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My younger brother has really struggled with life during this pandemic and I've never seen him so down.
He is a keen sea angler but given the unpredictable nature of sea fishing he has kind of lost interest. He has been carp fishing recently with friends and really enjoyed it.
I want to help set him up for carp fishing but don't really know much about it. I'd also tag along to keep him company but I have only ever used a float road.
So far he has 2 x Daiwa Black Widow 10' rods but that's about it, can anyone suggest suitable reels to go with these?
Any other tips and advice much appreciated.
I have a massive carp landing net and unhooking matt if you want to collect. Am in Bath.
Probably got a bite alarm somewhere hidden in shed.
Get on your local Facebook carp group, usually guys who are really helpful, like this place.
I’m certainly no angling expert, but the previous post sounds like a great idea. Perhaps you can push him not only in the direction of the right kit, but new friends (or at least social interactions) in an area he’s interested in.
@markoulini really appreciate the offer, but I'm down in the southeast unfortunately.
Yeah, essentially want to get him to the point he is comfortable going by his self, then I'll go occasionally. Think he belongs to some FB groups but compared to sea (shore) fishing, carp fishing looks like serious business which might intimidate him, thinking he has to have all the gear.
Thanks guys!
Pm me with your address and I will post the bite alarm and some other carp bits of tackle if I find them.
Am off on holiday back Thursday so may not reply for a while
Shimano Baitrunners used to be the go to reel
Delkim bite alarms
Decent sized net
Some quality bank sticks
Comfy bed chair
Throwing stick / spod rod
head torch , then all the little rig bits that add up quick.- hooks , swivels , leads , bead , hook link line , braid etc
word of warning , it can be rather lonely and on some lakes alot of weed gets smoked but generally nice people who will help you catch fish
Aside from the cameraderie, carp fishing is hours of monotony interspesed with occasional adrenaline. If he needs a therapeutic escape I'd recommemd a nice bit of river fishing. There's more to do and see.
The world needs more Markoulini's.
It may be worth thinking about going to a local fishery that has a good stock of smaller carp in say up to 15lb to hone the technique a bit. They can be caught on quite simple gear either on waggler or method feeder and be great fun. Catching a few fish to start with tends to keep the interest going and learn how to play and land fish rather than sitting all day waiting for the big ‘un.
A good landing net and unhooking mat are an essential along with a comfy chair. Rig kits comprising hooks, weight adaptors, silicon tubing, swivels etc. are cheap on eBay and enable you to make your own end tackle rigs.
Serious carp fishing can get spendy if you look at all the boutique gear available in the fishing stores, an easy trap to fall into-so I’m told obviously.
Used to Carp as a lad, loved sitting by the lake doing bugger all for hours on end. Decathlon does some good cheap angling gear and also sells bait etc but don’t forget your local tackle shop will help too.
Definitely echo the recommendation of finding a lake stocked to the brim with singles and doubles, I always found it more fun than waiting hours for the biggun’ to bite.
Don't forget to go to the post office and pick up a rod licence.... You need one for inland /freshwater fishing.
A local fishing tackle shop will be able to give you advice on what to buy based on your budget.
Carp fishing can be complicated and expensive with all the equipment you need.
If you have any nice rivers nearby i would definitely recommend giving light lure fishing a good. You only need minimal equipment and it is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
Personally to get started you can't go wrong with a cheap 11ft feeder rod (quiver tip) and similar small feeder reel (3000 size) a couple of rod rests and a few flat or hybrid method feeders (weights that you put bait on). This will pretty much get him catching on most venues especially smaller less daunting lakes. It's very simple to rig up....no tricky carpy rigs all you need is a loop tier,a band stretcher and some ready tied banded hooks some micro pellets and a tub of hook bait (mini boilies) and you're off. Get him to check out method fishing on you tube and he will have the gist in no time. It's not really for the hulking great 20lb plus fish but believe me the smaller carp give a cracking fight on light tackle.
I was out for 3 hours today at out little carp ponds in town and whilst all the bite alarm boys blanked I managed to bag 12 all in or around 10lb (humble brag). I hadn't fished for years before lock down then due to climbing shutting down I got myself some cheap gear and hit the water and really enjoy. If all else fails on natural venues head to the little commercial waters £10 for most day tickets and you're sure to bag plenty.
There are a couple of carp forums, they will be great for learning about bait and making boilies, tackle tips and reviews. I used to match fish to a decent level but it was all mainly carp just at a low weight on a pole rather than rod and line. Lots of fun can be had fishing the margins of a lake that has had a match, the anglers throw excess bait in the carp clear it up once the noise settles after they have left.
Keep an eye on eBay, forums for people selling complete set ups, often a cheap way of getting gear.
There is lots to learn must most anglers are a friendly bunch. Let us know when you get your first double, and twenty.