Carp Fishing

Standard Fixed-Spool Reels

These are a slightly bigger version of the average reel used by everyday coarse/match fishermen. They have an anti-reverse button on them to stop the reel handle from turning backwards and also a drag control known as the clutch. This allows line to be pulled from the reel without the bale arm being open, but the clutch has to be tightened up before reeling in. These reels are fine for standard, relatively close-in work such as stalking, but are somewhat outdated for modern style static carp fishing as well as tricky to come to terms with if you are a beginner. Although they are relatively cheap, we prefer to opt for the baitrunner or big pit-type reel.

Baitrunners

These are almost identical in shape to fixed-spool reels, but have a mechanism on them which allows a fish to take line without the bale arm open - known as the baitrunner. This can be engaged immediately by the flick of a button or can be turned off by reeling in line or flicking a lever. Baitrunners have been designed for modern specimen hunting, and therefore some models are larger than the standard fixed-spool reels and much more suited to the carp angler. They are by far the most practical for all-round carp fishing, as, loaded with the correct line and matched with a decent rod, the larger models will allow the angler to cast in excess of 120yd. To boot, they are also suitable for soft rods and margin fishing.

Besides baitrunners, such reels are also commonly known as free-spool or bite 'n' run reels. Our preference is for the Shimano GT Baitrunner, which comes in a variety of sizes, but, as with most items of tackle these days, it isn't exactly cheap. Don't worry, if you don't have or can't afford one of the purpose-designed Baitrunners, though, as a standard reel will do the trick just as well: they just aren't quite so easy to use.