When choosing a carp rod, you need to consider a few things. Are you fishing huge reservoirs and need to cast into the horizon?
If so, get a 13ft with fast action. If you are fishing small lakes for leisure where you are only casting up to 100 yards, anything between 9ft to 12ft would be fine.
How big is your car? If you have a small car, consider a Nash Scope type of rod or a three-piece rod that can fold down to a smaller length.
Are you hunting a huge 50lb+ carp in France? Get a strong test curve rod such as a 3.25lb or a 3.5 test curve rod. If you are planning to fish on match lakes, grab a 1.25-2lb test curve rod as it’ll be a lot more fun.
In this article, we will show you our recommendations for our favourite all-rounder rods that cover the majority of the above. You can then tweak the test curves to suit your style of fishing.
If you need more advice we have an article here that will teach you more > How to choose a carp rod
Our Recommended Fishing Rods
A good all-rounder carp fishing rod that will cover you for most circumstances is around 12ft, 2.5-3lb test curve.
1. Daiwa Longbow X45 DF Fishing Rod
BEST ALL-ROUND TEST CURVE CARP FISHING ROD
The Daiwa Longbow is a powerful and responsive rod that’s designed to give you a strong mid-range performance when fishing for large fish. It features a 2.75lb test curve and a sleek, fast-taper profile. The Fuji DPS reel seat also allows you to feel all the action going through it.
This Longbow rod features a matte silk finish and a low-glare finish, which adds a bit of understated elegance to it. Its custom build quality ensures that it looks good and performs better.
This rod features a metal finish and a shrink-tube handle for a classic look. The Minima 4 guides and X45 compression zone provide a durable and comfortable feel.
The Daiwa Longbow is a versatile rod that can be used for a variety of different types of fishing. It’s great for all kinds of coarse fishing, such as specimen angling and predator fishing.
The Longbow is made with a near-exclusive focus on performance and quality, which is sure to revolutionise your experience when it comes to fishing. If the action excites Fairbrass, this rod will back up any performance.
The Daiwa Longbow X45 DF is a great choice for those who want to keep their attention focused on the action while they’re fishing.
The Longbow is made with a custom-built quality that’s sure to impress even before you realize who was involved in its development. This rod was subjected to extensive field trials during the design and construction process.
Daiwa is a well-known name in the world of fishing rods. If you have been following the sport of carp for a few years now, or maybe you just started out, then you should know a bit about their history. Since 1977, they have been making rods.
Established in the Scottish heartlands, they are a thoroughbred company that has the highest credentials. Their renowned Amorphous and Kevlar blanks were designed to redefine what a good carp rod could be. They were able to take over the market with their progressive approach to manufacturing.
Today, Daiwa is still at the top of its game when it comes to making fishing rods. With the help of Danny, they are able to produce some of the best products in the industry.
The Minima 4 range is equipped with the latest and most advanced technology. These guides are made with a metallic-based liner that’s designed to keep them in place while they’re working, and they are lighter and more efficient. They also feature a 50mm butt ring, which is standard for reducing and frap-ups. The special 2.25lb floater special is not included in this range.
The X45 wrap is a complex piece of production that’s involved in the making of these rods. It consists of two carbon sheets that are spaced 45 degrees apart. This means that when you point them, wherever you point them, the lead will go.
The Longbow range is designed for those who are looking to go fishing in northern Germany for hige carp, and those who are heading to the countryside to fish for some 30lb’ers or you’re planning on using them for some small water angling, the range has something for you. From the 12ft. 2.75lb model, which is ideal for some light water fishing, to the 12ft. 3.75lb model that’s ideal for handling the most demanding of water, the range has it covered.
The Minima 4 range also includes a spod and marker, as well as a special 2.25-pound floater special. These features allow you to enjoy lazy summer days with the Mixers.
