History of the Carp Reel

The modern carp fishing reel can be traced back to some of the more popular fixed fixed-spool reels of the 1960s. Prior to this, pioneering carp anglers such as Richard Walker tended to use centre pin-reels for much of their carp fishing, but by the mid 50s the fixed-spool reel had become the first choice for the serious carp angler. That said, the reels of the time were designed solely for coarse fishing and it wasn’t until a fast retrieve version of the ever-popular Mitchell 300 fixed spool reel was released in the late 60s (the Mitchell 350), that the first seeds of purpose built carp reels were sewn.

Mitchell reels dominated for almost another ten years in various guises, but by the end of the 1970s the Abu Cardinal 55 was creating a real stir in carp fishing circles; easily removable spools, improved line lay and rear drag made it a firm favourite with specimen anglers and it soon took hold as the carp reel of choice.

Fast forward another ten years and it was Diawa and Shimano leading the way with reels we would easily recognise today as those ideally suited to carping; Diawa with reels aimed at the long range carp angler such as the SS2600 and SS3000, and Shimano with the legendary Aero Baitrunner with its revolutionary free spool system.

Fast forward to 2010 and the same two brands are still the main players with a host of reels sizes and types available to suit all carp fishing applications, though in essence, most of today’s current breed of carp reels still fall into the same two types; free running reels designed for short to medium distance fishing, and ‘big pit’ or distance reels designed to suit the carp angler fishing at range.

Many carp fishing tackle companies have their own carp fishing reels based on these two types, catering for the beginner or intermediate angler, right through to full on carp fishing aficionados.