Accessories for carp fishing help catch more fish. Plus make fishing easier and more enjoyable. These can be alarms, rod holders, and rigging items. Carp fishing has become a specialized sport. Each aspect of carp fishing has a special piece of equipment. They even make carp-themed calendars.
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Carp Fishing Alarms
Alarms vary in price from one dollar for one alarm to hundreds of dollars for a high-tech system. Needless to say, the high-priced gear is for serious carp anglers. The one-dollar unit will not perform well. So what does an angler need to look at in bite alarms? There are a few features that are needed and some enhance the alarms.
The first thing to check is the sensitivity of the alarm. Alarms have a sensor inside. The wheel the line turns has a magnet or multiple magnets. A wheel with more magnets is a better alarm. It is more sensitive and will alert you to the slightest movement in the line. Alarms with one magnet are low cost and less sensitive.
What type of switches and knobs does the unit have? Some have a single knob to control on/off and volume. Sometimes these knobs are hard to turn with cold or wet hands. Better models have a toggle switch for the on/off function. The con to the toggle is they can break if dropped. The alarm needs a cover or case to protect the alarm.
Another aspect of alarms is the battery. A few of the alarms use odd batteries. Check and see which battery an alarm uses before buying. If it takes an uncommon one, buy the batteries or choose another alarm. Always have extra batteries for when one dies. The odd batteries mean you need to order them before running out.
Alarms come in sets and kits. The better alarms have a receiver allowing you to move about some. When fishing in cold or rain this is a nice feature. You can go to the car or in a tent to stay dry and warm. Also, a few alarms need a receiver since they do not have a speaker in the unit.
Common Alarms and Kits
Check the threads on alarms and holders for a match. Some use metric and others are S.A.E. specifications. This is common in carp fishing accessories. They are made in several countries for a worldwide market.
Carp Fishing Pods
A pod in carp fishing is the rod holder. These are frames with places to hold rods and alarms. Although not required, these keep the rods off the ground and are adjustable. The rods can point at an upward angle, level, or downwards. Anglers have options with pods on how to set the rods for when a fish strikes. Some like the pod set to reduce drag on the guides. This lets the fish pullout line without feeling tension.
Check Price on Fishing Pods on Amazon
Slings, Mats, and Nets
Carp fishing accessories include nets, handling pads or mats, and slings for weighing. Proper handling of fish is overlooked by many anglers. Carp fishing has proper handling figured out. A net with a long handle is used for landing. A mat or pad is used to lay the carp on for unhooking. Then a sling is used to weigh the fish without harm. Some slings are designed for use as an unhooking mat also.
An angler at a minimum needs the net for landing. A fish can remain in the net for unhooking. Plus the weighing can be done in the net. Subtract the net weight from the total after weighing the fish. This will be accurate.
Carts and Bags
Carp fishing accessories add up quickly. An angler needs a way to carry everything. The use of bags and carts is commonplace in Europe and becoming popular in the states. Why struggle carrying several rods, bait, alarms, and all the other tackle. A bag or cart will take the weight letting you have an easier walk to the fishing spot.
The bags work well for most anglers. They allow you to carry the tackle across uneven or rough terrain. The bags have a capacity for 5 or more rods with room inside. The inside has ample room for bait, alarms, and terminal tackle. Plus there will be room for a few drinks or you can carry a small cooler.
An angler with too much equipment for a bag needs a cart. The carts do carry a lot of equipment and have rod holders on the sides. A cooler and tackle will fit inside the frame of the cart. The downside is going over rough terrain. The carts may upset or not handle easily on steep or rough ground. Plus, a liner is recommended. It keeps smaller items from falling through the frame.
Summary
Carp fishing accessories are part of the sport. Carp fishing is specialized the same as other fishing. The alarms, pods, handling equipment, and carrying gear. All make fishing more enjoyable and productive. An angler should consider their needs and choose purchases. All the gear is not needed but much is helpful. An angler has the choice in which items fit their needs.
John McIntyre