Colin the Carp
Common Carp · Cyprinus carpio
The classroom for this fish. Use the Trip Planner when you want a mark for today.
Equipment
This is not the Sea Bass Battle Box. Use a carp rod and a big reel, or a stalking rod if you’re walking. An unhooking mat is not optional.
Rod
12 ft, 2.75–3.25 lb test curve for most UK lakes. A 9–10 ft stalking rod for the edge. Beachcasters and pike jerks belong in a different bag.
Reel
Big pit or a 6000–8000 with a free-spool. Clutch you trust. Bite alarm and a swinger or bobbin if you’re staying. For stalking, your eyes are the alarm.
The rest
Large net, carp-care kit, antiseptic for hooksites, landing mat (not a pike unhooking mat that’s too small), weigh sling, bucket, throwaway gloves for the kicker mix. Headtorch. A chair if you must — walking catches more than sitting.
Grok
Ask about Colin
Equipment. Ask how it works, what to buy, or what people get wrong.
Ask anything about this. A few places to start: