Carp are big and powerful. They are also some of the most difficult fish to catch because of their wariness. You need to make sure your fishing line is strong yet well hidden.
Quick Look
- 8-12 lb. Test
- Best: Fluorocarbon
- Good: Braid
- OK: Monofilament
- Leader: 8-12 lb. Test Fluorocarbon
Why Fluorocarbon Fishing Line For Carp?
Carp are very smart and wary fish. They can easily be spooked if they notice your fishing line. That is why it is best to use fluorocarbon which is nearly invisible underwater.
Fluorocarbon is also more abrasion resistant than monofilament. So when the carp is dragging your line against rocks, logs and sticks, you can have more confidence that your line will hold up.
What lb. Test Fishing Line For Carp?
Carp are big fish and are known for their strong fight. You need a fishing line that is strong enough to reel them in, yet stealth enough that they can’t notice it. That is why 8 to 12 lb. test is a good range when using fluorocarbon line.
If you are using braid, then you can get away with much stronger lines. 30 lb. test is good for most carp fishing. You can then add a fluorocarbon leader, or even just use all braid.
Leader Material For Carp
Fluorocarbon is the best leader material for carp fishing. Fluoro reacts with light in a way that makes it almost invisible to fish under water. Using a fluorocarbon leader is especially important if you are fishing under a float, as your line will be in plane view of the carp.
If you are fishing off the bottom like many do, then you can usually get away with using braid as your leader. This is especially popular when fishing with a method lead and pack bait, or an American style pay lake rig.
If you are going to use braid as a leader, make sure it’s a dark colored braid that blends in with the bottom.
Can You Use Mono For Carp?
You can catch carp with monofilament, but since it remains fairly visible under water, you are better off using fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon line is nearly invisible to fish, and also has better abrasion resistance which is important when the carp wraps around snags.
The only reason to consider monofilament over fluorocarbon is because of the price. The price difference between 10 lb. mono and 10 lb. fluoro can be quite significant. One option could be to use mono as your main line, then add a fluorocarbon leader.
Personally, I go with a braided main line and a long fluoro leader. Braided line is more expensive than mono, but it will last for many years of use.
Can You Use Braid For Carp?
Braid fishing line is a popular choice for catching carp. It is extremely strong with a thin diameter. This helps you to pull carp out of thick cover, and the zero stretch makes it easier to detect bites.
It is a hard choice to choose between fluorocarbon and braid as a main line for carp fishing. They both have their pros and cons.
If you want a fishing line that will last you for a good 5+ years then go with braid.
The main difference in opinion amongst the pros has to do with the stretch of fluorocarbon vs the zero stretch of braid. Some will argue that they like the sensitivity of braid, and the power that they can transfer into the hookset.
However, some prefer the stretch of fluoro for a better hookup ratio, and more cushion for the fight. The argument being that carp won’t notice the pull of the rod until they have stretched the fluoro a bit. And the elasticity helps keep pressure on the hook to hold it in place.
