When springtime approaches, carp anglers across the globe dust off their fishing gear. As the winter melts away, carp will start to actively feed and move around the lake, making it a prime moment to make some memorable catches. Step up your game as an angler in 2024 with a new set of carp fishing rods!
We've put together a list of our top picks for the year. Whether you're a novice looking to try angling for the first time or an experienced fisherman, there is something on this list for you.
Read on to discover the Best Carp Fishing Rods of 2024!
1. DAIWA - BASIA X45 TT ALPS
BEST FOR A POWERFUL, CONSISTENT CAST
This rod is one to write home about, made for the angler daring enough to go after the most powerful carp.
Lightweight and sleek in build, the Basia X45 from Daiwa is easy to handle for anglers of all sizes and abilities. With X45 technology this rod's straight-line accuracy and high torque resistance mean that when you cast, it'll go where you intend.
With minimal red butt caps, whippings, and collars, it's sure to make you stand out without detracting from your skill.
PROS
- Lightweight design but powerful pull — The company reduced the weight of the Basia X45 by 10% during the redesign, making it perfect for someone who prefers a lighter rod
- Enduring quality — You can count on this rod for years to come. Thanks to the incredible by-hand craftsmanship, the Basia X45 is a worthwhile long-term investment
- UK-made — The X45 is an excellent choice for those looking to support UK manufacturing
CONS
- Pricey — With unbeatable quality comes a hefty price tag. While this is an exceptional rod, it may not be the best choice for beginners or those on a tight budget
2. DAIWA - LONGBOW X45 TT ALPS
BEST FOR SEAL OF APPROVAL FROM THOSE IN THE KNOW!
If you're looking for a rod vetted by our own employees, look no further than the Daiwa Longbow X45. The one-and-only Danny Fairbrass partook in this rod's development and has given it his stamp of approval.
It boasts crisp and powerful action, making it an excellent choice for mid-range casting performance. It handles itself beautifully under pressure.
PROS
- Outstanding performance and value — Although not the most expensive rod on the market, the fixtures and fittings are top of the range, meaning you get exceptional performance at a great price!
- Can handle the longest casts — Outstanding casting performance, the carp will always be in range this season!
- Exceptional accuracy — Many users of the Longbow X45 report incredible accuracy in their casts
CONS
- Specialist equipment — Not suited to inexperienced anglers
3. SHIMANO - TX-7 ROD - 12FT INTENSITY
BEST FOR LONG CASTS AND HAULING HUGE CARP!
Japanese company Shimano has been developing high-calibre rods since the 1920s. The TX-7 is an absolute powerhouse of a carp rod. With the TX-7, you’ll have no problem handling big, aggressive fish in wide-open waters.
Surprisingly, the massive power in this rod does not mean it’s bulky. On the contrary, the elegant design of this rod is slim with a subtle, eye-catching pattern and an aesthetically pleasing blank. Make your catch while looking your best with the Shimano TX-7.
PROS
- Balanced design — More power often means more weight. Not with the Shimano TX-7. Kigan Stainless Steel Zirconia guides and its thin bio-fibre construction give the rod impressive strength without weighing you down
- Robust yet forgiving blank — These rods feel bulletproof, and they really are!
- Exceptional value — The affordable price for the level of craftsmanship in the rod is unbeatable
CONS
- Stiff — This rod is more rigid in the backbone than other comparable rods, which may not suit all anglers
4. DAIWA - BLACK WIDOW G50 CORK T
BEST FOR ANGLING ON A BUDGET
If you're looking to up your angling game without breaking the bank, the Black Widow G50 from Daiwa is just what you need.
Lightweight and crafted with durable materials in true Daiwa fashion, this rod is the perfect addition to your kit this year. Offering great continuous action and a balanced blank, the Black Widow G50 will continue to surprise you with its ability to reel in carp.
PROS
- Quality at an affordable price — When you consider the quality, this rod comes in at an unbelievably low cost, no matter which features you choose
- Simple yet incredibly effective — The rod sits nicely in the hand and boasts a high casting power
CONS
- Softer performance — Not great for long casting.
- Cork fan? — The cork handle may not be to everyone’s taste!
5. DAIWA - BASIA X45 TT SPOD
BEST FOR ACCURATE SPODDING AT EXTREME RANGE
Daiwa does it again with the incredible Basia X45 TT Spod rod. With a test curve of 4.5 pounds and measuring either 12 or 13 feet in length, this rod features the perfect size and strength to get the job done right.
If you're looking to spod with extreme accuracy from a great distance, this rod is for you. With X45 technology when you spod, it'll go where you want, everytime!
PROS
- Outstanding performance — This rod boasts incredible power for such a lightweight tool, making it perfect for amateurs and seasoned anglers alike
- Precision — The line moves through the wide guides without friction, allowing you to cast a long way with improved accuracy
CONS
- Learning curve — If you're not used to fishing with a spod rod, the Daiwa Basia X45 will take a bit of time to adjust to. But keep practicing, because it's essential to use the correct rod for spodding!
