I'm sure a lot of people just getting into carp fishing ask themselves
this question. It wasn't all that long ago that I was asking the same
question. I remember thinking, do I really need that length, isn't it
overkill? I'll never have to cast that far? My current rods are just
fine!
I don't know why I bought my first one, like many people my first Euro-rod
was the Cabela's Predator. A fine rod for the money, 11ft, 2 test curve,
able to outcast my 6 and 7 footers by mile! I loved those rods. They
were a bit clunky at first, it takes a bit of getting used to in order to
learn how to use them to maximum advantage. What's the advantages, it's a
combination of many factors, the ability to cast further is a definite
advantage, you might not think you'll ever have to cast further than you
do now but once you get them you won't be able to understand how you ever
lived without it. Another advantage is the line pick up, the extra feet
make a big difference when you go to strike, especially when fishing at
any kind of range. You'll also appreciate the length when fishing in snag
infested areas, again the extra feet help to keep the line off the bottom.
The ability to comfortably be able to fish with heavier weights is another
advantage, especially is you're fishing bolt rigs. Finally, and perhaps
most importantly, the rods are a joy to play fish on. You'll learn all
sort of tricks, side strain, putting the pressure on a fish, letting up on
them, the action of these long rods are made for carp, you're able to put
a good amount of pressure on the fish with less worry about pulling the
hook or breaking the line.
The next step for me was a proper English built carp rod, my first was a 2
test curve multi-range Northwestern Kevlite. Wow, I thought the predators
were good, this thing was awesome. The more I used it the more I realized
that it things were made for carp. Pulled hooks and broken line became a
thing of the past, I now became pretty confident that just about any carp
hooked was gonna make it to the bank. The action is such that it's
difficult to put too much pressure on a fish. I wasn't too long until I
was calling Eurotackle to order a second one. Yes, $200+ seems a lot for
a fishing rod, but mine have been going strong for over eight years, have
literally caught tons of carp, and are a good as the first day I used
them. They've made my fishing just that much more enjoyable. Fishing
time is at a premium for most of us, and you've got to make the most of
it.
Since then I've spent a silly amount of money on rods to round out my carp
fishing arsenal. I've got a Northwestern Kevlite float rod for float
fishing. A pair of 2 test curve rods for long range/heavy lead fishing,
a 3lb test curve rod for extreme range fishing, and on and on. I'm
looking at my rods right now, and I count 8 Euro-carp rods, and I've sold
a few second hand as well.
At the end of the day you have to make your mind up about how important
your fishing is to you. You can catch carp with a standard American set
up, but a purpose built carp rod will make you a more effective carp
fisherman.
Patrick Kerwin
pker@loc.gov
