Best Carp Fishing Rods 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Carp Fishing Rods

Are you looking for the right best carp fishing rods? Choosing the right fishing tackle is the first step to successful fishing. Especially when we talk about carp fishing. Experienced anglers know this for sure. Carp is a strong and cunning type of fish that easily breaks a fishing rod. Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to the choice of a carp fishing rod. The selection criteria are specific and relate to length, action, material, and so on. You should also buy a carp rod depending on the body of water you want to fish in.

The 10 Best Carp Fishing Gear Reviewed

ImageProductBrandLink
Daiwa Black Widow Carp 12.00 ft, 3.00 lbs, 3 Sections, Carp Fishing Rod, 11579-368DaiwaBuy on Amazon
Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod 2-Piece Carbon Travel Fishing Rod (Length: 10')FiblinkBuy on Amazon
Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods, CE-S-862MaOKUMABuy on Amazon
Daiwa Maddragon MD2314 12' Carp Rod BlackDaiwaBuy on Amazon
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods (Large, Black/Blue/Silver)OKUMABuy on Amazon
Daiwa Black Widow Tele Carp, 12ft 3.00lb, Telescopic Carp Fishing RodDaiwaBuy on Amazon
SHIMANO Sojourn CST 76 H CARP TLSCP CARP TelescopicSHIMANOBuy on Amazon
KastKing Speed Demon Pro Bass Fishing Rods, Cast-Punchinft Rod-7ft 11in H Power-FastKastKingBuy on Amazon
Generic Brands 2020 New Fishing Rod 2.1M -3.6M Carp Fishing Rod Feeder Hard FRP Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod Fishing PoleGeneric BrandsBuy on Amazon
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole with Reel Combo Sea Saltwater Freshwater Kit Fishing Rod Kit…PLUSINNOBuy on Amazon

Finding the right rod is not that difficult. This review of rods can help and facilitate your purchasing decision. Below you will find an overview of the 10 best carp rods.

1# Daiwa Black Widow Carp Fishing Rod

Daiwa Carp Fishing Rod

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The Japanese Daiwa Black Widow carp rods are budget-class fishing equipment that combines high quality and attractive value. The tackle has excellent performance characteristics. The fishing rods are equipped with durable and high-quality fittings. The rods are made of titanium. Reliable and comfortable blanks are made of high modulus graphite. Graphite DPS is used as a reel seat. The blank in such rods are perfectly balanced, have a low weight, which allows you to cast over long distances. The distribution of the load over the blank occurs in the throw. This model is most effective when fishing for large fish.

Pros
  • Great price

  • Perfect for distance casting

  • Ideal for beginner carp fishermen

Cons
  • If you want to get a light tackle, then you need to choose another model. It’s heavy enough

2# FiblinkĀ Spinning Carp Fishing Rods

FiblinkĀ Spinning Carp Fishing Rods

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This rod model is ideal for carp fishing. This provides high sensitivity, power, and casting distance. It has a carbon fiber construction. This material provides lightness and increased sensitivity to any carp bite. If you are planning to fish from a boat, then I advise you to pay attention to this model. You can make accurate long-distance casts. This is one of the important characteristics when fishing for carp. The rod looks great so it will delight you with its look. Looking at an accessory, an ignorant person will think that it costs at least twice as much. This is a great option for beginner anglers and those looking to save money.

Pros
  • High-performance guides

  • The high-quality reel seat

Cons
  • The handle can slide

3# OKUMA Celilo Graphite Spinning Carp Fishing Rods

OKUMAĀ Spinning Carp Fishing Rods

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The rods of the Celilo series are designed for all types of carp fishing. Blanks are made of graphite composite, ring inserts are made of aluminum oxide. It’s a sensitive model. Front and rear grips are made of cork. This rod is equipped with a stainless steel reel seat. You will be able to fish for any size carp in a variety of conditions. Believe me, you will not regret this purchase and will want to present the same model to your friend!

