag(if you're doing nights) and a brolly are what you will need. Something to carry your tackle in like a carry all and a rod bag.
Terminal tackle you will need a spool of line. Buy a few 3oz leads and my advice would be to use ready tied rigs. Buy a bottom bait/wafter rig like a slip d rig or IQ D rig and a pack of Ronnie rigs. Buy some lead clips and tungsten tubing. Sorted. You will need scissors and a baiting needle. Most other things are superfluous.
Bait wise pick one bait like Sticky krill and stick to it. Buy a tub of wafters and a tub of pop ups to go with it. That's it.
you might be able to find someone selling up 2nd hand. Otherwise it's going to cost you the thick end of a grand.
Good luck and don't listen to all the oh so superior carpers who have been doing it a few years and think they are the dogs danglies.
A carp angler has to "earn their stripes" and "serve their apprenticeship" What a load of old cobblers. Yes, we all did it back in the day but times change and if the guy wants to go carp fishing then who's to stop him? Surely his mate can point him in the right direction?To the OP. Get on Youtube and search for some beginner videos.
Tackle wise Sonik do some decent budget stuff. 2 rods, 2 reels 2 buzzers (Fox have just re-released their mini micron for £30 each), 4 banksticks, a net, a retainer sling, scales, an unhooking mat (I have an NGT pop up one and it's ace for £40) a bed/ sleeping bag(if you're doing nights) and a brolly are what you will need. Something to carry your tackle in like a carry all and a rod bag.
Terminal tackle you will need a spool of line. Buy a few 3oz leads and my advice would be to use ready tied rigs. Buy a bottom bait/wafter rig like a slip d rig or IQ D rig and a pack of Ronnie rigs. Buy some lead clips and tungsten tubing. Sorted. You will need scissors and a baiting needle. Most other things are superfluous.
Bait wise pick one bait like Sticky krill and stick to it. Buy a tub of wafters and a tub of pop ups to go with it. That's it.
you might be able to find someone selling up 2nd hand. Otherwise it's going to cost you the thick end of a grand.
Good luck and don't listen to all the oh so superior carpers who have been doing it a few years and think they are the dogs danglies.
If you have nobody to go fishing with there a few beginner style carp fishing books you can look for. Ian Chillcot Tackling carp, Julian Cundiff did a couple, Rob Hughes and Simon Crow did some beginner stuff too. Or just any general coarse fishing book for beginners if you're totally new to fishing. You can get these cheap on Ebay usually.
I'm not so sure Youtube will be a big help to you tactically as you have to know what to search for to get the most out of it and it'll probably be confusing to a total beginner. But I would definitely Youtube fish care vids before you start going fishing.
I'm not so sure Youtube will be a big help to you tactically as you have to know what to search for to get the most out of it and it'll probably be confusing to a total beginner. But I would definitely Youtube fish care vids before you start going fishing.
Gents,
Thanks for all the information. I do have a mate to go with who is a good angler so my first trip is an overnighter next Saturday in Essex (No idea what lake! I just know it's private)
So far I have bought for just under 500 quid
3 x shimano ultegra 1400 with boxes fitted with ice washers, 3 x spare spools, line reducers etc
3 x avid extremity 3.25 50mm with rod cloths and butt ring protectors
1 x jrc x lite pro net and pole (brand new)
1 x sonik 3 rod rod bag (well used bit all works as it should)
I have also been given an overnight umbrella for shelter and 2 old Nash alarms with Buzz Bars
I know there's so much more to get but just plan on buying bits little and often
Thanks again for all your help and any more advice you can give will be fully welcomed
Thanks for all the information. I do have a mate to go with who is a good angler so my first trip is an overnighter next Saturday in Essex (No idea what lake! I just know it's private)
So far I have bought for just under 500 quid
3 x shimano ultegra 1400 with boxes fitted with ice washers, 3 x spare spools, line reducers etc
3 x avid extremity 3.25 50mm with rod cloths and butt ring protectors
1 x jrc x lite pro net and pole (brand new)
1 x sonik 3 rod rod bag (well used bit all works as it should)
I have also been given an overnight umbrella for shelter and 2 old Nash alarms with Buzz Bars
I know there's so much more to get but just plan on buying bits little and often
Thanks again for all your help and any more advice you can give will be fully welcomed
In reply to Post #13
Thanks again for all your help and any more advice you can give will be fully welcomed
Enjoy yourself mate
Thanks again for all your help and any more advice you can give will be fully welcomed
Enjoy yourself mate
In reply to Post #13
I know there's so much more to get but just plan on buying bits little and often
Probably need to get yourself something to sleep on as well mate and take lots of warm clothes. Hopefully you wont, but dont be too disheartened if you blank. Just enjoy it for what it is
I know there's so much more to get but just plan on buying bits little and often
Probably need to get yourself something to sleep on as well mate and take lots of warm clothes. Hopefully you wont, but dont be too disheartened if you blank. Just enjoy it for what it is