What’s in my bag
I get asked constantly what gear I actually use. This is the honest answer: everything on this page is in my bag, has been for a while, and I would buy again. Photographs are mine, taken on the bank, not lifted from a catalogue.
Some links are affiliate links. They cost you nothing extra and help keep the site running. I only list gear I genuinely use, and I explain how I test and label gear elsewhere.
Private syndicate, West Sussex
The three I’d replace first if they broke
If you only take one thing from this page, take these.
My go-to all-rounder. Fast taper, casts a long way, and it has never let me down in years of use.
Compact and reliable, with a receiver that is superb for night sessions. Delkim quality without Delkim prices.
My current recommendation for value in a one-man overnight shelter.
Rods
Daiwa Longbow X45 DF 12ft 2.75lb
My go-to all-rounder. Fast taper, great casting, looks the part. I’ve had mine for years and it’s never let me down.
12ft 5lb spod and marker rod
A dedicated spod rod is essential once you start baiting at range. I use a 12ft 5lb spod/marker combo rod and it handles the weight of a full spod with ease.
Reels
A reliable reel matters more than most beginners think. I’ve had cheap reels fail at the worst possible moment. These days I use mid-range reels that balance quality and cost.
Mid-range big pit reels
Mid-range reels that balance quality and cost. Which ones I rate and why.
Bite alarms
Fox Mini Micron X
Compact, reliable, and the receiver is fantastic for night sessions. My honest top pick for anyone wanting a quality alarm without paying Delkim prices.
On a budget?
If you’re just starting out, there are alarms that cover the basics properly for a fraction of the money. Buy these before you buy a bivvy.
Shelter
Cyprinus Tardis one-man bivvy
A quality one-man bivvy is one of the best investments you can make for overnight sessions. The Tardis is my current recommendation for value.
Bedchair
Don’t skimp here. A bad bedchair means bad sleep and bad fishing.
Lightweight session chair
For day sessions I use a lightweight session chair.
Terminal tackle and rigs
I keep my terminal tackle simple. Reliable hooks, good quality hooklink material and well-tied knots will catch you more fish than the most complicated rig ever will.
Hooks
Sharp, strong and the right pattern for the bait you are using. Which patterns and sizes, and when.
Leads
I use a variety of leads depending on the lake bed. Which shape and weight for gravel, silt and weed.
Swivels
Small, cheap, and easy to get wrong. What they do and why they matter.
Bait
Bait choice depends heavily on the lake and season, but these are the staples I always have in the bag.
Pellets
Cheap, versatile and underrated. How to fish them effectively.
Liquids and oils
Which oils and liquids are worth carrying, and how to use them.
Camera and tech
Getting a good photo of your catch matters. This is the camera setup I use on the bank and the tech I rely on to find fish.
FishSpy underwater camera
An underwater camera for seeing how carp react to a bait on the bottom.
Deeper Pro+ fish finder
Castable sonar for finding depth changes, bars and weed on a new water.
Scales, mat and carp care
Please don’t neglect carp care. Every fish deserves to be handled properly. It keeps the fish healthy and keeps fisheries happy.
Polarised sunglasses
They let you see fish, features and line in the water that you would otherwise miss.
Kept current
This page is updated as I test new kit and my recommendations change. If something is replaced or fails on me, it comes off the list. Got a question about any of this? Get in touch via Facebook.
Shane Stanford has fished for carp for over twenty years, in the UK and in France, and currently fishes a private syndicate water in West Sussex. He writes Fishing Again to put the things he learned the hard way into plain language: location and watercraft first, then bait, rigs and gear. He is straight about which kit he has actually fished and which he has assessed on specification, and says so on the page.