New Specimen Angler..

Hi guys, i've just started fishing after about 7yrs out, i used to match coarse fish but i always been interesting in stalker bigger things so i decided to start specimen fishing.
Seems like a lot has changed gear wise since my time out, and basically I've found this site to hopefully help me along the way!

Im thinking i may need to change my rods for some bigger carp/specimen geared rods?

Does anyone have any good recommendations for sites/books for this type of angling with rigs, setups etc?

Thanks again
Ian

Depends on your quarry and venues. Do you want rods that will potentially cover several species (e.g. carp rods for pike use, too) or a wider range?

The reality is probably going to be based on the sort of waters you'll be fishing as much as the species and the sizes you aim for.

For example, I use 1.75 avons for my barbel, tench, zander and specimen chub fishing; 2 to 2.75 for my carp and piking. That covers most of my needs.
I dont fish "Big" rivers (Thames/Trent) and although I do fish Big Pits, I rarely need to cast more than 50 yards to catch the fish.

Then you need to balance your reels and line against this. I find 10lb and 15lb line respectively covers the above along with a couple of "Fightin Drag" river-work reels and a couple of medium-size baitrunners for the bolt-rigs.

A large part of Specimen angling is doing the groundwork to find the fish before you wet a line. Then using the right tools for the job.

On the whole I'd rather be slightly over-gunned than under-gunned. There's no point in putting in all the work only to lose the fish.

Welcome to the forum Snapey. :w

Hi Ian, welcome to FM.

Thanks guys, i have been looking at Grey Prodigy VX Barbel rod which i think will cover most of my specimen fishing, i have also been looking at the Daiwa Theory rods but the Greys seem to be getting better feedback? So i might go for 2 Greys unless you have any recommendations?

I am loading up with 12lb main line, giving the Fox Steel XS line, again line seems like a personal choice with mixed reviews on most!

Thanks

Although the Specialist Anglers' Alliance is no more, (absorbed by the Angling Trust) its web site is still 'live' and there are some useful links to specimen/single species groups plus lots of other useful information

Some good article on 'specimen' fishing on this site HERE and there used to be an excellent rigs section but I cant find it anymore

Welcome to fm

Welcome to FishingMagic Ian :w

Hello Ian and welcome to FishingMagic