Discover everything you need to kickstart your carp fishing journey in 2025. From essential gear to expert tips, this comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up your first carp fishing kit and help you avoid common beginner mistakes.
1. Carp Fishing Rods
The first thing you’ll need is a good quality carp fishing rod. The size and weight of the rod depend on the size of the water you’re fishing in. For smaller waters, use a 10-foot rod with around 3lb test curve for easy travel and portability. If you’re fishing in larger waters, use a 12-foot rod with a higher test curve to cast further distances when mark and spombing out bait.
Our recommendation:
- HMC+ Light Carbon Blank
- Quality reel seat
- Slim profile retractable handle
- LS Ceramic Rings
- The two 3m Stalker rods and the BWC2300 (40)-AX feature a 40mm butt guide, while all others feature a 50mm guide.
2. Carp Fishing Reels
The reel should be able to handle the weight of the line and the fish you’re targeting. A good quality reel with a smooth drag system is recommended. Look for a reel with a line capacity of at least 250 yards.
Our recommendation:
- Gear Ratio: 4.6:1
- Line Capacity mm/m: 0,30-370 / 0,35-240 / 0,40-140 / 0,45-110 pound/yds: 10/300, 12/265, 14/210, 20/120
- Line Retrieve: 87 centimeter
- Weight: 550 gram – 19.4 ounce
- Bearings: 1 Shielded Stainless Steel
3. Carp Lines
The lines should have a test strength of 12lb or 15lb preferably.
Our recommendation:
- Maximum weight supported: 15 lb. (6.8 kg)
- Diameter: 0.35 mm
- Length: 1030 M
4. Carp Rod Holder
Investing in a rod holder is important as it keeps your rod securely in place and allows you to focus on other aspects of your fishing.
Our recommendation:
- Designed for use with up to 3 rods, the Leeda rod pod has many features and overall looks of more expensive pods on the market, but at a fraction of the price.
- The Leeda rod pod can be used in a variety of ways to offer the best choice for anglers who fish a variety of venues and require maximum support for their rods.
- The Leeda rod pod includes the pod, buzz bars and also 8×10 inch single bank sticks, meaning it can be used in multiple ways. The pod is also supplied in a sturdy carry bag that has enough space to take 3 alarms and indicators to allow for these items to be kept on the buzz bars for quick set up once at the chosen swim.
5. Rippton Bite Alarm and Bobbin
The Rippton BITEKEEPER fishing system combines smart fishing alarms and silver bullet bite indicator bobbins designed for both carp and sea fishing. This comprehensive setup offers phone connectivity, customizable alerts, and waterproof construction to enhance your fishing experience with real-time bite detection and monitoring
Our recommendation:
- Advanced Connectivity: Receive alerts through phone, receiver, and wristband with ranges up to 100 meters for alarms and 10 meters for bobbins.
- Fully Customizable: Adjust sensitivity, LED lights, tone, and volume settings through the Bitekeeper APP.
- Durable Construction: IP66 waterproof rating with rechargeable batteries supporting up to 7 days of standby time.
- Complete Protection: Comes with 6-month warranty for components and 2-year warranty for the complete set.
6. Bankstick
A good quality bankstick is necessary to hold your rod and bite alarm securely in place. A 16-inch bankstick would be suitable for most fishing situations.
Our recommendation:
- A World-First design
- The width can be adjusted to suit any rod butt
- Made from the highest quality stainless steel components
- Precision engineered and CAD designed
- Made in England
7. Landing Net and Unhooking Mat
A good quality landing net and unhooking mat are essential to safely handle and release the fish once caught. A 36-inch landing net should be sufficient for most carp fishing situations.
Our recommendation:
- Different landing net heads to cover any fishing situation that you re likely to find yourself in
- The Speed 400, Speed 500, Competition 500 and Dual 550 models will handle everything from netting silver fish on light tackle through to bundling big carp into them
- Alloy frames
- Durable moulded spreader block
- Quality screw thread complete with rubber washer so there is no twist when attached to a net handle
8. Tackle Box and Terminal Tackle
A tackle box is necessary to store and organize your fishing gear. It should contain basic needles, hooks, bait stops, leg clips, swivels, and braid or pre-tied rigs and other terminal tackles necessary for carp fishing.
- The ideal system for all small items and rigs neat and sorts to store
- 1 x XXL Box with lid 36.5 cm x 29 cm x 6 cm
- 6 x Small Boxes with Lids + 1 Rig Board
9. Bait Casting Tools
Bait casting tools such as PVA bags and spawns are essential carp fishing gear for presenting your bait accurately.
10. Bait
Finally, stock up on boilies and bait to attract carp to your line. There is a wide range of carp bait you can choose from. Research and experiment with different flavours and colours to find what works best for you.
In conclusion, we hope this guide helps you build a successful carp fishing setup. Remember to invest in high-quality gear, maintain proper care and maintenance, and stay safe while fishing. Carpe Diem!
