Choosing the Best Marker Rod on the Market

by | Equipment

Carp Fishing Spod and Marker Float

If you’re looking for the best marker rod for carp fishing, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Not all marker rods are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to frustration and poor results on the water.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the key factors you need to consider when purchasing a marker rod, as well as give you some tips on how to find the best one for your needs.

When I first started out carp fishing, choosing the best marker rod wasn’t easy as I couldn’t understand the reason for using a marker float.

A much more experienced angler taught me what I was missing out on when it came to using a marker float, and since then, my catch rate has increased.

What is a Marker Rod?

A marker rod is a specialised type of fishing rod used for carp fishing.

It helps to find clear spots on the lake bed and gives an indication of the type of lake bed, whether it is gravel, weedy, or clear.

The length, power, and action of the rod should all be considered when selecting one – longer rods with more power allow for greater distances when casting, while shorter rods are more suitable for close-range fishing.

Additionally, the reel seat should be checked to ensure it is compatible with the type of line being used.

Finally, make sure to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision – investing in the right marker rod can greatly improve your success rate.

What to look for in a marker rod:

1. Action: Marker rods come in a variety of actions, from fast to extra-fast. Fast action rods are great for setting long-distance markers, while extra-fast action rods allow you to feel more bites and detect subtle movements when fishing close range.

2. Length: The length of the rod will influence the distance you can cast your marker. Longer rods will provide more reach and power, while shorter rods are more suited for close-range fishing.

3. Power: The power of the rod dictates how much pressure it can handle. Lighter rods are great for light line and smaller hooks, whereas heavier rods can handle larger lines and larger hooks.

4. Blank Material: The type of blank material used in the rod will affect its sensitivity and durability. Graphite rods are very light and sensitive, while fiberglass rods are more durable and can handle heavier lines.

5. Reel Seat: The reel seat is an important factor in determining how well the rod will perform. Look for a reel seat that fits comfortably in your hands and is designed to handle the line you are using.

Once you have considered all these factors, it’s time to shop around and find the perfect marker rod for your needs.

After a lot of research and shopping around, I chose the Prologic C1 Marker Rod and have been using it successfully for many years now.

Why Should You Use A Marker Rod?

If you are looking for the best marker rod, chances are that you know what it is used for, if not, let’s talk through using a marker float, why they are useful, and why this article is so important.

Marker rods are an essential part of carp fishing, allowing for accurate and precise baiting.

They also allow you to set markers at the exact spot where you want your bait to be, making it easier to find the perfect spot on a lake or river.

Additionally, marker rods help you detect subtle movements in the water which can indicate a bite.

Using a marker rod will ultimately help you become a more successful carp angler and can make your time on the water much more enjoyable.

Anglers can waste a whole fishing session, which is sometimes over a week, just by not doing their homework.

You must use the marker rod and float to find and fish in the right spot.

Finding clear spots to present your bait when carp fishing is an important contribution towards a successful fishing trip.

To find these spots, you need to use a marker rod and float to feel around on the bottom of the lake.

Feature finding with a marker float is an important skill to learn for any carp angler. If there is one skill that can increase your catch rate instantly, it’s using the marker float the right way.

You are wrong if you think you can just pick up a carp rod and start looking for spots, you need the right equipment for the job.

FishSpy
Use a FishSpy to confirm what type of lake bed you are putting your rigs on

How a Marker Rod and Float Works

You will better understand why choosing the right marker rod is important, by understanding how a marker rod works.

Be sure to note, that a marker rod is a lot stiffer than a traditional carp fishing rod, this is so that you can feel the vibrations from the lake bed.

If the rod isn’t stiff, the vibrations will be dampened and could misguide you as to what you are fishing on.

A marker rod normally has a big pit reel attached to it, which is loaded with a shock leader, and braid, and uses a lead weight with prongs on it, which helps transmit the vibrations.

To use a marker rod correctly,

  • Make sure the clutch is tight, cast the rod towards a tree on the far bank, and be sure to feel the lead down through the water until it lands on the lake bed.
  • Put your finger on the fishing line, trapping it against the rod blank, and pull the rod tip away from the lake, parallel to the ground.
  • This will send vibrations up your line and give you an indication as to what is on the lake bed.
  • Reel in the line until the rod is back in front of you (still parallel to the ground).
  • Pull the rod tip back again to feel the vibrations.
  • Repeat until the lead is near the bank.
  • Repeat all of the above towards a different tree on the opposite bank.

When you feel lots of quick vibrations, you have found gravel, and that is the ideal spot to be fishing.

If you feel nothing and it is completely smooth, you have found silt or mud.

If the lead gets caught and pings back at you, your lead has landed in weed.

How To Choose The Best Marker Rod

Choosing the right marker rod is essential for successful carp fishing. The key factors to consider are action, length, power, blank material, and reel seat – each of these features will affect your performance on the water.

When selecting a marker rod, look for one that feels comfortable in your hands and is suited to the type of line and hooks you are using.

Additionally, if you want to cast further distances, look for a longer rod with more power. And finally, make sure to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision.

Investing in the right marker rod can greatly improve your success rate on the water – so take the time to find the perfect one for your needs. With a bit of research and practice, you’ll be ready to hit the lake with confidence!