KEY FEATURES
- Designed in conjunction with Danny Fairbrass
- X45 compression zone
- Minima 4 guides
- 50mm butt guide (except floater special)
- Silk Matt low glare finish
- Fast taper profile
- Fuji DPS reel seat
- Profiles NS shrink tube handle
- Metal butt cap and trim rings
- Custom build finish throughout
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Great for casting
- Looks great
- Designed by one of the most well-known anglers in the industry
Cons:
Higher than the average cost
2. Fox Horizon X3
BEST BUDGET CARP FISHING ROD
The Fox Horizon X3 Range is a budget-friendly fishing tackle that features high-quality construction and an appealing price tag. It’s designed to meet the needs of most experienced and novice fishermen.
The X3 Abbreviated Handle is made from high-quality carbon and features a lightweight action that can be used across a variety of disciplines. Its optional cork handles provide a light bounce and is designed to handle smoothly and safely.
The X3 Range features anti-tangle guides that allow you to keep your line moving smoothly through the distance, as well as a durable 18mm-style reel seat. This package also comes with a sensitive transmission that lets you know what to expect next.
The Fox Horizon X3 Range features a sleek and understated design that’s ideal for both beginner and experienced fishermen. It’s equipped with 40mm butt rings for the 10ft and 12ft rods, and other models have 50mm butt rings. With this option, you can choose the rod that suits your style and fishing technique. This ensures that you’ll have a comfortable and flexible rod that you can reach for after a couple of sessions.
The X3 Range’s Abbreviated Handle Rods are ideal for those who are new to the sport of fishing. They are available in sizes 10ft, 12ft, and 13ft, and feature various test curves. With the addition of markers and decoy rods, you can create a stylish and effective set of fishing equipment.
KEY FEATURES
- Offers unbelievable value for money
- Ideal for anglers on tight budgets that still want unrivaled Fox quality
- High modulus, lightweight carbon blank construction
- Provides superb all-round performance
- Multi-directional carbon construction
- Anti-tangle guides
- 18mm DPS-style reel seat
- Black fittings and whippings
- Understated graphics
- 40mm butt ring on all 10ft models plus both 12ft 2.75lb models as well as a 12ft 3lb Abbreviated option
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Available in many sizes and test curves to suit your fishing
- Looks great
- Great price if on a tight budget
Cons:
- Budget rod
3. Nash Scope Abbreviated Fishing Rods
BEST FOR THOSE WITH SMALL CARS
The Nash Scope Abbreviated fishing rods are designed can be used to catch large fish, whilst also folding into a small package. The company has also expanded its range by adding new features that give it greater control and strength. These rods are ideal for fishing in weedy or fast-flowing rivers.
The Abbreviated Fishing Rods from Nash Scope are made with sleek cosmetics that feature Japanese shrink grip materials. These are ideal for those who are looking for an easy and enjoyable fishing experience. The rod’s construction is designed to handle heavy leads, large fish, and PVA tactics.
Due to the increasing popularity of heavier leads, the new Abbreviated models of Scopes are now available in 3lb, 3.5lb, and 3.25lb. These new additions to the range are designed to provide the best possible performance for short-range packdown fishing. With increased backbone and handling, these new models are ideal for handling and controlling monster fish in fast flowing rivers and weedy environments.
The new 4.5lb models are ideal for demanding fishing situations, such as dealing with heavy lead boat work, flowing water, and dense snags. Fans of the Dot Spod have also adopted these new rockets due to their effortless casting.
The latest additions to the Scope range of rings provide a short pack-down performance for various situations. These include 9 ft models that pack-down to 44 inches, 10 ft models that pack-down to 50 inches, and 6 ft Sawn-Off models that retract to 29 inches.
