I thought I would run this up the flagpole for fun. Is anyone making carp rods? The reason I asked is that I attended a carp fishing seminar recently, and talked to a fellow who had 800 bucks wrapped up in 2 matched rods from the U.K., and another 500 in the reels, not to mention the fancy bite indicators and other expensive stuff. The rods were both 12 ft, and only carried about 6 or 7 guides. As I looked at the rods, they reminded me of surf rods in action. Of course you know that these type rods are rated by "test curve", which is how much weight it takes to deflect the rod tip 90 degrees from horizontal. The rods I saw were 1-1/2 lb test curve. Just thought I'd give you all something to ponder over t
he long weekend. Have a great holiday.Bob Vasko

[www.carp.net]

Good source of info on carping in general with a lot of links on the home page. I have been carping for almost 40 years and was really excited when I found this site. Carping is an addiction worse than smoking.

As near as I can tell not many of us in the states fish the European/U.K. method using limp, long rods and boilies.

Most of the carp rods, at least down south used at pay lakes, are between 6 and 8 feet and medium to medium heavy action. We mainly use pack baits also.

I built a new set of carp sticks this year using Seeker CBW709's. They are only 7' and a little heavy. I am now fishing a lake that I need an 8'. Just got in 3 Seeker CLB806's to build after vacation.

Mike, thanks for the input. I just thought that if the carpers are willing to spend that much money on gear, it might be worth the effort to build a few. I just didn't know what type of blanks to use, and I certainly can't afford to experiment. I hope we get more responses to this thread. Bob Vasko

[www.google.com]

Here ya go Bob! Will take all night!

Mike;

You need to try Talon's carp blank. That 12ft 2 piece 3 pound test curve blank is one of the good one I have used. They make 5 of them from 12 to 13 ft. Price is very comparable to the british blank I purchased. If you are after monster carp you need to try the 13foot 3.5 lb test curve Item:392. It is really a great blank for just under 9 oz, 8.8 to be exact!!

You are so right in saying that that look like surf blanks. Actually I use daiwa Emblem XT as my carp reel. But there is a much nicer one that you do not even need to use a bit indicator anymore. Daiwa had make a bait runner Carp reel

[www.daiwaseiko.co.jp]

And if you use the Low riders Guides it is really a very good set up. I got a 3 piece 3/5 pound test curve IM8 Enghlish blank that I rewrap with low rider!! The improvement is quite significant. You guide count will still be 7 but for one brad line while throwing boilis are really no longer a issue. Can we say far and away deep channel sitting if finally a easier deal!!

Do not get me wrong carp set up is not a cheap deal, a good set of rods and reels can easily set you back $1000 for the pair, but when you get a 50+ lb on the other end of the line and you are in the middle of heart land; salt water is not in reach. There is really nothing better. One last note, in missippi river now there is Asian grass carp and big head carp both can go over 50 with grass carp approaching in the 70+lb... Sturgeon season is so short, now we got something better. Chinese sweet bokchoy in chicken rig seems to work in low current condition for me!!

Happy carp hunting..

Good fishing (catching) <*)))))))><{