5 Best Carp Fishing Rods – 2023
With the amount of carp fishing rods on the market today, picking the Best Carp Fishing Rods can be quite daunting. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right rod to suit your needs.
This quick review will cover my top picks. Some of these are rods that I have used in the past or currently use. If you’re looking to purchase rods, There is a Huge Range of Rods at Affordable Prices to Purchase Here.
If you’re new to carp angling and need to know what features to look for in a carp fishing rod, check out this article, What to Look for in a Carp Fishing Rod, it will cover in detail all the characteristics to help you choose the right rod for your situation.
Best Budget Carp Fishing Rods
It can be expensive for those just getting into carp angling, and starting with a cheaper set of rods is a great way to save money. These rods will hold up quite well and provide a lot of value for the money.
Nash Dwarf Carp Fishing Rods
These redesigned Nash Dwarf Rods are sure to turn some heads. Quality rods at an affordable price point. The compact design of the Nash Dwarf Rod Range makes them an excellent option for the minimalist angler. No more lugging around big bulky rods; the Nash Dwarf Rods allow anglers to move around and find fish easily.
I’ve tested these rods beside the Nash Scope Rods for quite a while now and can say I’m thoroughly pleased with them, especially at the lower price point.
The Nash Dwarf Rods Come in Many Different Cork Options:
| Rod Name | Length | Test Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 6′ | 1.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 6′ | 2.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 6′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 9′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 9′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 9′ | 3.25 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 10′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 10′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Dwarf Cork | 10′ | 3.25 lb |
These rods are the perfect choice for someone just getting started in carp angling as it allows more wiggle room in the budget for other pieces of kit. I personally have a set of 10′ dwarf rods for my friends and kids to use when accompanying me on the bank.
If you’re starting out and the price is a concern, the Nash Dwarf Rod Range is one of the best rods that give you excellent quality for the money.
Sonik Vader X Carp Fishing Rod
If you’re brand new to carp angling or looking for an entire set of carp fishing rods, look no further than the Sonik Vader X Rod Series. They have the option to purchase three rods for a very reasonable price.
The main features of the Sonik Vader X lineup include a lightweight and slim carbon fibre blank, fast tip recovery for long casting abilities, custom Sonik reel seats and line clips, black SIC line guides with anti-frap tips, and laser-etched butt caps. So not only do they perform flawlessly, but they also look the part as well.
I have two sets of Sonik Vader X Rods that I still use from time to time. I have a set of 10-foot 3.00 lb test curve rods that I tend to use in harsh conditions. I’m not afraid to bang up these cheaper rods, but they’ve held up to the abuse of rocky shorelines and concrete break walls over the years with no problem.
I also have a set of 12′ 3.50 lb test-curve rods when targeting long distances on big waters. These rods rarely come out, normally only when it’s too wavy on the great lakes to get my boat out safely. I needed an affordable set of long rods, and these fit the bill perfectly.
The Sonik Vader X RS Rods come in many different forms:
| Rod Type | Length | Test Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Sonik Vader X RS | 10′ | 3.00 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 10′ | 3.50 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 2.75 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 3.00 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 3.25 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 12′ | 3.50 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS | 13′ | 3.50 lb |
| Sonik Vader X RS Hybrid | 12′ | S + M |
The Sonik Vader X Rods are a great option for those just starting out, good quality at a rock-bottom price. Although some pieces of kit from Sonik have failed me in the past, I have nothing bad to say about their rods which I’ve used for many years.
Daiwa Black Widow G50
Another one of the big players in the Fishing Rod world is Daiwa. Daiwa is most likely in the top three carp fishing rod manufacturers. They provide a series of rods for beginners and advanced carp anglers.
These rods are perfect for beginners to carp angling and come at the perfect entry-level price.
They provide a decent mix of casting power and fish-fighting properties. The action plays throughout the rod length to prevent hook pulls from under the tip lunges.
I used a set of three Diawa Black Widow G50 Rods for quite a few sessions. They are quality rods at a reasonable price. I found them to be a little soft throughout the blank and preferred the stiffer Nash Dwarf or Sonik Vader X Rods. The Diawa G50s are very good for beginners due to the forgiving action to prevent hook pulls while fighting fish.
If you’re searching for something from Daiwa other than their base model rods, be sure to look into their Infinity series of carp fishing rods.
Best Carp Fishing Rods
If you’re serious about carp angling and want the best-performing rods on the market, these are the picks for you. If cost is not an issue, you will not be disappointed with the performance and capabilities of these specialist rods.
Nash Scope Cork Rods
One of my favourite-looking rods is the Nash Scope Cork Version of the Nash Scope Rod Range. These rods boast the Fuju Gold Matte Black Reel Seat, Full Cork Handles, Reversed American Tackle Vortex Air Guides, 30 – 40 or 50 mm Butt Rings Depending on the size of the Rod, Laser Etched Compass Detail on the Butt Cap, Scope Compass Detail on the Reel Seat, Scope Detail on the Carbon Line Clip and much more.
Although I already had the rods listed above from our budget recommendations, I liked the look of the Nash Scope Rods. After upgrading, I can see why the price tag is much higher. These rods not only look great, but they’re built to last. With its looks, quality components and great fighting action, the Scope Rods are our number one recommendation.
The Nash Scope Cork Rods come in various options:
| Rod Type | Length | Test Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Nash Scope Cork | 6′ | 1.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 6′ | 2.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 6′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 2.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 3.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 9′ | 3.50 lb S |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 2.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 2.75 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 3.00 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 3.25 lb |
| Nash Scope Cork | 10′ | 3.50 lb S |
This is it if you want one set of rods that will last a long time. The retractable butt section is an added bonus that makes life much easier during transport and use.
There are also many other great options for Nash Rods in the Scope range, such as the Black Ops, Abbreviated, and Shrinks. Check out the scope rods on the Nash Website for more specific information.
Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Fishing Rods
These are top-of-the-line for a set of carp fishing rods. Made for the dedicated specialist carp angler. These rods are made with advanced technology and design to enhance casting distance and accuracy.
What’s new with these rods? X45X Full Shield Carbon Technology, Magnum Taper, HVF Nanoplus, V Joint Alpha, TDG Guides, Japanese Shrink Grips and ALPS ARD Reel Seats. Just what do all these advancements mean? Check out the video below for a quick, easy-to-understand explanation.
The Daiwa Basia X45X Carp Rods come in six different sizes:
| Rod Type | Length | Test Curve | Pieces | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 3.25 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 3.75 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 13′ | 3.25 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 13′ | 3.75 | 2 pc | Carp Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 4.5 | 2pc | Spod Rod |
| Basia X45X Carp | 12′ | 4.5 | 2 pc | Marker Rod |
Although these rods are out of my price range, I’ve heard many great things about them from other anglers. If you’re a die-hard Daiwa fan, these are the rods for you.
For an entire run down and pricing, check out the Daiwa X45X Carp Rods specs on the Daiwa Website.
There you have it, Improved Carp Angling’s top choices in the Carp Fishing Rod Category. Don’t forget to check our Recommended Carp Fishing Gear Page for more information.