KEY FEATURES
- 9ft models pack down to 44 inches (112cm)
- 10ft models pack down to 50 inches (127cm)
- Six foot Sawn-Off models retract to 29 inches (73cm)
- Increased power 3.5 lb S models (Stepped Up Specials)
- Tournament style reverse Minima ringing on nine and ten foot models
- Purposely designed to prevents frap-ups
- Fuji anti-frap tip guide and 40mm butt rings on all 9ft and 10ft models
- Genuine Fuji reel seat
- Carbon line clip
- Matte black whippings
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Pack down to a tiny package
- Good for those that have small cars
- Great price
Cons:
Won’t cast as far as the Daiwa Longbow DF
5. Greys GT2 50 Carp Fishing Rods
MOST VERSATILE ROD
Greys was established in 1968 to provide high-quality fishing tackle for the discriminating consumer. The company’s products are known for their impeccable quality and are designed to allow the experienced fisherman to explore new areas of the water.
The Greys GT2 50 rod is a versatile fishing rod that can be used for a variety of activities. It features a wide range of options and is ideal for those who are looking to target the margins.
The Seaguide rods are made with a 1K carbon weave and feature exceptional sensitivity and performance. They are also equipped with a lightweight blank design that makes them ideal for all types of fishing. The guides come with an anti-frap tip and a Fuji DPS 18 reel seat.
The GT2 rods feature a high-grade Japanese shrinkwrap handle and a laser engraved butt cap, making them ideal for those who are looking for something a bit more special. The GT2 50 rods also have a Greys universal line clip, making it easier to control your line.
The GT2s are designed to provide the legendary Greys quality at an affordable price. They are ideal for all types of carping situations. There are 10 fishing rods and a spod model in the package. The carbon-fiber construction of the rods makes them look incredibly expensive.
Greys typically offer value for money by bundling a free line clip with their high-end rods. The practice has now spread to the more expensive models. The line clip is attached to a blank using a rubberized band, and it allows the fisherman to set the fishing spot where they want to use it.
The GT2s are equipped with high-quality fittings and fixtures, such as Seaguide rings and the upgraded Fuji DPS 18 reel seats. They also come with a laser-engraved butt cap.
These rods come in two different styles: the traditional cork handle and the modern shrink wrap. The former provides a more modern feel, while the latter is more chunkier. The shrink wrap adds a sleek and minimal feel to the handle, while the cork version provides a more traditional look.
The GT2s come in 11 different models, starting with a 6ft. 2.75lb-test-curve model that rises to a 13-foot. There are also 12ft spod rods and a 3.5lb test curve model. All of these models come with 40mm butt rings. The other models, such as the 6ft, 9ft, and 10ft versions, have 50mm butt rings.
KEY FEATURES
- Deluxe Fuji DPS 18 reel seat
- Quality Seaguide guides
- Anti-frap tip guide
- 2 handle options: Full Shrink Wrap or Cork
- Weight-saving blank design
- 1K carbon weave
- Laser-engraved butt cap
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Most versatile rod
- Value for money
- Company has been making rods since 1968
Cons:
None
6. Nash Scope Black Ops Carp Fishing Rod
The Nash Scope Black Ops is a modern fishing rod that features a powerful carbon construction and a reinforced cross warp. This makes it ideal for catching large fish such as the fish that are commonly known as carp. Its lightweight design also allows you to cast farther without straining your arm.
The Nash Scope Black Ops is a sleek and stylish fishing rod that features a set of ARD matte black reels and knurled twin locking collars, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking to catch their fish. The rod has also been equipped with Pacific Bay High Stand-Off Minima Guides, which give you the best chance of success when it comes to catching your target fish. The black paracord butt grips on this tool will keep it looking its best while it’s in use.
The Nash rod features carbon line clips and carbon backboards, which will not allow you to get rod creep. Its smooth casting and anti-frap tip make it an ideal choice for most tournaments.
The Black Ops series rods are made from high-strength carbon blanks that are reinforced with a cross wrap. These are designed to give you the best possible performance when it comes to fishing.
Nash’s Black Ops series rods are equipped with high-grade fittings that are known to give them the best possible performance. These include Alps ARD matte black reels and knurled twin locking collars. The Pacific Bay Minima Guides, which are designed to give you the best possible casting performance, are also included with these tools.
The carbon back stops and line clips of the Black Ops series make it an ideal choice for those who are looking to achieve a serious performance.
