A big pit carp reel is essential when fishing at long range and to target big carp and the best carp reels allow you to do this with ease. It is vital you purchase the best big pit carp reel for your money and so we have compiled our top recommendations.
Our best carp reels include some incredible big-pit options and show you do not need to spend a small fortune to get a big pit reel that is full of features and performs well above the price range.
Bit pit reels offer huge casting capabilities and so if you are fishing a particularly big lake, a big pit reel is a must. If you are targeting big carp or are planning a French fishing holiday, I would highly recommend a set of big pit reels as these venues are often huge and require the power and grunt a big pit reel offers to land the big fish. Big carp are very powerful and so you need to make sure you are fully equipped to handle one by using the best carp reels on the market for your price range.
Big pit reels have a huge retrieval ratio and reel in much more line per turn of the handle compared to a normal carp reel. These type of carp reels also hold significantly more line due to their increased spool size and is something to bear in mind when purchasing carp fishing line.
Many big pit carp reels have a front drag system that can switch from free spool to drag quickly, which is perfect when a carp takes your bait.
A set of three big pit reels on your rod pod also look the business with some very aesthetically pleasing designs, and as we know, this is a big selling point for the more vein anglers amongst us. You know who you are!
Big pit carp reels are ever-increasing in popularity with specimen carp anglers; feature-laden best carp reels that can handle carp of all sizes and provide you with additional power and casting abilities.
Check out our recommendations for the Best Carp Fishing Rods to match the best carp reels
Features of the Best Big Pit Carp Fishing Reels
When recommending the best carp reels we have taken into account the following features and points which we believe are key to ensuring you get the best carp reels for your needs.
- Gear ratio - The best big pit reels have a much larger ratio allowing for greater line retrieval per turn of the handle, and more crank power when playing a carp or specimen fish.
- Size of spool - Big pit carp reels are usually available in 10,000 or 12,000 size spools although smaller sizes are also available. These spools have a much larger capacity than a standard carp reel to cater for the additional power and ability a big pit reel offers.
- Casting distance possibility - Big pit carp reels, due to their large spool sizes and wider gear ratios, are able to cast much greater distances allowing you as the angler to fish at much larger venues.
- Weight
- Aesthetics
- Price - often carp anglers will be purchasing 2, 3 or even more big pit reels and so this can add up quickly, especially when you buy carp fishing line.
- Reliability & longevity - big pit carp reels are very robust and should last for many years ensuring you are getting the most out of your purchase.
Let's get started so you can choose your next big pit carp reel and ensure you get the best carp reels on the market
Wychwood Riot 65 big-pit reel
The Riot 65 is worth comparing if you want a larger spool without moving to a premium reel. Before buying, think about the weight on your rod and the amount of backing and mainline needed to fill it.
Before you buy: This link selects size 65. Check the drag arrangement and line capacity for that exact size; big-pit does not automatically mean it has a Baitrunner-style free-spool lever.
View Wychwood Riot 65 big-pit reel on Amazon (paid link)
Daiwa Black Widow A 3500
The Black Widow A offers another large-spool option. The linked model is the 3500, so compare its actual capacity and weight with the Riot rather than comparing the numbers on their names.
Before you buy: Do not confuse this listing with a 5000-size reel. Manufacturer size numbers are not directly interchangeable. Check how it balances with your rod.
View Daiwa Black Widow A 3500 on Amazon (paid link)
Leeda Rogue 7500FS
If a separate free-spool function matters more to you than maximum casting range, the Rogue 7500FS is an alternative to compare. It is useful to decide how you want the reel to work before choosing by spool size alone.
Before you buy: Check the 7500FS model and its line capacity. It is included as a free-spool alternative, not a claim that it will cast further than the other reels.
View Leeda Rogue 7500FS on Amazon (paid link)
Which one should you choose?
Start with the water you fish and the kit you already own. You do not need the most expensive option, but you do need the right size and specification. Check the selected model, what is included and the delivery total before ordering. If you are unsure, a local tackle shop can help you compare the options.
