Mark Holmes - Top 5 Carp Fishing Essentials

Just occasionally a product comes along that is a lifer as I call it….and here’s one. I have used mainlines galore over the years. From braid, fluorocarbon and mono fishing line  , I’ve tried them all and for the last decade and more the PB control 33lb line is my go to mono. It just doesn’t let me down even though I’m notorious for abusing it, being over tough with fish, using it for years … yes years without changing or respooling. Trust me in a carp world where non monofilament lines are frowned upon, this is THE big fish line to use

Today the amount of hook link materials that are available are not only legion but also confusing. Coated, non coated, supple, semi stiff and that’s just its rigidity. In cases like this I’ve found that something that’s been around a long time and still gets people singing its praises, is the original Jellywire.

I use the 35lb weed version and I find it has the right balance of being stiff when I want it and supple when I want it too. The peeling back of the coating also proves that it is apples even and correctly as no residue of the stiff coating remains. It ability to remain straight by careful application of your thumb and forefinger also negates the use for steaming in order to keep straight. Add its strength and abrasion properties and this timeless hook link quite simply is unrivalled

Over the years one thing that has improved beyond all recognition is the quality of hooks that we now use in carp fishing. I come from an era where we needed to sharp and rework salmon hooks to come up with a carp suitable alternative well thankfully …not anymore. However, the biggest single problem now is which pattern gives an all round performance and is my mainstay. Well it’s the KD hook. With an aggressive shape and curved shank it allows me perfect all round presentation whether I’m fishing on the deck with a bottom bait or using it upside down with a pop up.

Throw away any hook sharpening files as these things are razor sharp straight from the packet. Now I use the bigger versions of size 4 and 6 as I like the extra weight these have in counterbalancing critically balanced baits as they allow the hook bait to sit perfectly without the need for counterbalancing. With a thick gauge the chances of a hook straightening while playing a carp is also gone. This is a superb all rounder and my number one hook choice! 

If you ask the guys at PB Products HQ about my use of this they will tell you they think I’m eating it. I use that much of this PVA Mesh. Now for me this tactic that I use to incorporate this PVA negates all my worries on tangles and presentations.

I simply put 7 x 15mm boilies in a small bag and it sorts out my tangle issues as well as any debris or weed on the bottom. By making these little mesh pockets of food I am increasing the chances of a hooking feeding carp. It’s not just eating my hookbait but is also devouring a mouthful of baits via the use of the funnel web. Simple but great piece of tackle and tactic!

The addition of this product will probably raise a few eyebrows but they are THAT important in my fishing. The large rings allow movement caused by feeding fish of the attached bait to move easy and without snagging. This difference allows the use of correct blow back rigs to work.

Far too many smaller rings get clogged up and jammed on the shank of your rig completely negating any movement. When I viewed this it was all down to the diameter of most rings being far to small. However, these 4mm rig rings allow a far greater ease of movement and one that works far more effectively than conventional type small rings. Trust me I wouldn’t be without these rig rings on my rig making kit! 

I couldn't keep the list at only 5 so for good measure , I had to include my trusty Cutter Pliers, which are unrivalled to anything else out there. I know PB were the first braid to bring this type of scissor into the fishing industry and alot have followed since , but these are truly are a work horse , if its cutting anytype of material or even swivels these get the job done and they do not blunt or rust , i have had my pair now for over 10 years and still going strong!