Pros
  • High-quality materials

  • Lightweight Graphite Blank Construction

Cons
  • You must be very careful when transporting. It’s easy to break

4# Daiwa Maddragon Carp Rod

Daiwa Maddragon Carp Rod

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It is a sturdy and incredibly sensitive carp rod. It is made from carbon fiber blanks and has progressive casting action. I advise you to choose a 12ft model. When it comes to carp fishing, this length is optimal. As I already wrote, this accessory is distinguished by its high durability. You will immediately feel it when you touch it. You will be able to control your rod and still get feedback. You should definitely take a closer look at this model, not only because of its characteristics but also because of its excellent price.

Pros
  • It is equipped with a shrink tube handle

  • Guides minimize line friction

Cons
  • The reel seat is not suitable for large reels

5# Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods

Okuma Surf Carp Rod

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This accessory is made to a high standard and is loved by many anglers including me. With this rod, I was able to catch a large number of carp of different sizes. It has great stats and does an excellent job of hauling out heavy fish. I was surprised to get such a result at such a fairly low price. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will be satisfied. The rod will allow you to cast heavy lures over long distances. But at the same time, you will feel even small bites. The model is available in 5 different lengths. Therefore, everyone can choose the right one for themselves.

Pros
  • It withstands harsh conditions

  • Guides ensure to keep your line running straight

Cons
  • Difficult to transport

6# Daiwa Black Widow Telescopic Carp Fishing Rod

Daiwa Telescopic Carp Fishing Rod

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The thin blanks of Daiwa Black Widow Carp rods have proven themselves for seven years as a reliable entry-level carp rod. The carp rod has a fairly fast action and is designed for high loads. Its blanks are perfectly balanced and quite thin, flexible, made from high modulus graphite. They make it possible to make long casts even with heavy baits and to haul out large carp without any problems. The rod is equipped with double-footed titanium-reinforced guides and an updated super-reliable reel seat.

Pros
  • Ergonomic handle that does not tire your hands

  • Durable

Cons
  • I found no visible flaws

7# Shimano Sojourn Casting Freshwater Carp Fishing Rod

Shimano Casting Carp Fishing Rod

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The new Sojourn rod line offers a great custom look at a competitive price. The billet contains a graphite composite structure that is lightweight and super strong. The reel seat is made of graphite and can accommodate almost any reel. Aluminum oxide guides reduce line friction. I love Shimano products. These are always high-quality and affordable tackle. And this rod is no exception.

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Excellent value for money

Cons
  • I do not recommend using this rod for large carp fishing

8# KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Carp Fishing Rod

KastKing Carp Fishing Rod

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Modern fishing rod for carp fishing! This model is in high demand among anglers on a budget. And this is not surprising. I never could have thought before that for such money you can get a reliable and productive product. It is made from unique elite carbon blanks with carbon nanotube resin technology. The rod is much lighter and more durable than models made of carbon fiber. The reel is securely mounted thanks to the Fuji reel seat.

Pros
  • Attractive design

  • Tested Fuji reel seat

Cons
  • The guides are very fragile

9# Generic Brands Carp Fishing Rod

Generic Carp Fishing Rod

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This model is intended exclusively for carp fishing enthusiasts. It includes everything you need to be happy for fishing tricky fish. The highest quality components used in the production of blank give excellent results. The rod is equipped with a handle that increases the sensitivity of the blank and allows you not to miss even the most delicate bite.

Pros
  • Easy to transport

  • Well balanced

Cons
  • This model is too flexible for me

10# PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos – #1 Best Seller

PLUSINNO Fishing Rod

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A high-quality rod designed with the advice of carp fishing professionals. The model has the best performance in action, flexibility, power, and weight. As a result, rods from this series behave well at long casting and guarantee reliable fishing of large fish. It is made from a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass. It suggests that the rod is durable.

Pros
  • This comes with a coil

  • Resistant to corrosion

Cons
  • The reel is made of fairly heavy metal. It can add resistance when reeling

Key Features of a Carp Fishing Rod

In this section, you will learn what properties a carp rod should have. And what should you look for when buying.

Material

An important point to consider when buying a carp rod is the material. Most rods are made from carbon fiber. And for good reason. Carbon is light on the one hand. On the other hand, it is super stable. Cheaper rods are usually made of fiberglass, which is not recommended. Unlike carbon fibers, fiberglass is significantly heavier and less stable. For this reason, you need to make sure the rod is made of carbon fiber.

