Bit of an 'idiots guide' needed. So I've fished for a number of years. I want to be able to keep my rod collection lean and also would like to focus a bit more on leisure carp day fishing. So, the question is do I really need these high test curve rods? - by high I'm thinking 2.75kg+ TC. I've seen guys land 15lb carp on match gear (& I've landed 9lb on old glass swing-tip) - so if I'm excluding long range carping (I'm not a big water fan in any case - too daunting) I'm wondering if 2x pairs of rods, like barbel rods/ light carp - which can cast 3-5oz, at 1.75/ 2.25 maybe 2.5 test curve would do the trick? I don't want rods that I will loose the fun of smaller fish because the are too powerful, and ones that I can use on the river or lake for larger course too.
Anyone got any views on this?
Anyone got any views on this?
In reply to Post #1
Everyone just likes using telegraph poles with 50mm eyes to fish the margins - they then convince themselves that the gear is lovely to play fish on.
On a serious note of the above - as you say you only need high t/c rods for casting generally (although the action of the rod is also vital). For many, if you can only justify one set of rods then they will buy distance tools as they can then use these to fish any range. A rod of about 2lb t/c will be fine to land any carp when matched with a suitable line and reel. It will be more enjoyable to play fish on too, particularly if they are smaller fish.
Everyone just likes using telegraph poles with 50mm eyes to fish the margins - they then convince themselves that the gear is lovely to play fish on.
On a serious note of the above - as you say you only need high t/c rods for casting generally (although the action of the rod is also vital). For many, if you can only justify one set of rods then they will buy distance tools as they can then use these to fish any range. A rod of about 2lb t/c will be fine to land any carp when matched with a suitable line and reel. It will be more enjoyable to play fish on too, particularly if they are smaller fish.
In reply to Post #1
Get 1lb test rods
Get 1lb test rods
mk 1 Terry hearn rods 2,9tc..mine are battered and bruised but I wouldn't swap for anything else.
In reply to Post #1
It's the action of the rod you want to look at test curve is only half the story
It's the action of the rod you want to look at test curve is only half the story
High test curves as a general rule are for casting a long way, those same rods won't apply adequate pressure a lot of the time even though it feels like you're invincible. The laws of physics are against you with a long rod when applying pressure.
That's not to say a lower tc is more powerful, it's not that simple. But whatever bends to become shorter under load and doesn't blow up will be the most powerful.
I have a spinning rod that's 7' and about 5lb tc, it would eat a distance rod for breakfast but is the least enjoyable rod to catch fish below about 50lb I could imagine.
That's not to say a lower tc is more powerful, it's not that simple. But whatever bends to become shorter under load and doesn't blow up will be the most powerful.
I have a spinning rod that's 7' and about 5lb tc, it would eat a distance rod for breakfast but is the least enjoyable rod to catch fish below about 50lb I could imagine.
In reply to Post #1
IMO if you don't have to cast huge distances then use the lightest test curve you are happy with for the carp you are targeting. The vast majority of carp I have caught up to 40lb and from waters of 3 or 4 acres or less have been caught on 2 1/4 lb test curve rods. Bend through to the butt and DON'T cause hook pulls
If I have to potentially cast over 60-80 yards would I change to 2 3/4lb rods and then 3 1/2 lb test curve rods when the potential for having to cast over 100 yards is there. With each step up in test curve the enjoyment of playing the fish decreases.
Just my opinion and others may disagree.
IMO if you don't have to cast huge distances then use the lightest test curve you are happy with for the carp you are targeting. The vast majority of carp I have caught up to 40lb and from waters of 3 or 4 acres or less have been caught on 2 1/4 lb test curve rods. Bend through to the butt and DON'T cause hook pulls
If I have to potentially cast over 60-80 yards would I change to 2 3/4lb rods and then 3 1/2 lb test curve rods when the potential for having to cast over 100 yards is there. With each step up in test curve the enjoyment of playing the fish decreases.
Just my opinion and others may disagree.
In reply to Post #3
In reply to Post #6
This is what I was thinking, likewise I've got a 10' bass lure rod, it's through action, 3.5tc tc & can buzz an 8oz lure 100+ yards & pull lure or lure + sea fish (& they can really scrap) back through strong surf. So not having done much carp fishing I was wondering the logic of high tc except where you are trying to chuck a lot of weight a long way in the hope of big fish.
This is what I was thinking, likewise I've got a 10' bass lure rod, it's through action, 3.5tc tc & can buzz an 8oz lure 100+ yards & pull lure or lure + sea fish (& they can really scrap) back through strong surf. So not having done much carp fishing I was wondering the logic of high tc except where you are trying to chuck a lot of weight a long way in the hope of big fish.
