id start with a carp rod of about 2.5lbs test. and 10-12lbs line. small pvabags/mesh in line leads of about 2oz and short hok links (4-6 inches) size 6-8 hook notlessnoted with hair rigged bait of your choice.

but im sure some one will tell me im wrong! caught loads like this tho

i believe splitty was referring too a standard set up than can handle tangerine sized pva bags plus a 2oz weight.

i think he gave u a valid responce too the question u asked and too be honest your reply was alittle blinkered and insulting too carp anglers in general, fair enough if u have no understanding of carp fishing.

would u throw out a total mass of 4-5 oz across a lake without a thought of saftey?, hence the line rateing, and secondly would u do it with a rod that couldnt handle it under compression or accuritely.

as for playabilty, u say u want too play these fish, i take it your fishing a match where total wieght at the end of the day isnt the factor then?, carp rods arnt cranes,we do not winch carp in like a crane at a contaner port.

lastley… he never mentioned anything about bite alarms, if he did it doesnt mean we sit behind them witht he vol turned full up, or rely on a bleep too tell us whats happening at the buisness end, thats called “watercraft”.

jeez what a shame this forums gone down hill.

my point proven….

trouble is you say the fish are between 5-20lbs. the set up i suggested is totally appropriate fro that size of fish. you can get bite size bags and i use these alot in my carp fishing. but as was mentioned you must concider the weight that is being cast. cracking off with just a 2 oz lead creates a lethal weapon. limit the risks to others,wild life and the fish by stepping up a little.

bite alarms are NOT essential. i stalk using this method dropping bags ifront of fish, lay the rod down, watch the line tighten, pick up the rod and watch it hoop over!
tight lines

Pva can be a great way of getting loads of bait right where you want it, but if you want to use lighter tackle then a large’ish cage feeder will do the job just as well, then sit back and watch the tip thrash round.