KEY FEATURES
- Alps ARD Matt Black Reel Fittings
- Knurled Twin Locking Collars
- Carbon Line Clips
- Pacific Bay High Stand-off Minima Guides
- Matte Black Para Cord Butt Grips
- Multiple Models Available
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Absolutely Stunning Rods
- Top of the range
Cons:
Higher price
7. Sonik Tournos XD Series Carp Fishing Rods
The Tournos XD rods are designed for those who seek to go beyond the limits when it comes to fishing for large fish. They feature a powerful casting action and are made from low-res Japanese Toray carbon fibre blanks. The durable and lightweight construction of these rods makes them an ideal choice for those who are looking to improve their line.
A good quality rod is built with a variety of key components. SONIK has been perfecting the art of making these rods for many years. Unfortunately, the price of carbon materials prevents them from being used in today’s competitive market. The Tournos XD is an exception to this rule and is the best value in the market.
KEY FEATURES
- High modulus, low resin carbon blank
- Multi-directional fibre tip section lay-up
- 1k armoured carbon weave throughout
- American Tackle 3K Carbon reel seat
- Lightweight low-profile DL-Black ceramic guides & anti-frap tip
- Full Japanese shrink rubber handle
- Anodised and laser etched butt cap
- Supplied with neoprene tip, butt and guide protectors
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- High Quality Rods
- Top of the range
Cons:
- Higher price
8. ESP – 12′ Terry Hearn Classic
Probably the most popular name when it comes to talking about professional carp fishing is Terry Hearn. He is a true legend and he has caught some of the biggest fish in the book, such as the infamous Parrot. He is also the creator of the E.S.P. brand, and he once said that he has an unusual sensory perception when it comes to big fish.
Terry has been associated with the E.S.P. brand since it was first introduced, and he has remained a consultant for the company ever since. In recent years, he has started working on developing his own line of fishing rods. He has helped the team develop their own set of hook patterns and terminal tackle.
The new E.S.P. Terry Hearn Carp Rods are made from the same materials that he used in his famous models, and they have been thoroughly tested to ensure that they will live up to their legacy. The original E.S.P. Mk1 and Mk2 rods were very popular, and these new models are expected to be no different.
The first model that Terry has created is the Terry Hearn Classic. This is a 12ft 9-inch rod that has a 40mm butt guide. It is designed for the dedicated fisherman who is looking for an all-around performance piece. This rod features a test curve of 3.25 pounds, which is slightly stepped up from the traditional length of this rod to reflect the kind of fish that Terry is known to target.
The E.S.P. Terry Classic and the Distance models have been made using the latest carbon cloth technology, which is incredibly strong and flexible. This allows them to maintain their weight while giving the fisherman the necessary confidence to target big fish. The rod is also incredibly hard and durable due to the reinforced overwrap.
The E.S.P. Terry’s Rods are also equipped with an ESD line clip and a SiC line guide. These features ensure that the fishing line is protected at all times. The various features of these rods, such as the full-length EVA handle, are designed to provide the fisherman with the best possible grip when they are dealing with large and hard-fighting fish. If you are looking for a high-powered rod that is designed to handle big fish, then the E.S.P. Terry’s Rods are the right choice for you.
KEY FEATURES
- Classic or Distance models available
- The latest high-modulus carbon cloth technology
- Reinforced with a tough, durable woven overwrap
- Extra length improves casting distance and accuracy
- Models boast casting abilities of 100-150m+ respectively
- Exceptional fish playing response
- SiC guides
- ESD line clip
- Fuji DPS Reel Seat
- Full-length EVA handle
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Long casting rods
- Full-length handle
- Great fish playing response
Cons:
Not beginner friendly
I have made a lot of mistakes during my fishing sessions and don’t want you to make the same mistakes. I’ve learned the hard way over 20 years of fishing most weekends, testing, tweaking, and testing again and now want to help you excel with your carp fishing.
If you need any help, you can reach me at Fishing Again’s Facebook page
Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Shane
