Carp Fishing

As well as an alarm, you will need something which creates tension on the line to indicate which way the fish is running. We think that the best way to approach the topic of indicators in a guide of this sort would be to take a look at their history, their specific uses, and also some of the more up-to-date versions. It is worth pointing out here that it is important to know why you need something and exactly what it is designed to do before you use it. Far too many anglers buy and use an item of tackle purely for the sake of keeping up with the latest trends rather than because it is the correct tool for the job. Besides, it's very easy to get confused between the various different types of indicators on the market, such as swingers and springers, hangers and wangers, wisps and wasps - they all sound very similar, but are in fact quite different and each is suited to different angling situations.

Hanger-Style Bobbins

In the age-old days of the sixties, when carp fishing was in its infancy, anglers used to use washing-up bottle tops, which were hung onto the line between the butt ring and the reel. These were the first hanger-style indicators and, of course, came free with a bottle of washing-up liquid. They were lightweight and served the purpose of indicating a bite when the line was pulled tight by the carp. In those days, before the bolt rig was widely used, anglers fished for twitches or slow, steady takes. They wanted as little restriction on their lines as possible and bottle tops were ideal.

As the carp became wise to the rigs of the day, a new indicator was needed. Things progressed rapidly and the 'monkey climber' was born. This was a heavier bobbin indicator that was threaded onto a metal pin on which it slid up and down. The main advantage of a monkey climber over a simple bobbin was that it did not swing around in the wind as much as a light bobbin and thus reduced false indications. Later on, bobbins became bigger and heavier so that they were able to register drop-backs more easily. There was a problem with monkeys, though, as they were not as free-running as a hanging bobbin. There was a lot of friction between the so-called 'monkey' and the pin, especially when it had been raining and grit had found its way onto the pin. In winter they even used to freeze to the pin! Monkeys were subsequently dispensed with and other, more modern methods of indicator used.

As far as the standard hanging bobbins are concerned, Gardner do an excellent model called the Rangemaster, which has removable weights for adjustment between long- and short-range fishing. Fox sell a Lightweight Hanger, a Carp Hanger and an Adjusta Hanger, all fairly cheap. Solar also sell a decent one called a Dangler, which is a little cheaper than the others. In our opinion hanging bobbins are the best types of indicator to use at short to medium range when the weather isn't too windy. They are not restricted to moving vertically, nor in an arc (as a swinger has to), and so are much more sensitive if set up correctly.