Best Carp Rods For Distance Fishing

Last Updated on 29 January 2024 by James Bevan

Best Carp Rods For Distance Fishing

In my experience, it’s uncanny how carp seem to instinctively know my casting frailties by simply showing themselves at distances that I just can’t reach.

They also tend to do this on waters where boats of any kind are not permitted!

If you share my pain with this dilemma then you no doubt are looking for a solution.

The answer…

A carp rod that is capable of casting a lead to the horizon!

In this article, I share the results of some extensive testing and research on some of the more popular carp rods on the market today in terms of their casting ability.

I also sought feedback from experts in the field to provide a list of the 5 best carp rods for distance fishing on the market today.

Quick Summary:

If you are in a rush and just want to see the recommended distance rods in this article then here they are with a quick link to a retailer that offers a great price…

Top Overall Distance Rod – Daiwa Infinity X45, 12ft, 3.75lb Test Curve
A Very Close Second – Century Stealth Graphene 12ft, 3.75lb Test Curve
Best 3.25lb Tesct Curve Option – Harrison Torrix 12ft, 3.25lb, 50mm Butt Ring
Daiwa’s FlagshipDaiwa Basia X45X, 12ft, 3.75 Test Curve
Best Affordable Option – Shimano TX-2 Intensity

If you would like more detail on what these rods scored and why they are considered the best you can skip straight to the reviews below:

The 5 Best Carp Rods For Distance Fishing

What makes these rods the best distance casters for carp fishing is the build and the quality materials used in their manufacture.

As such they are not the cheapest on the market although there is a slightly more affordable option on my list. If you are seeking a cheaper alternative you may want to check out my guide on the best budget carp rods and pick out a rod with a test curve of 3.5lb test curve+.

#1. Daiwa Infinity X45 (3.75lb version)

Daiwa-Infinity-X45 Review

How It Scores

9.4

OVERALL RATING
3 Expert Reviews

Features9.3
Appearance9.5
Casting & Feel9.7
Playing Fish9.5
Value For Money9.2


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How this compares against the averages of all other carp rods:

Infinty X459.4
All Carp Rods8.3
All Premium Carp Rods9.2

Why Is It One Of The Best DIstance Rods

In short, there’s a reason Daiwa is one of the most highly-respected manufacturers of carping gear out there today.

Not only is the Infinity X45 exceptionally well-made, but it boasts a range of clever features to help it handle big casts with ease.

I opt for the 13-foot and 3.75lb test curve model when distance fishing and am always blown away by how much power the blank offers.

This is due in large part to Daiwa’s V-Joint Technology, which eliminates traditional weak spots along the length of the rod and allows it to transfer energy far more efficiently and uniformly.

The Seaguide TDG rings allow the line to travel effortlessly throughout the rod, limiting friction and further increasing casting distance and performance.

The Japanese shrink grip handle feels incredibly comfortable and natural in the hand; I found that this made the cast itself feel more ergonomic and smoother, which definitely helped me maintain proper casting technique (or nearest damn it for me!).

I absolutely adore this rod. It’s not only the best rod for distance fishing but, in my opinion, the best carp rod you can get your hands on in modern-day carp angling.

How The Experts Rate It

9.6
"Daiwa are like Bentley and Aston Martin: don’t make bad products, but every now and then they make something spectacular, and that’s exactly what they’ve done with the Infinity X45 collection. Take a bow, Daiwa."
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"Created on Daiwa's well-renowned magnum taper profile that utilises high volume fibre, x45 technology and v-joint alpha which all combine to create an incredibly light and super accurate rod"
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Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • Uses Daiwas V-joint technology
  • Casts amazing distances, particularly the 3.75lb version
  • Rock solid reel seat
  • Beautifully sleek finish to the rod
  • Extremely lightweight yet extremely powerful
  • A real feel of quality in your hands
    Playing fish feels great

Cons

  • It’s not cheap
  • Only available in two test curves

Features & Specifications

The Different Variations


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#2. Century Stealth Graphene (3.75lb version)

Century-Stealth-Graphene-carp- rod-Review

How It Scores

9.4

OVERALL RATING
4 Expert Reviews

Features9.4
Appearance9.4
Casting & Feel9.6
Playing Fish9.6
Value For Money9


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How this compares against the averages of all other carp rods:

Stealth Graphene9.4
All Carp Rods8.3
All Premium Carp Rods9.2

Why Is This A Top Casting Carp Rod

The Stealth Graphene is another excellent choice for carpers looking for the best distance casting rod they can get their hands on. It’s available in lengths of 12 and 13 feet and a wide range of test curves.

