Your first carp session: the kit that actually matters

Carp fishing has more kit attached to it than any other branch of the sport, and most of it is optional. A first session on a day-ticket lake needs a short list done properly rather than a long list done badly. This is the list, in the order it earns its place, with the NGT kit we would put in the boot for it.

Two rods and two reels

Two rods is the practical number: one is a lonely wait, three is a licence condition on many waters and a lot to manage on your first day. A 10ft or 12ft carp rod around 2.75lb to 3lb test curve casts a lead and a bag comfortably and still plays a fish on a day ticket. NGT's Profiler two-rod set pairs two 10ft rods with two Profiler 60 reels, and the deluxe two-rod set-up adds the alarms and the pod so the whole first session comes in one order. If you would rather build it yourself, the 12ft Specialist is the plain 2.75lb carbon rod most people start on.

Something to tell you about a bite

A carp picks a bait up and moves off, and you will not see it on a slack line. Two bite alarms and two indicators are the minimum; a pod holds both rods level and is the answer on hard or gravel banks where a bank stick will not go in. The two-alarm VS set comes with a receiver so you can hear a run from the car, and the Quickfish pod is the sturdy starter pod with a case. Bank sticks and a buzz bar do the same job for less on soft ground.

A net, a mat and a sling

These are not optional and most fisheries will ask to see the mat before you set up. A 42 inch net is the standard carp size, a padded unhooking mat protects the fish while the hook comes out, and a weigh sling lets you lift it for the photograph without carrying it in your arms. The 42 inch specimen net, the beanie unhooking mat and the deluxe weighing sling cover it, and a bottle of Fish Aid for the hook hold costs less than a pint.

Terminal tackle, in a box

Leads, lead clips, swivels, hooks and hooklink, plus a baiting needle and some PVA. Buying a loaded terminal tackle box is cheaper than buying the pieces and means nothing is forgotten. Add a pack of ready-tied hair rigs for the first session and learn to tie your own at home afterwards.

What can wait

A bivvy, a bedchair, a barrow and a brew kit are for when you decide to stay the night. A brolly is worth it from the first wet day. A chair is worth it from the first long one. Everything else in the catalogue is a refinement.

Where to start

Everything here is NGT and Angling Pursuits kit from a real shop in Lowestoft. UK delivery is £6, free over £300, or collect from the shop, and 10% comes off any basket over £100 automatically, which a first set-up usually is.