If you were fishing for big, fit carp (say, up to and over 30lb with the possibility of something even bigger) fairly close in, which of the following rods would you use:

1. 11ft 2.25lb tc, soft, through action

2. 12ft 3lb tc, stiff, through action

Would the lighter, softer rod be undergunned for carp of that size? Would the stronger, stiffer rod cause hook pulls?

Ideally I'd have something between the two, but those are the choices

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Hi There,

Well in my view as you are close in the lighter TC with a soft through action would be an advantage, allowing you to feel the fish more and also having a more forgiving nature when those late runs under the tip occur. The only reason i feel for the Higher TC is really for casting distance and weight.
A 2.25lbs TC rod can handle any weight of Carp that you would encounter under the circumstances described, the only suggestion i would make is to consider them in 12ft as this would give you more control close in with any lateral runs made.
Good luck.

Or you could compromise with a 2.75lb tc rod with a softish top - like my cheapo Wychwood Rogue, which I've never experienced hook-pulls on (although I probably will now I've said that).

I think if I were to target really big fish then I would go with 12 ft 3lb test curve through action rods . I have some (origional Shimano Diaflash) and they are great for playing a fish on. I don't feel overgunned but have confidence in them knowing they can handle more or less any Carp out there.

My PB of 38lb 6oz was caught from the margins using a 12ft 2lb t.c. rod, so in all honesty, its not the rod, its how you use it.

Yes, I was hoping for these replies - it's what I was thinking. The 3lb tc rods were bought for catfish. They're distance carp rods really, designed to ping a lead to the horizon. Not really the sort of rod to pick up big fish from the margins.

Cool, decision made

He he, decision unmade

I just spoke to someone who made me change my mind. Anyway, thanks for your replies.

2.25tc rod from a decent manufacturer would be my choice


This post has been edited by Neil G: May 7 2008, 04:43 PM

I'd use the 3lb rods. A 30lb carp, hooked in the margin, is not going to be played in the margin! It'll be horizon bound before you know it.

If you hook a fish in the margin and the complete 'fight' then takes place in the margin, that fish is known as a 'bream'

How did people used to manage before everyone started using 3lb plus rods though?