Best Carp Reels: Discover Top Models and Expert Tips

Reels are not just a means to hold your line; they play a vital role in casting, controlling, and retrieving. The right reel can enhance your casting distance, improve accuracy, and give you better control over the fish. As technology advances, carp reels have become more specialised, catering to specific types of fishing and personal preferences. This guide explores the main types of fishing reels, explaining their unique features and ideal uses.

Baitrunner Reels

Baitrunner reels, originally popularised by Shimano in the 1980s, are a favourite among carp and specimen anglers due to their dual drag system. This setup includes a secondary, or freespool, drag that allows line to exit the reel with minimal resistance, enabling fish to take the bait and swim away naturally without feeling tension. This feature is particularly useful when targeting larger, stronger fish, as they can take the bait without any resistance.

When ready to reel in, a quick turn of the handle or flip of a switch disengages the baitrunner function, engaging the primary drag system to bring in your catch. This dual drag setup offers anglers a significant advantage, especially in carp fishing, where natural bait presentation can be crucial. Known for their durability and smooth operation, baitrunner reels are ideal for long sessions and provide reliability across various freshwater fishing scenarios.

The flexibility baitrunners offer means you can adjust your setup based on the specific fishing conditions and target species. Whether you're fishing in a quiet lake or a flowing river, a baitrunner reel can adapt to the environment.

Big Pit Reels

Big Pit reels are designed for larger venues and bigger fish. These large-sized reels boast extensive line capacity and powerful drag systems, making them perfect for long-distance casting. They're a staple for anglers who target big carp or fish in large lakes and reservoirs. The robust construction and high line capacity mean you can cast further and easily handle powerful fish. Big Pit reels also feature strong gears and a large spool, providing the necessary torque and smooth retrieval action required for battling big fish over long distances.

Big Pit reels are incredibly durable. Constructed with high-quality materials, these reels are built to withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in carp fishing. This makes them a reliable choice for anglers who spend long hours by the water and need equipment that can endure continuous use.

Additional features such as line lay systems, which ensure the line is evenly distributed on the spool, and quick drag mechanisms, which allow for fast adjustments during a fight, provide anglers with the tools they need to fish more effectively and efficiently. These technological advancements make Big Pit reels not only powerful but also user-friendly, catering to both novice and experienced anglers.

Spod/Marker Reels

Spod and marker reels, once considered separate tools, now serve interchangeable roles in carp fishing, making them essential for both bait delivery and swim mapping. These reels are specifically designed for tasks that demand durability, high line capacity, and a fast retrieval rate.

When used for spodding, these reels handle the heavy-duty requirements of casting bait-filled spods or rockets to precise spots in the water. The high retrieval rate is key here, allowing anglers to quickly reel in empty spods after baiting up, saving time and energy throughout the session. The robust construction and large line capacity ensure that these reels can handle repeated casting of heavy loads, making them ideal for reaching distant feeding spots and targeting carp that feed at range.

For marking, the same reel can be paired with a marker rod to cast marker floats or marker leads, helping anglers identify underwater features like gravel beds, drop-offs, and other prime fish-holding areas. Many modern spod/marker reels come with line-friendly clips to secure the line at set distances, ensuring consistent, accurate placements for both baiting and marking. The precise drag systems and sturdy build allow these reels to perform reliably, whether you’re deploying bait or mapping the swim.

With their versatile functionality and durable design, spod/marker reels have become a core tool for carp anglers, allowing for accurate bait placement and detailed swim mapping with a single, reliable reel.

Best Selling Carp Reels at CPS Tackle

Here are a few of our top pick carp reels:

Daiwa Black Widow Big Pit Fishing Reel

A big pit reel that offers superb looks and performance for the price. It has a geared-down retrieve that delivers excellent winding power and hauls 85cm per handle turn. The tapered ‘bucket’ spool on the largest LD model will hold an impressive 530m of 0.35mm, making it excellent even when baits are rowed out beyond casting distance.

Key Features:

• Aluminium spool
• Graphite body
• Graphite rotor
• Twistbuster
• Infinite anti-reverse
• 85cm crank
• Geared down retrieve
• Large line capacity

Shimano Baitrunner ST RB reels

The Shimano Baitrunner ST-RB reels 6000 and 10000 are known for their ease of use, smoothness, and reliability. They feature a super easy-to-use baitrunner system, double handles for a balanced feel, and a lightweight aluminium AR-C spool with a Varispeed line lay. The reels also have a powerful 4.6:1 gear ratio for playing big fish.

Key features:

• Easy to use
• Double handles for a balanced feel
• Lightweight aluminium AR-C spool
• Smooth and reliable
• Powerful enough for big fish

Sonik Vader X RS 8000 Spod Reel

This spod reel delivers exceptional performance and style without breaking the bank. Its graphite body, finished in matte black and anodised aluminium handle with a wooden barrel grip, creates a stunning look, while the reel's functionality is equally impressive. With a single turn of the handle retrieving 1.1 metres of line, spodding or spombing becomes a breeze.

Key Features:

• 4.1:1 gear ratio and 1.1 metres of line retrieved per handle turn
• 5+1 ball bearing system ensures smooth operation
• Quick-Torque Drag System
• Durable Construction
• Twin spring-loaded captive line clips
• Oversized twist-free line roller
• Pre-spooled with a 30lb braid

Finding Your Perfect Carp Reel

Choosing the best carp reels for your angling needs relies on understanding the different types and their specific applications. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, having the right reel can significantly enhance your fishing experience. At CPS Tackle, we offer a wide range of top-quality carp reels designed to meet every angler's needs.

If you're still unsure which reel is right for you, don't hesitate to contact us at CPS Tackle. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you find the perfect reel to match your fishing style and budget.