Carp Fishing Tackle - A Glossary of Terms

Carp Fishing Tackle - A Glossary of Terms

Carp fishing tackle can be highly specialized. Here's a brief glossary of some important terms related to carp fishing tackle and carp fishing gear.

Terms Related to the Carp Species

Barbels: The 2 organs on the upper jaw of a carp that look like whiskers. Barbels help the carp find food in murky water.

Cloopers: Carp that are feeding on the surface.

Mudders: Carp that are feeding on the bottom. Evident by the cloud of mud they kick up.

Coarse fish: All species that are not members of the trout or salmon families.

Terms Related to Carp Tackle and Rigs

Leader: A length of heavy-duty line that's about 30 to 40 feet long. A leader is attached to the main line because it is more resistant to abrasion. A hook length is then attached to the end of the leader for attaching the carp bait.

Shock leader: A length of extra heavy line that can withstand the force of a long cast.

Feeder: A secondary piece of carp tackle, this is a cage that is attached to the leader instead of a sinker. Bait is pressed into the feeder to attract the carp to the baited hook.

Float: A bobber that's more sensitive than the familiar white and red globes. Floats are long and slender and function as bite detector signals as well as devices for presenting the bait to the carp.

Semi-fixed: A piece of carp fishing tackle that allows the leader to detach from the line in case of snags. A bolt rig is a variation of the semi-fixed rig that automatically hooks the carp when the leader tightens.

Fixed: Refers to tackle or leaders that do not slide along the line and do not come free when the main line breaks.

Stringer: Several baits without hooks that are attached close to the hooked bait as "freebies."

Terms Related to Carp Bait

Tiger nut: A small tuber that is an excellent carp bait. Tiger nuts must be boiled until thick and sticky before use.

Chum: Bait that is thrown into the water to attract fish to the vicinity of the hook bait.

Boilie: A bait that is a piece of round, hard dough. Boilies are made from a variety of grains mixed with water to form a thick dough, formed into sphere shapes and boiled.

Carp Fishing Tackle - A Glossary of Terms

Fishing Tackle Boxes For Anglers - A Place For Everything

Fishing Tackle Boxes For Anglers - A Place For Everything


Fishing tackle boxes are an often overlooked but critically important item. Fishing tackle bags however, are gaining wide popularity with UK anglers because of their versatility. Here's some information about tackle bags and their many innovative features.

Reasons to Consider a Tackle Bag

The method you use to stow your fishing gear, whether it's a tackle box or a tackle bag, must have a high degree of functionality. A tackle bag has the advantage of looking like a piece of luggage, which makes it easy to travel with. Because it's soft-sided, a bag is often capable of holding more fishing tackle than a hard-sided box of the same size. These bags come in a variety of colors and styles, from the ever-popular outdoors man's camouflage to an elegant leather-trimmed piece of gear. Fishing tackle bags are generally made from durable, hard-wearing materials like rip stop 900 denier nylon. Nylon fabric is also easy to clean, mildew resistant, rot resistant, abrasion resistant and quick drying. The nylon used in tackle bags is often polyurethane coated for additional durability and water resistance.

Other Desirable Features of Tackle Bags

Since these tackle bags are used outdoors in varying weather conditions, look for a bag with a bottom that's reinforced with an extra layer of material. If possible try to find a bag that's advertised as completely waterproof, perhaps with a PVC coating on the bottom of the outside. A good bag will also have a reinforced bottom and sides. The bag should have sturdy and versatile carrying straps. A detachable padded shoulder strap is also a desirable feature. A good bag will have plenty of external zippered pockets on the front and sides. Some bags have front pockets with zippers around 3 sides. When completely unzipped, these pockets reveal organizational features like pen pockets and clips for car keys and other small items. Inside, tackle bags are very versatile. Many come with a system of dividers that can be added or removed according to the fisherman's need. Even the top flap of some bags will have a zippered, see-though pockets. The bag should also have some sort of a strap system that enables secure carrying of rods.

There's nothing more frustrating than being unable to find a critical piece of fishing equipment at a critical moment. Fishing tackle boxes and especially tackle bags, are essential pieces of gear to keep UK anglers organized.

Fishing Tackle Boxes For Anglers - A Place For Everything