For distance fishing you will need either the 3.5 or 3.75lb version. These both provide plenty of power and leverage throughout the blank to maximise casting potential.

It also comes fitted with quality SiC line guides; these boast a smooth, titanium stealth finish, which is ideal for supporting longer, smoother, and more accurate casts for the angler.

The blank also provides plenty of power with minimal input, which makes pulling off longer casts feel effortless, rather than being a struggle.

Something I particularly appreciated about the Stealth Graphene is the anti-twist technology that it uses. This works incredibly well to minimise line fray, which, in turn, also makes longer, more accurate casts both easier and more consistent to pull off.

How The Experts Rate It

9.6
"There can’t be another rod on the market with the looks, performance, quality and immense list of key features that this rod possesses."
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"Is there a carp rod on the market crammed with as many premium features as the new Century SGR? (Stealth Graphene Reinforced). This rod series you get it all in one package."
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"The Century Stealth Graphene is another ultra-high-end rod with the most sophisticated and extreme materials to push the absolute limits of what is possible with a carp rod."
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Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • Titanium stealth finish SiC line guides for really smooth casting
  • Reduced line frap thanks to anti-twist technology
  • Enhanced resin system makes the rod super strong and durable, yet really lightweight
  • A powerful rod yet it has a responsive feel
  • 4 test curve options available

Cons

  • One of the more expensive rods on the market
  • The logo is too prominent on the reel seat but this is very much down to opinion and taste


Features & Specifications

The Different Variations


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#3. Harrison Torrix Carp Rod – Best Distance Carp Rod With A Lighter Test Curve

Harrison Torrix Carp Rod Review

How It Scores

9.4

OVERALL RATING
2 Expert Reviews

Features9.3
Appearance9.5
Casting & Feel9.3
Playing Fish9.7
Value For Money9

How this compares against the averages of all other carp rods:

Torrix Carp Rod9.4
All Carp Rods8.3
All Premium Carp Rods9.2

What Makes This A Great Distance Casting Carp Rod

It’s probably fair to say that the Harrison Torrix is more of an all-rounder than a dedicated distance casting or fishing rod. That said, it can still really pull longer casts off with ease, thanks to the rod’s fantastic build quality and helpful features.

This is a rod that comes in test curves of 3 and 3.25 lbs; as I anticipated, the 3.25lb offering did bring more to the table in terms of power and casting performance over longer distances.

Harrison is a brand known for using top-of-the-line materials, and this certainly shows in the rod’s performance. It sports a set of very high quality guides, available in both 40 and 50mm offerings; the 50mm guides are especially suitable for distance fishing, and they also do an excellent job of eliminating line frap, which is a massive help, too.

The icing on the cake with the Torrix is that the rod is fully customisable so you can create a build that suits perfectly to your needs and tastes.

Combine all of this with the rod’s powerful, yet exceptionally lightweight blank, and you’ve got a remarkable rod that seems to be able to just about do it all.

How The Experts Rate It

"Harrison is one of the finest UK rod designers and manufacturers and it's series of Torrix rods really are known as the benchmark for the modern carp angler."
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Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • Excellent build quality (assembled in the UK)
  • Hardy, Fuji reel seat
  • A number of length options make the rod versatile and one that can be used on plenty of different carp waters
  • Available both in custom and factory builds
  • Lightweight thanks to its high-modulus carbon blank (and locking up isn’t an issue)
  • 50mm guides are good for preventing ring frap
  • Semi-fast action makes longer casts a breeze

Cons

  • Definitely on the pricier side, though you get what you pay for
  • Only a handful of models are available as a standard issue with most others having to be custom-built built meaning you will have to wait for it



Features & Specifications

The Different Variations

#4. Daiwa Basia X45X (3.75lb Version)

Daiwa Basia X45X Review

How It Scores

9.3

OVERALL RATING
3 Expert Reviews

Features9.5
Appearance9.5
Casting & Feel9.7
Playing Fish9.5
Value For Money8.5


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How this compares against the averages of all other carp rods:

Daiwa Basia X45X9.3
All Carp Rods8.3
All Premium Carp Rods9.2

What Makes This A Top-Rated Carp Rod For Casting Far

Perhaps unsurprisingly for a carp rod made with distance casting and fishing in mind, the Basia X45X’s performance on larger waters and venues is almost unparalleled.

