Carp Rods — American Carp Society (2024)

In general, the above descriptions are given to the ‘softness’ of the feel of the rod. A ‘softer’ rod would have a through action meaning that when playing a fish, the entire rod will curve all the way down ‘through’ to the butt of the rod.

These rods are great for playing fish at very close range and absorbing the power of a lunging fish but have very little power to control a fish at distance. Additionally, they have a limited casting ability as the rod takes far less pressure to fully compress.

This type of rod is also sometimes said to have a 'Parabolic' Action.

The Medium action rod is probably the most common 'action' of Carp rod as a generalization.

They have good power in the butt section to control fish and are capable of casting medium sized leads to distance, additionally the rod tips are usually still very supple allowing a good action to play fish under the rod tip.

This type of rod is also sometimes said to have a 'Progressive' Action.

Fast action rods are usually higher in their test curve rating and have significantly more power on the butt and mid section of the rod to control fish at great range.

They are capable of casting heavier leads to distance however care should be taken when playing fish under the rod tip as they are far less ‘springy’ than the two previously described actions making it easier to ‘pull out’ of fish under the tip if clutches are not set appropriately.

Likewise, if you plan on using a braid for the mainline; in this case definitely use a mono shock leader which will give you both the protection/safety needed during casting heavy weights and supply a certain amount of stretch or 'give' when playing a fish...

This type of rod is also sometimes said to have a 'Fast Taper'-Tip Action.

Modern day carp anglers are facing ever changing fishing conditions. They are fishing larger venues than before and casting farther than before. If the fish are at range, then you will need to reach them to be able to entice a bite!

Many of the waters found here in the USA are extremely large and though specialist rods are not necessary to fish them all, there are some situations where they are put to very good use. If you do not own a boat, then a powerful rod will put a bait out to 150 yards in the right hands.

Years ago this would not have been an option with a Carp rod but with today’s technology and forward thinking rod manufacturers such as Free Spirit, Saxon, Harrison rods etc. and with designers such as Nick Buss, rods are breaking new ground in their power yet still maintaining extremely light weights and playing ability.

Years ago, this would not have been an option with a Carp rod but with today’s technology and forward thinking rod manufacturers such as Free Spirit, Saxon, Harrison rods etc. and with designers such as Nick Buss, rods are breaking new ground in their power yet still maintaining extremely light weights and playing ability.

Carp rods are rated in something called a ‘test curve’ (tc) There has been much debate regarding the accuracy of the ‘test curve rating’ but it is still the most common measurement used to describe the ‘power’, of the rod.

One of the two following methods commonly find the test curve rating of the rod:

• Hold the rod vertical with reel and line, and hang weights on the line until the rod tip is bent to a right angle to the handle. This is the weight of the test curve.

• The other way is to pull the line at a right angle to the handle with some scales attached to the line and read the dial when tip reaches a perfect right angle to the handle.

However as there are 3 different rod actions that are commonly acknowledged, this isn’t exactly 100% accurate measurement. Many modern rods are now changing their ratings to that of the recommended maximum cast-able weight. For example, ‘3-4oz’ or ‘2-3oz’.

This may increase with popularity as the years go on.