04: Choosing Rod Length and Test Curve

In more recent times there has been a big change when it has come to the test curves of carp rods, as well as the lengths which anglers are typically using.

Whilst 12ft is still by far the most common and popular length for a carp rod, there has been an increasing move towards 13ft rods as anglers regularly fish at much longer ranges than were possible in the past.

Will a longer rod cast further?

In general, the longer the rod is, the further you can potentially cast with it – the word ‘potentially’ is very important here, because that is only the case if you are actually able to utilise that length and to fully compress the rod, which is why most carp rod ranges stop at 13ft, ignoring the practicalities of actually using a much longer rod on a lake where there will be overhanging trees and the like to contend with.

So, for really long range fishing and in the right hands, a 13ft rod will cast further than a 12 ft rod of the same type and test curve.

Given that extra foot can make such a difference, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that even moving up to a 12ft 6in. carp rod can add enough extra distance to your casting to be noticeable, but without feeling too long and still allowing you to properly compress it, and this is why we felt the need to make sure there were some 12ft 6in. models in both the Platinum and Green ranges, in higher test curves aimed at long range fishing, plus a matching spod rod – the last thing you want to be doing is switching between lengths once you get a feel for it. You can read more about choosing the exact Platinum model that is right for your fishing by reading Choosing the right Platinum model.

Shorter rods are ideal for boat fishing and smaller venues

At the other extreme, we have also included some 10ft models which have become more popular and have a variety of uses where they are superior to a longer rod.

This can be anything from fishing on smaller, more intimate lakes, or even rivers and canals, where you aren’t casting very far and overhanging branches make even a 12ft rod too cumbersome.

These 10ft rods are also incredibly popular with anglers who are using boats within their carp fishing to drop rigs or play fish from, as the shorter length makes this much easier in a boat and there is no advantage to a longer rod – in fact in this scenario it is a distinct disadvantage. Since their launch these 10ft rods, in the Kaizen Green range, have proven to be incredibly popular, both with anglers in the UK and across Europe. For specific advise on the Kaizen Green range, you can find out more at Choosing your Kaizen Green rod.

Picking the right test curve for the fishing you do

When it comes to test curves, we have seen an even bigger change compared to a few decades ago, at which time a 2.75lb test curve rod was considered to be a distance casting model, and many viewed 3lb rods as broom sticks.

The test curve of a rod is defined by the amount of load (weight) that needs to be applied to the tip of it, such that the tip bends round to a 90 degree angle.

Whilst that measure hasn’t changed over the years, what has improved dramatically are the materials being used to make carp rods, with much better carbon and resin, meaning that modern rods have a completely different feel to them.

This means that higher test curves can be used, and you can cast a lot further and more easily, but without overly compromising on the feel of the rod and the enjoyment that you get from playing a carp on it.

Generally a higher test curve will cast further, as it has more power and heavier leads can be used with it – certainly if you give anglers varying test curves of the same range of rods, and assuming they can actually compress them. That is important as there is no point using a 4lb test curve rod if you can’t compress it and would be better off with a 3.5lb model instead, as you can fully wind that up.

A higher test curve doesn't mean the rods have to be stiff

These days 3lb test curve rods are the minimum that most anglers would use as an all round type of rod, and with 3.5lb actually being a lot more popular due to the extra versatility that is offered by being able to fish at longer range – it isn’t just about how far you can cast, but also how effortlessly you can do it and being able to hit the spot again whatever the conditions are.

For those who are consistently trying to fish at longer ranges, the 4lb test curve models in both the Platinum and Green are very popular, and are forgiving enough that some Team Korda anglers use one for all of their fishing, even at closer range.

You need some flex for playing fish and preventing hook pulls

When it comes to playing fish, the test curve is less important in longer rods , as long as there is enough bend and cushioning that you aren’t in danger of pulling the hook, as these rods have so much power in reserve that you’re unlikely to fully utilise it and aren’t going to end up with the rod bent double very often. The exception to that is in the 10ft models, which do bend more due to their shorter length and where a higher test curve is likely desirable for extracting big carp from a boat on large, snaggy, public lakes.

Whilst reading about the action of the Platinum and Green will help you to make a decision, the best way to choose the right rod for you is to handle it in person, and you can do this by using our store locator to find your local Korda stockist.