Just about every feature of this rod has been designed with longer casts in mind. It comes in lengths of 12 and 13 feet, both of which handle distance fishing well. I found the 13-foot, 3.75 lb version to, naturally, manage huge casts and do so with greater ease than its shorter counterpart.

The Basia X45X’s APS reel seat and Seaguide TDG Rings also make a massive difference here; allowing the line to flow as smoothly as possible while keeping the reel solidly in place.

Another aspect of the Basia X45X that I was in awe of, was just how lightweight it is. For a rod that can generate so much power, it does really seem to defy the laws of physics how something you can hold on your little finger can cast 200 yards in the right hands.

The Basia X45X is (in Daiwa’s own words) their flagship model. The only reason, it’s not pushing the number one spot is that, in my opinion, the price tag is just too high and the Infinity X45 offers better value for money.

If price is no object, however, get this rod as it truly is a work of art.

How The Experts Rate It

9.5
"The Basia X45X rods are out-and-out carp tools made by a bunch of highly skilled specialists with their ears to the ground on the carp scene."
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"All in all the Basia X45X is an absolutely stunning rod both cosmetically and in terms of performance."
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Benefits & Drawbacks

Pros

  • Lightweight and great to hold
  • Available as an all-round carp rod in the 3.25lb test curve or a distance rod in the 3.75lb test curve
  • V-joint technology makes the rod very strong
  • Large ALPS reel seat to cater for large big pits
  • Daiwa’s X45 technology makes this a rod that is super strong, subtle and durable
  • Capable of casting 40 wraps plus

Cons

  • Alot more expensive than its peers with similar quality
  • Only available in two test curves




Features & Specifications

The Different Variations


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#5. Shimano TX2 Carp Rod (3.75lb Intensity Version) – Best Affordable Distance Carp Rod

Shimano TX7 Review

How It Scores

8.9

OVERALL RATING
2 Expert Reviews

Features8.8
Appearance9.3
Casting & Feel8.8
Playing Fish8.8
Value For Money8.8

How this compares against the averages of all other carp rods:

Shimano TX28.9
All Carp Rods8.3
All Mid-Range Carp Rods8.4

Why Is This Rod So Good At Distance Casting

The Shimano TX2 offers impressive, distance casting and fishing performance in a relatively affordable package.

For distance casting, as you’d expect, the 13-foot version of the TX2 performs especially well. I was particularly impressed with the rod’s blank, too. With its core of high-pressure carbon fibre, it’s able to offer a tremendous amount of power while remaining remarkably lightweight, which is no mean feat.

It also comes with quality, KIGAN Stainless Steel Zirconia Guides; these really help the line to move smoothly, which is crucial for those bigger casts.

The features of the rod, when paired with the 3.5lb test curve model, really turn this into a long-distance casting machine.

I have to comment, too, on how comfortable the handle with its EVA foam grip is. Features like these make a bigger difference than you might think, especially reeling in over longer distances.

Combine this with the rod’s overall versatility, and it’s absolutely worth the investment.

How The Experts Rate It

"The TX7 is ideal for fishing in big water conditions and is suitable for serious anglers who require high-quality equipment"
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Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • Thanks to the variety of test curves and lengths the TX-2 comes in, it’s a highly versatile offering suitable for anglers of most abilities
  • The rod pod stopper is a great feature that keeps it nice and secure
  • Well-made and affordable, the TX-2 represents outstanding value for money
  • For its price, it has a great casting action
  • The Rod comes with a protective cloth bag to keep it safe when transported

Cons

  • With all the different models available, it’s a shame there isn’t a 3.75lb real distance caster as an option
  • I think the reel seat fittings would have looked better in black but this is a personal preference

Features & Specifications

The Different Variations

What Makes a Carp Rod Suitable for Distance Casting?

The Blank and How it is Made

The quality of a rod’s blank, as well as the way it is manufactured, can have a fairly substantial impact on its casting performance. The stiffness or rigidity of the blank affects the transfer of energy from the angler to the rod and ultimately to the cast.

A stiffer blank can store and release more energy efficiently, resulting in increased casting distance. It also helps in handling heavier weights.

Additionally, some rod makers have their own ways of curing or otherwise treating blanks to make them hardier, more powerful, and so on.

