What is a Big Pit or Distance carp reel?

Carp reels termed Big Pit or Distance reels are those designed for carp fishing at extreme distances. Big Pit reels started life as sea fishing reels, which were designed with large spools for easy casting at range, and large cranking handles designed to give an incredibly fast retrieve of the lead.

If Shimano cornered the market with their Baitrunners, then Daiwa had Big Pit reels covered. Many Daiwa sea fishing reels from the PM ranges were commandeered by carp anglers in the early years, but it was Daiwa’s SS2600 and later SS3000 reels which really started the big pit era in carp fishing. The Emblem soon followed in a multitude of colours and sizes and the rest, as they say, is history.

Although later big pit reels became available with Baitrunner conversions or full freespool mechanisms, the early reels were controlled by means of a front drag, so line lay was exceptionally good – especially with the advent of the Daiwa Twist Buster system.

Most reel manufacturers now offer a full range of big pit reels to suit all budgets. Some offer small spool sizes for medium distance work, but most still tend to cater for the angler fishing at long range.