Barry the Sea Bass

Equipment

Keep the kit light enough to cast all evening. Heavy carp gear will throw a lure, then wear you out and spook fish in clear water.

Rod

A 9–10 ft spinning rod rated about 15–50 g (or 10–40 g if you live on calm marks). That covers the 20–40 g pencils in the box and a 30 g metal. Fast-ish tip so a walk-the-dog still works. The Shore spin 9ft in the shop is that rod.

Reel

3000 size, saltwater-rated, smooth drag. Fill it properly (see Line and knots). A 4000 is fine if you have big hands or fish into wind. The Salt 3000 is the match. Rinse the foot and bale after every salt session — don’t dunk the whole reel in a bucket.

The rest

Long-nose pliers, a clip on your belt, a headtorch, a tape that actually reads 42 cm, non-slip boots. Polarised glasses on sunlit water. That’s the kit. Fancy bags don’t catch Barry.