Guides

When it comes to distance casting, 50mm guides are generally preferred to 40mm ones. This is because larger guides give the line more room to flow and move, making for a smoother and more frictionless cast overall – which, when casting longer distances, is key.

Guides also come in different materials. Premium rod manufacturers look for these materials to be as lightweight as possible so the overall weight of the rod is as light as it possibly can be.

Quite simply, the lighter the rod, the more energy can be transferred in propelling the rod forward on the cast and thus allowing for longer distances to be achieved.

Test Curve

Anglers looking to prioritise distance casting prowess in a new rod will want to look at models coming at a higher test curve. The higher the test curve, the more powerful the rod will be. 3lbs is fairly standard for carp rods, but aim for at least 3.5lbs and preferably 3.75lb if you’re looking specifically for a rod for distance casting.

If you need any help with choosing a test curve for your carp rod, you can always check out my full guide and test curve calculator here.

Rod Length

Rod length is one of the primary factors to look at when determining how suitable a rod will be for distance casting. In very simple terms, the longer a rod is, the further it will be able to cast.

This is because the lever is longer and as such will generate more power when the rod is propelled forward.

13-foot rods tend to be the choice for extreme casters although 12-foot can generate a heck of a lot of power as well. Anything less than 12 feet will struggle to generate the required force for long distances to be hit.

Rod Action

Something else to keep in mind when on the hunt for an angling rod suited to distance casting is the rod’s action. In short, a rod’s action refers to where and how much it will bend when pressure or strain is applied to it.

Carp rods can be made with a number of different styles of action. However, if you’re aiming to prioritise distance casting ability and power, then you’ll generally want to look primarily for rods that feature either tip action or fast action.

There are two reasons for this; for one, tip action rods tend to be quite stiff, bending almost entirely at the tip, as the name suggests. This essentially provides a greater fulcrum during the cast, propelling both line and lead further.

And, the characteristic ‘whip’ that you can expect to feel from rods with tip action works to bolster this effect, making for an even more powerful, effective long-distance cast.

Other Aspects to Consider When Distance Casting

Line

The line you use makes a bigger difference in the kinds of casts you’re able to pull off than you might think. Ideally, if distance casting is a priority, then you’ll want to be going for a line that is both supple and strong with limited stretch. A smaller line diameter can also be very helpful here.

A line that is more supple will generally create less friction when moving through the guides; naturally, though, you need your line to be strong enough to safely land and reel in fish, especially if you’re targeting larger species like carp.

The best mainline to use if you really want to maximise distance when casting is braid as the very limited stretch helps to ensure more energy is transferred to the forward motion rather than absorbed into the line.

Environmental Factors (Wind Speed/Direction)

Environmental factors like wind speed and direction can massively impact how well you can cast. If you’re trying to cast longer distances, then you don’t want to be facing into a headwind, for example.

Casting Technique

It might sound a bit obvious, but your casting technique is paramount when trying to nail longer distances. No matter how good your gear is, if you simply can’t cast well, then your lead won’t travel very far.

There are some basic rules of thumb here, like trying to cast in one fluid motion and generating torque from your hips, but I would suggest plenty of practice and even asking a more experienced angler for feedback on your casting technique if this is a possibility.

Here is a great video to watch to help improve your casting technique:

Reel

Both your choice of reel and how you load it can massively influence your casting distance. Using a big pit reel is usually best for distance casting as the large spool limits friction when the line is peeling off.

Loading your reel as much as possible (to the spool lip) can also help the line come out significantly faster, helping it travel further. This is again due to less friction being generated as the line comes straight off the spool rather than brushing it as it goes.

Lead

The type of lead you use can also have an impact on the casting distances you’re able to manage. Some manufacturers even make leads designed specifically for distance casting, which can be worth looking into if this is a priority of yours.

FAQs

Here are some of the common questions I get asked on the subject of distance rods for carp fishing:

How far can you cast with a 12ft carp rod?

Do longer carp rods cast further?

Final Thoughts

Choosing a carp rod that is suitable for casting extreme distances isn’t an easy task.

So many factors come into play that all have to combine together in order to optimise the forward force generated on the cast.

Hopefully, this guide has negated the need to get into the detail of the science. The 5 rods featured all are fantastic options that will allow the casting of huge distances, even in the hands of an average caster.

Many thanks for reading.

Tight Lines!