Carp Fishing

Construction

The Blank

Most carp rods consist of two parts - the butt section (lower part) and the tip section (upper part). However, it is possible to purchase some that are divided into three or four parts (for storage purposes), and even ones that are telescopic. Two-part rods are usually the preferred option for general angling by most anglers as they are said to have less weaknesses in the blank than those with more sections. Wherever a section joins another, you will come across either a spigot or over-fit connection. Both types are suitable for carp rods, but we prefer the spigot fitting. Before purchasing a rod, always check this area for any damage as it is a sure thing that it will crack if it is not 100 per cent sound.

A carp rod can be made from a number of different materials, the most successful being cane, fiberglass and carbon fiber. A number of other materials can be added to these to aid with strength and to reduce thickness and weight. To minimize confusion we will stick to the simple terms listed above. As far as cost is concerned, fiberglass rods are the cheapest. Although you might think cane would be a very cheap material, rods made from it have recently become very few and far between and so the price of some cane rods has risen accordingly. Carbon fiber is a moderately cheap and extremely versatile material. Understandably it has dominated the carp rod field since its discovery, and is widely regarded as the best foundation for carp rod blanks.

A good carp rod will be made from a relatively thin blank, measuring from as little as just over half an inch (12mm) thick at the butt end and tapering down to the tip.