Sooner or later, everyone realizes that stuff that pleases us and creates fun and memorable moments, in most cases, isn’t very cheap. It’s hard to find an outdoor hobby that doesn’t cost. You’ll have to pay with money, your time, or often with both. Fishing is not different. There are dozens of various techniques and types of fishing, but carp fishing is among the most expensive. Join me as we explore why carp fishing is so expensive and does it has to be.
The Cost of Carp Fishing – What is the Most Expensive Part of It?
First of all, it’s important to understand that carp fishing differs a lot from trout fishing or coarse fishing for bream, barbel, or tench. Carp is a fish species that is very smart and elusive so when you target it, it often means you must spend a couple of days on the water. That fact alone increases costs due to logistics itself. But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s go through the most expensive part of carp fishing. The gear itself.
Necessary Gear for Carp Anglers
Every carp lake has its own set of rules and guidelines anglers must follow. Having certain pieces of equipment is mandatory in the majority of carp lakes. Below is a list of gear you should have.
Rods
Of course, rods are essential. In most cases, you’ll use 3 of them. They are available in multiple lengths, numbers of pieces, and with different test curves. But most commonly, you will use a 2-piece rod, 12ft or 13ft, with a curve of 3 or 3.5 lbs. Price range also differs depending on the manufacturer, and the features of the rod. Three mid-range rods will cost approximately 250 pounds (300 euros).
Reels
Second on the list are reels. In carp fishing, we use something called “big pit reels”. These are really big reels with a lot of line capacity and a gear ratio of 4.3:1. If you have three rods, you need three reels as well. Reel combos in the medium price range will cost around 200 pounds (240 euros). Very expensive reels are available on the market, all the way to 600 pounds per one! But, those will last a lifetime even when they are used on a daily basis.
Rod Pod or Bank Sticks
Once your rods are cast out, you’ll need something to hold them steadily in line so that bite indicators can work properly. Whether you’ll use a rod pod or bank sticks it’s purely up to you. Personally, both are equally practical and versatile. I use both depending on the location and terrain where I am fishing. Extreme quality rod pods made from stainless steel are among the more expensive items in carp fishing because they are in the 170 to 200 pounds (200 to 240 euros) price range.
Bait Alarms
These are mandatory on a lot of lakes, especially if you plan to stay overnight. There are plenty of options and types of indicators you can buy. Colors, sounds, shapes. These are just some of the details from which you can choose. Most commonly, anglers purchase 3+1 sets which come with three bite alarms and a receiver in a practical bag. A set such as this one can be purchased for as low as 40 pounds (37 euros).
Hangers or Swingers
I haven’t been on water where these are mandatory; honestly, you can do without them. Anglers use them alongside bite alarms. With their use, the line will be tight so the alarms can pick up action better. Additionally, hangers provide extra visibility overnight because they can be plugged into alarms. Depending on the quality and style you are going for 3 swingers or 3 hangers can be purchased from 12 pounds (15 euros) to 80 pounds (95 euros) or more.
Carp Cradle or Unhooking Mat
Either cradle or the mat, but you must have something on carp lakes. It’s mandatory because usage of these prevents fish from being hurt once it’s landed and it’s time to remove the hooks and take a picture. Remember that fish is very fragile outside of water and accidental drop of the fish straight to the ground can kill it. That is why unhooking mats are often used for other fish species as well. Neither of these falls into the category of expensive gear as they can be purchased for as low as 10 pounds (12 euros).
Landing Net
A piece of gear that’s a must-have for every fishing technique. Carp fishing is no exception. 80x80cm (31×31 inches) basket and handle of at least 1,80m (70 inches) is something you’ll need. Landing nets are fairly cheap and you can purchase a good quality item for less than 50 pounds.
Antiseptic
Last on the list of the basic gear for carp anglers is antiseptic which is used to spray the mouth of the fish on the place where it got hooked and to spray any other wounds fish may get from struggle during reeling in. One normal-sized bottle of this blue liquid costs around 7 pounds so it is not something that will make you break the bank.
Additional Gear Needed for Longer Fishing Trips
If you purchase a 2-day ticket (or more) for a certain lake it means you have to stay overnight. This brings additional costs because you’ll need additional gear.
- Bivvy or tent – You’ll need shelter if you don’t want to sleep under the stars (nothing wrong with that). A bivvy or tent for one man can be purchased for around 80 pounds. The two most important things you need to consider when purchasing a bivvy are the ease of putting it up and the hydrostatic rating.
- Fishing Stove – Unless you plan to eat out of the can or live on sandwiches for two or more days, you’ll need a stove. Not just for food, but for a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, or warm tea in the evening. Of course, the stove must have a gas cartridge so add that to the list of expenses as well.