With the process above in mind, you can see that the rod blank makes a big difference when it comes to getting feedback from the lake bed.

Most marker rods are around a 4.5lb test curve and can be used as a spod rod too.

PRO Tips

You are using a marker rod to build up a picture of what is on the lake bed in front of you. Once you know this information, you can make informed decisions as to where is the best spot in the lake to fish.

Here are some PRO tips to help find the best spot to fish.

Recording Your Findings

Every angler should be filling in a lake diary and recording what they find when they are fishing.

Write down what tree you are casting to when you find a spot you want to fish on.

Also note down the distance to the spot by using the line clip, reeling the lead in, and then measuring the distance using distance sticks on the bank, recording how many times your line wraps around the distance sticks.

When you come back to the lake, you will be able to use these notes to quickly find the clear spots and be back on them with minimal disturbance to the rest of the swim.

Using a Deeper Pro Plus

You can also save a lot of disturbance by using a Deeper Pro Plus sonar.

The Deeper Pro Plus is a portable, castable sonar, which is attached to your marker rod set up and cast out into the water.

Deeper Pro Plus
Using a Deeper Pro Plus prior to using a marker float will allow you to find areas to investigate with your marker float without causing too much disturbance in your swim

Using a FishSpy Underwater Marker Float

The FishSpy marker float works just like a marker float, but it has an integrated underwater camera which gives you the ability to see the lake bed and confirm what you are fishing on.

It transmits a signal from the FishSpy to your phone via an app or an internet browser and allows you to playback what was on the lake bed.

The FishSpy sometimes struggles in murky water, but if you get the technique right, it is a very valuable tool.

Deeper Pro Plus vs. Marker Float vs. FishSpy

The Deeper sonar shouldn’t be compared to a marker float. They should be used in conjunction with each other to confirm your findings.

My workflow is as follows when I first approach a lake.

  • Attach a Deeper Pro Plus to my marker rod to get an indication of how flat the lake bed is and the general depths of the lake. The Deeper Pro will draw a depth map as you are casting around if you have selected this option.
  • Use a lead without anything else attached to get an indication of how much weed is in front of me. Casting to trees and markers on the opposite bank so I can use these as references.
  • Attach the marker float to the marker rod and get an indication of depth, looking for possible clear spots.
  • Attach the FishSpy to get video footage and photos of the clear spots to confirm my findings.
  • Write down where the clear spots are in a lake diary and use distance sticks to measure the distance to each of the spots, noting the distances down too for future use.

I repeat this process until I have built up a picture in my lake diary of what is in front of me.

Conclusion

Choosing the best marker rod for carp fishing requires considering several factors such as action, length, power, blank material and reel seat.

Longer rods with more power are better suited for casting further distances, while shorter rods are better for close-range fishing.

Additionally, make sure to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision. Investing in the right marker rod can greatly improve your success rate – so take the time to find the perfect one for your needs.

Finding the best marker rod for carp fishing isn’t easy, but with some research and advice from other experienced anglers, you’ll be able to choose a great rod that is suited to your style of fishing and comfortable in your hands.

Consider factors such as action, length, power, blank material, and reel seat when selecting a marker rod.

Make sure to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision – the right marker rod can make all the difference in your success rate.

By taking the time to choose the perfect rod for your needs, you’ll be sure to enjoy your carp fishing experiences even more. Good luck!

FAQ

What is the Best Marker Rod for Carp Fishing?

When selecting a marker rod for carp fishing, look for one that feels comfortable in your hands and is suited to the type of line and hooks you are using. Action, length, power, blank material, and reel seat should all be considered when choosing a marker rod. Longer rods with more power will allow you to cast further distances, while lighter rods are more suited for close-range fishing. Graphite rods are light and sensitive, while fiberglass rods are more durable. Make sure the reel seat fits comfortably in your hands and is designed to handle the line you’re using. It’s also a good idea to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision. Investing in the right marker rod can greatly improve your success rate – so take the time to find the perfect one for your needs.

Can I Use Any Rod as a Marker Rod?

It is not recommended to use just any rod as a marker rod – you will need a specific type of rod designed for carp fishing. This means that the action, length, power and blank material should all be considered when choosing a marker rod. Additionally, make sure to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision. Investing in the right marker rod can greatly improve your success rate – so take the time to find the perfect one for your needs.

What Type of Line Should I Use With a Marker Rod?

The type of line you choose will depend on what type of marker rod you are using, as well as the type of fishing you will be doing. If you are casting further distances, a heavy-duty line such as braid or fluorocarbon is recommended. For close-range fishing, a lighter line such as monofilament or copolymer may be more suitable. Additionally, make sure to check the reel seat of your marker rod to ensure it is designed to handle the type of line you are using.

How Long Should My Marker Rod Be?

The length of your marker rod will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do. Generally, longer rods with more power will allow for greater distances when casting, while shorter rods are better suited for close-range fishing. It is also important to consider how comfortable the rod feels in your hands – if it is too heavy or long, it can be difficult to maneuver. Make sure to read reviews online and ask other carp anglers what they recommend before making your decision

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Shane
Shane

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