In reply to Post #7
Useful info, follows my thinking. Thanks. So finding a good through action rod about 2 - 2.25lb TC looks like the way to go for me
Useful info, follows my thinking. Thanks. So finding a good through action rod about 2 - 2.25lb TC looks like the way to go for me
In reply to Post #1
Completely agree with Paul on Post#7, I use 2lb test curve rods from the 1980's for 95% of my fishing, will chuck up to 100 yards, and when I need to, I have 3lb test curve rods for > 100 yards. But my 1980's Armalites are my go to rods, they are the business, bend through to the butt and beyond, I love them. They have a 25mm butt ring, 9 rings in total (very unfashionable). Whereas my 3lb test curve "modern" Greys rods with 50mm butt rings I hate really, but needs must sometimes.
So I would defo go for light test curve through action rods.
Completely agree with Paul on Post#7, I use 2lb test curve rods from the 1980's for 95% of my fishing, will chuck up to 100 yards, and when I need to, I have 3lb test curve rods for > 100 yards. But my 1980's Armalites are my go to rods, they are the business, bend through to the butt and beyond, I love them. They have a 25mm butt ring, 9 rings in total (very unfashionable). Whereas my 3lb test curve "modern" Greys rods with 50mm butt rings I hate really, but needs must sometimes.
So I would defo go for light test curve through action rods.
I use some CTX 2.5 tc for everything, I fish small ponds right up to 80 plus acre ressis,I catch ,and the rods bend lovely,what more do you need.
In another lifetime, I'd love a set of Mk1 armalites,my lad has a set I bought for him...lol..
High tc rods,...no fun,despite those owning them say they play fish nicely,c'mon they really don't do they..its all subjective,but seeing a rod bent right over,with the angler playing a fish skillfully is a great sight,not winching em in on a broomhandle and mangle for a reel..
In another lifetime, I'd love a set of Mk1 armalites,my lad has a set I bought for him...lol..
High tc rods,...no fun,despite those owning them say they play fish nicely,c'mon they really don't do they..its all subjective,but seeing a rod bent right over,with the angler playing a fish skillfully is a great sight,not winching em in on a broomhandle and mangle for a reel..
In reply to Post #12
Totally agree.
Keep an eye out on ebay for some Mk 1 Armalites. Mine are Mk 1's which I've had from new in 1987 (rebuilt recently though), but I picked up 3 x Mk 2's for my lad for £120, an absolute bargain.
Totally agree.
Keep an eye out on ebay for some Mk 1 Armalites. Mine are Mk 1's which I've had from new in 1987 (rebuilt recently though), but I picked up 3 x Mk 2's for my lad for £120, an absolute bargain.
I have a set of Century NG in 2.75lb these are magnificent rods with the important Action a 12lb carp or barbel will feel great
as have ALL my big fish with an English 50 and a few French ones with my PB French of 68lb all on these rods
AND YET a small double figure carp is a joy to play
as have ALL my big fish with an English 50 and a few French ones with my PB French of 68lb all on these rods
AND YET a small double figure carp is a joy to play
In reply to Post #1
Imagine your fishing rod as a tool for a job....after all you wouldn't use a sledgehammer to knock a panel pin in would you.
I don't think there is one rod that does everything...not by a long chalk.
I have my carp rods down to 2 sets...2.75tc for the majority of situations and 3.75tc for higher range work of over 120 yds and for fishing with pva bags.
The more through action a rod has the more enjoyment when you actually catch a fish plus ironically you can exert more pressure on the fish too...the vast majority of match fishing style rods are through action and matchmen land loads of 12lb to 15lb carp ( which are the hardest fighting ones imo ) in a single 5 hr match.
Remember people like Kevin Nash et al are very very rich men off the back of selling you stuff that you don't need
Imagine your fishing rod as a tool for a job....after all you wouldn't use a sledgehammer to knock a panel pin in would you.
I don't think there is one rod that does everything...not by a long chalk.
I have my carp rods down to 2 sets...2.75tc for the majority of situations and 3.75tc for higher range work of over 120 yds and for fishing with pva bags.
The more through action a rod has the more enjoyment when you actually catch a fish plus ironically you can exert more pressure on the fish too...the vast majority of match fishing style rods are through action and matchmen land loads of 12lb to 15lb carp ( which are the hardest fighting ones imo ) in a single 5 hr match.
Remember people like Kevin Nash et al are very very rich men off the back of selling you stuff that you don't need