6. CENTURY - STEALTH GRAPHENE S50 TITANIUM CARP ROD
BEST FOR CARP ANGLERS WHO REQUIRE ‘NO EXPENSE SPARED’ PERFORMANCE!
When it comes to the Century Stealth Graphene S50 rods, Century pulls out all the stops.
Is there a carp rod on the market crammed with as many premium features as the new Century SGR (Stealth Graphene Reinforced). This rod series you get it all in one package, whether it is; Graphene reinforced matrix system, Autoclave Technology, Generation 2 Anti-Twist Technology, Titanium Gunsmoke guides, Ultralight blank in each of its respective test curves.
When we say no expense spared we mean it! Technology in abundance and performance to match, the Century Stealth Graphen S50 Titanium rods are in a league of their own.
The new technology used in the construction of the blank is highly innovative. Using our proprietary Graphene material to help create Generation 2 Anti-Twist Technology in the tip section. The Generation 2 AT-T resists this angular acceleration by the insertion of fibres at varying angles within the wall of the rod. The result is a vast increase in resistance to torsional load and overall twisting or cork screwing in the tip section. This is a huge cause of inaccuracy especially when casting longer distances and more often than not the main culprit for poor guide alignment and unwanted increases in line friction.
PROS
- Unbelievable Performance — The Century Stealth Graphene S50 is the Rolls Royce of carp rods and no stone has been unturned in its development.
- Versatile — There are a multitude of rod lengths and test curves to suit all requirements.
CONS
- Wow Factor - You’ll be turning the heads of your carp fishing buddies with these rods!
Cons
- Expensive — All this performance and quality comes at a price.
7. GREYS - AIIRCURVE FJS 50 CARP RODS
BEST FOR SUPER HIGH QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE
With the AIIRcurve FJS from Greys, the possibilities are endless. Greys have been making super high quality carp rods for years and in our opinion their rods are seriously underrated!
The Torreon Nano composite blanks are just a joy to hold and use. The 1K finish looks as classy as it feels and the performance of the Aiircurve FJS rods will blow you away. Many top anglers are using the Aiircurve and we think many more will follow!
There are three handle options which we love, full Japanese shrink (FJS), cork or abbreviated. Not many rod manufacturers offer such options. Top class components from Fuji and Minima are standard and the Aiircurve just oozes quality. The real surprise comes when you use one though.
The 13ft monster will cast as far as any other rod (in the right hands of course) and we love the 12ft 3.25lb option as a fantastic all rounder. Give these rods a blooming good look, they are brilliant!
PROS
- Handle Options — We love the option of a FJS, cork or abbreviated handle.
- Top Quality Components — Fuji reel seats and minima guides mean that only the best ends up on an Aiircurve!
- 10ft Option — For those who fish small waters we love the 10ft option.
CONS
- Nit Picking! — Whilst we can’t find much wrong with these rods, we noticed the carbon line clip looked a bit unfinished, but it really was nit picking!
8. ESP - 12' TERRY HEARN ROD
BEST FOR THE "PURISTS"
If you trust the judgment of iconic angling legends, like the incredible Terry Hearn, this is the rod for you. The Terry Hearn Classic is the perfect all round 12-foot rod for fishing all sizes of lakes..
The Terry Hearn Classic is available in 3 different sizes: Classic 3.0lb (40mm ringing), Classic 3.25lb (50mm) and Distance 3.50lb (50mm).
This rod gives anglers complete control with incredible sensitivity. You can perfectly “feel the drop” thanks to the forward action and tactile feedback. You can't go wrong with a Terry Hearn Classic rod.
PROS
- Something for everyone — With multiple sizes, there's the perfect fit for everyone.
- Superb distance — You can get incredible casting distance with these rods. The 3.5lb model has a proven range of 150m with a 4oz lead.
CONS
- Foam handles — The EVA handles may not be to every angler’s liking, especially those who prefer cork.
9. FOX - HORIZON X5 S CARP RODS
BEST FOR HIGH QUALITY AND SUPERB PERFORMANCE AT A GREAT PRICE!
Used by many top anglers, the Fox Horizon X5 S Carp Rods come with some serious celebrity angler backing! Mark Pitchers, Harry Charrington, Tom Maker and the legend himself Ian Chilcott are all big fans of the Horizon X5 S.
Introducing an updated and improved version of the incredible Horizon X5 rods, the X5-S rods use cutting edge carbon technology for a stronger, lighter, thinner and more powerful blank. Using several multidirectional layers of thinner carbon cloth with nanofiber technology that are electro bonded together during the curing process.
All push over joints feature additional carbon reinforcement. The X5-S blanks have superior recovery to improve distance and accuracy in casting whilst still retaining a superb playing action. Now with a stylish Gunsmoke finish these rods are in a class of their own!
PROS
- Backed by professionals — The Fox Horizon X5 S is used by many top name anglers.
- Good Options — Loads of options regarding length and test curve, even the handle choice.
- Big Casting Rods - The X5 S in the 1.75lb test curve is a fantastic choice for long range casting.
CONS
- No 10ft Option — As it stands today, there is not a shorter rod option which may deter some anglers.