Top 20 Carp Fishing Essentials List

When I first started carp fishing many years ago, I would often forget vital pieces of equipment that I really needed. I'm not talking about the obvious carp gear like fishing rods, reels, carp bait etc but other items you may not consider.

This article is a carp fishing essentials lists including items you may forget, these items are what I would group in a basic carp fishing setup of which I forgot when I first started carp fishing.

Use this article on the top 20 carp fishing essentials list, to ensure you don't get caught out on your next session. These items could be used as a carp fishing checklist on top of the more obvious items.

Anything I have missed? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think should be included as must have carp fishing gear.

1. Kettle

A must have on any carp fishing checklist!

Whenever I am carp fishing in cold weather, a lovely hot cup of tea really hits the spot and gets me through the cold conditions.

Don't forget your teabags, coffee, sugar, milk, mug etc.

Kettles and stoves run off of gas and so always check the levels of the canister before you set off.

2. Suntan lotion

I have lost count of the numbers of occasions where I have got home from a carp fishing trip only to find I look like a tomato from the sunburn!

I always carry suntan lotion even on cloudier days to ensure I don't get burnt and something I feel should be included on any carp fishing checklist!

3. Boots

When I first started carp fishing I would normally wear a pair of old trainers and quite often found myself traipsing through mud and ending up in a right mess.

I invested in a pair of decent waterproof boots and it was money well spent. Boots for me are now a top item in a basic carp fishing setup.

4. Umbrella

I remember carp fishing on Bluebell Lakes in Peterborough and the heavens opened, I got out the fishing umbrella that I picked up for a very reasonable price and thought that would be that. But sadly I was mistaken! This cheap umbrella started leaking and I ended up completely soaked, moral of the story is buy a decent fishing umbrella and avoid ending up in a situation like myself.

5. Waterproofs

This follows on from the fishing umbrella and is another item I would include in a basic carp fishing setup, I would often wear joggers and a hoody which is OK for good weather but when the rain starts to come down, waterproofs were necessary.

If you are playing a fish you can't stay under your umbrella and so investing in some waterproofs is definitely worth it, in my opinion.

I also like to bring a spare set of clothes just in case.

6. Polarized Sunglasses

A pair of polarized sunglasses have two benefits, the first obvious one is to protect your eyes from the sun which I find is often stronger when reflecting off the lake water.

The second benefit is polarized sunglasses actually help you see through the water and spot any carp that could be in the margins. If you have never tried this, you'll be amazed the difference it makes.

Perhaps not a must have carp fishing gear item for everyone, but for me, a decent pair of polarized sunglasses is very important.

7. Hat

Another one for when the sun is shining, a hat will keep the sun off your head and hopefully stop you getting sunburn. Cheap and doesn't take up much room in your tackle bag.