Action

The action shows how the fishing rod bends when playing carp. If the entire rod is bent, we are talking about parabolic action. Carp rods of this type are suitable for small specimens. If you’re aiming for longer casting distances and large carp, a semi-parabolic action rod is best. In this case, the rod is bent only half, the rest remains rigid. Progressive action carp rods combine both. At low loads, they only bend at the tip. For high loads along the entire length of the rod. It allows you to make long throws.

Guides

Another important point to consider when buying a carp rod is the guides. Because of the enormous pressure applied to the rings when fishing for carp, make sure the rod has double rings. It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the ring inserts are made. Silicon Carbide (SiC), Aluminum Oxide or Titanium Oxide ring inserts are ideal. These materials are especially durable and will ensure that the ring inserts remain nice and smooth without damaging the line.

The size and number of rings are also important for long-distance casts with a carp rod. The more rings a carp rod has and the smaller they are, the more friction is transferred to the line, and the less distance you can cast. Therefore, if you plan on casting long distances, you should make sure that the rings on the carp rod are relatively large and the number of rings is small. In particular, this means that the starting ring must have a diameter of at least 40 mm. And on the carp rod, there should be no more than six rings.

Length

Depending on the area of ​​use, the length of the carp rod should also be different. Anyone who travels frequently by boat should use a shorter line than someone who only fishes from the bank and should cast at long distances. The reason for this is very simple. Shorter rods are much easier to handle. This is especially useful in fishing areas where space is tight. For example, in a boat. If you fish from the bank and often have to make long casts, you should choose a longer rod. You will be able to achieve further casts. Carp rod length is usually indicated in feet. The most popular carp rods are 12 feet long, which is equivalent to 3.60 m. These rods are ideal when fishing from the bank. Those who travel more often by boat should choose a rod between 9 and 10 feet, as they are much easier to handle as mentioned above.

Weight

Rod weight is less important when fishing for carp, as the rod is mostly attached to the holder. However, when buying a carp rod, make sure it is not too heavy. A lightweight model is much more comfortable, which is especially noticeable during a long fight. Ideal if the weight of the carp rod matches the weight of the carp reel. These two components should be balanced as much as possible.

Reel Seat

Last but not least moment. When buying a carp rod, consider the reel seat. On the one hand, it should be of high quality, and on the other, it should open wide enough for the rod to be compatible with any reel. Carp rods with a Fuji or Alps reel seat are especially recommended. These two manufacturers have earned a very good reputation over the years and are known for their high quality.

Conclusion

Carp fishing is a separate independent type of fishing. The main difference between this type and the other is the special equipment. Therefore, you need to have a dedicated carp fishing rod. If you still can’t make up your mind with the choice, trust me. My favorite model is the Daiwa Black Widow Carp Fishing Rod.

Tags: #best carp fishing rods / #best carp fishing rods and reels / #best carp fishing rods for beginners / #best all round carp fishing rod / #best coarse fishing rods / #best carp fishing rod bags / #best carp fishing rod and reel combo

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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Kerplunk
Kerplunk
4 months ago

Great article! I’ve been carp fishing for a few years now and I learned a lot about different rods from reading this.

Product Name
carp fishing rods
Gus R. Swanson
Gus R. Swanson
4 months ago

I’ve been using a cheaper rod for carp fishing, but after reading this article I’m considering investing in a higher-quality rod.

Product Name
carp fishing rods
GrownManJJ
GrownManJJ
4 months ago

The breakdown of the different types of rods and their specific uses was very helpful.

Product Name
carp fishing rods
JoshuaDavis
JoshuaDavis
4 months ago

I also appreciated the inclusion of budget options. Not everyone can afford to spend a lot on a fishing rod, so it’s good to have more affordable options listed.

Product Name
carp fishing rods
Maurice Garcia
Maurice Garcia
4 months ago

this was a very informative and well-written article. I will definitely be referring back to it when I’m ready to purchase a new carp fishing rod.

Product Name
carp fishing rods