- Fishing Bed or Bed Chair – Sleeping while sitting up isn’t very comfortable. That’s why you need a proper 8-leg bed. Waking up on the bank in the morning and feeling refreshed has no price so don’t skimp on this piece of equipment.
Logistics and Provisions Are Additional Expenses That Make Carp Fishing Pricey
Many carp anglers go on fishing trips lasting 2, 3, or more days. Some even go on fishing holidays that last for a whole week. If that’s the case, you need more than just the gear.
Travel and Provisions Expenses
Most fishing trips involving multi-day ticket waters mean that the venue isn’t nearby and you’ll have at least half an hour’s drive in one direction. That’s in the best case, but often, you’ll find yourself driving for 2 or 3 hours. Sometimes even into another country!
This means that you have to think about the gas costs and potential tooltips. When you add the ticket itself to that, you are looking at a good 100 pounds, maybe even more.
But, that’s not all. The majority of carp lakes are in remote areas and stores are not that close. So food and beverages are something you have to bring with you. If you are staying for three days, it means you need at least 9 meals and plenty of water.
I think that slowly, but steadily you are realizing why is carp fishing so expensive.
Bait and Tackle Costs
Next on the list is another part of fishing tackle. Baits and spod mix are crucial for a successful carp fishing campaign. Hook baits are mostly boilies, maize, and sometimes tiger nuts (if it’s not banned). When it comes to spod mixture, you can use all kinds of wet and dry ingredients. From boilies and wheat to hemp seeds and canned corn. The more ingredients the better. It will attract fish quicker and your fishing experience will be better.
Do You Have to Purchase the Most Expensive Stuff for Carp Fishing?
Now that you know what is needed for a proper carp fishing session and what makes it so expensive, it’s time to answer the original question. Does it really have to be?
I am firmly saying it doesn’t. There are plenty of things you can do to buy tackle for a reasonable price and avoid credit card debt while still having decent gear and landing awesome fish.
Here are 5 actions you can take and still have all the fishing tackle you need without losing too much on the quality
- Do Proper Research Before Making a Purchase
Don’t purchase at the first store you visit or on the first website you stumble across. Look for discounts and check multiple places. You’ll be surprised that even expensive reels can be purchased for an affordable amount if you are patient enough. - Consider Buying Used Items
Used items are always cheaper items. You just have to be careful so you don’t buy something damaged. Luckily, there are plenty of fishing forums such as the CarpFishing forum that have strong communities that guarantee purchasing top-quality items even in used condition. - Plan Your Fishing Calendar
Fishing in winter when carp is lethargic and doesn’t actively look for food is not the same as in summer. When carp is constantly on the prowl looking for a tasty bite. In other words, try to fish when the carp are actively feeding because you’ll spend less money on spod mixture as there won’t be a need to feed as much. - Try to Find Cheaper Venues
Even cheaper lakes have plenty of fish in them. Of course, specimens may not be the biggest ones, but it’s not always about catching a PB. Sometimes you should just go out, relax, and have a good time on the water. - Make Your Baits and Spod Mixes
Cooking your maize and rolling your boilies will cut your costs effectively in the long run. At first, you’ll have to purchase maize from the local farmer and buy rollers for boilies. But, it will pay off after 2-3 fishing trips. Ultimately, who knows, maybe you’ll develop secret carp fishing baits that will become a hit!
Summary of Carp Fishing Expensiveness and Cost Cutting
To summarize. Advanced carp fishing is expensive, way more than feeder or fly fishing. But, it doesn’t have to be.
The main reason is that it requires a lot of equipment. From rods and reels, to bait alarms, bivvies, and carp cradles. However, all of these can be so-called “budget gear”. No one says you have to buy the most expensive fishing rods and reels. Quite the contrary, some of the mid-range equipment offers similar, and even better performance than gear that has good advertising and nothing more.
If I’ll be perfectly honest, from my experience, buying the most expensive gear on the market gives you no advantage. You’ll have bragging rights on the lake and that’s it. As far as casting distance and ability to reel in the fish goes, you won’t see much difference. Whoever tells you differently just wants to point out they have the most expensive gear money can buy.
Another thing where you can cut your costs significantly is making your baits instead of purchasing branded boilies which are often overpriced. Of course, this will take you more time than going with a fishing-ready solution. But, you’ll have fun playing around with the aromas and dry ingredients you’ll use. Landing a fish on your own bait is an extremely satisfactory achievement.
The bottom line is that even though it seems the cost of fishing has gone through the roof and it’s becoming hard to cope with it, in reality, you can still have everything you need at a reasonable price. After all, experience and relaxation are why we go fishing, right? Not to show off flashy gear and prove to everyone we have money. Keep that in mind and don’t spend your money where there’s no need to.