Carp Fishing

Big Pit Reels

Although these reels can be used at a variety of distances, they are ideally suited for the angler whose fishing is usually done at a range in excess of 150yd. They are very small-bodied, large-spooled reels that carry a huge amount of line. The clutch/drag is adjusted at the front of the reel to play fish, and the spool is shaped like a cone with the front narrower than the back so that line can easily pour off on the cast or when boating the baits out. These reels are best avoided by beginners, as it is unlikely they will be fishing at a distance where one is required. The best advice we can give to the starter is to learn the trade on the much easier-to-handle reels mentioned above rather than on the tricky big pit reels. These reels are designed for a specific purpose and will set you back at least $200 each. If you're going to be fishing the big French reservoirs, though, such as Chantecoq, Orient, then you will need a full set to fish effectively. Our favorites are Shimano's Big Pit Long Cast reels.

There's not a great deal more to say about reels other than that there is more to a reel than just casting out and reeling fish in. You have a clutch to control the tension of the line as it is pulled off the reel, something which you should always check before you start fishing. Do this by closing the bale arm and pulling the line. If you cannot pull any line off the spool try turning the clutch setting half a turn (it will be located on the front or back of the reel), until you can pull line off the spool using reasonable pressure. If you can pull it off too easily tighten the clutch setting up a bit. You don't want it too slack or you'll never reel in and almost certainly give the fish you may be playing an all-important advantage. By setting the drag on your reel correctly you will be less at risk of losing a fish if it makes a fast, powerful run. As with many things associated with carp fishing, this is where experience plays a vital role.

At this point it is worth mentioning quickly the subject of line twist. This is something that has come to light in recent years through the overuse/ misuse of baitrunners and the clutch. Simply put, line pulled from the reel under the tension of the baitrunner/ clutch causes it to twist and coil when retrieved. The worst twist is created when boating baits out long distance with the baitrunner/clutch engaged. Whilst the tension on the line created in this way does somewhat help boating baits out, it is much better to open the bale arm and get a friend to hold the line under tension with his hand. Line leaving the spool with the bale arm open does not create line twist. Some of you may be wondering what the problem is with line twist. The answer is that the line can coil around the rings during casting, as well as become weakened when put under heavy tension. Avoid it.