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I've just realised I've owned my Okuma 8k reels for over 4 years now. Firstly where has that time gone? Secondly they are still as smooth and brilliant as the day I got them. Normally I get bored with tackle or fed up with it limiting my angling but these reels do it all. The simplicity of the drag, the line lay is perfect and they are a joy to use. Even with 0.40mm line the line falls of the spool with ease when casting. I can honestly say they are the best reels I've ever owned and have no desire to change them. You know what I might even oil them as a treat for being such loyal servants.

So I popped out yesterday afternoon, fishing the waggler and led rod, grabbed two bags of frozen corn and some rubber bits out my carp tackle, was having silver bream on the float rod and one small carp, the led rod went mental two large carp about 15 to 20 lb just smashed my hook size 10 just spat it out after taking my gear on a lap of the lake, they really did want that corn. Got to be some of the finest close in fishing I have done in a while, can't believe I got carp looking for corn on the deck they were cruising the top all day the confidence they had on the corn was saying something.

You won't regret that purchase, great alarms

Pair of Gardner ATTS IW alarms and deluxe receiver

Thank you all for your kind advices!

That's light isn't it for a large pit reel ,it's a bit lighter than my Ultegras as well.. I also like the 2nd version Inc's, especially now you can get spare spools from Johnson Ross for about 17 quid .. Okuma do some great stuff ,including the Sheffield centrepin which I use ..

The obsidians are a 12000 size so I think they are bigger than the 8k. They do look amazing though and a lot lighter than the 8k weighing in at a mere 520g. @B B is a user of the Inc6000 I believe.

I been reading about how good these Obsidian reels are ,but I guess not having actually seen o e they bigger than my ultegra 4500..they similar to 5500 xtb

I have used Cotswolds before ,had a custom landing net pole ,with Gerry Savages philosophy engraved on the butt,a special...removable spigot ,so could break the net down under trees ..Had to wait well.over six months for it ,and none of my contact with them were answered.. Great piece of kit ,communication zero ,I'd not bother again .. Talking about test curves ,I fish 1.000 acre inland seas ,down to tiny farm ponds ,I've just sold a set of Ctx in 2.5 tc to the Pallatrax bailiff ,bloke ,replaced by some Bob the Rod built mk 3 armalites ,first version 9 eyes ,from the now defunct Fosters of Birmingham, literally, never used,up in the attic ,job.. Those 2.75 tc armalites are the most powerful carp rods I've ever had ...I understand all about distance and TCs,but I really love the players actions on the century's, they are ,on purpose the only rods I have for carping ,I can have anything I want within reason ,but I'm happy to just use what I have,and with that comes knowledge of the limits the rods can be safely used... I'm not missing out ...,compared to others ,which is a dangerous thought to have..

If fishing upto 100m I’d rather fish straight through on a .38mm mono-no need for a shockleader. If you want to go further, consider a tapered mainline-Gardner GT-HD is highly recommended.

Welcome to Carp.com. You might find that your water has rules on line diameters and breaking strains for carp fishing, possibly a minimum of 15lb or 0.35mm diameter. The honest answer is that carp fishing wise, you should make well over 100metres, I'd be hitting closer to 150 with the test curve of that rod, what may stop you is reel size, so a big pit reel is needed for 15lb which is my minimum for long distance casting on most waters with carp around 20lb or (just under) 10kg. 100grams is 3.5oz (give or take) so should be right for the rod. Personally I prefer a 30lb (Amnesia) shockleader with 3 or 3.5oz, and it is around 4metres long, at least my casting drop, the lead at the join, and 4 or more turns on the reel. Make sure you position the shockleader knot at the back of the spool. Cracking off when the line has frapped round the knot is not fun. I tie my leader with a simple overhand loop in the leader, and a single uni knot up the leader going through the overhand loop, wet, pull tight and lighter tag both ends of the knot. I do exactly the same sea fishing and with 5 or 6oz leads, and haven't cracked off for a lot of years. I can't see the reason for a lighter rod set-up unless you are targeting other species. Distance fishing, and long casting is practice. I usually need a couple of warm up casts until it is 'right' and I am back in the swing of things.

Check rules for line diameters

Seems OK, might want to try a75 gram weight first, the 100 is at a 3.5lbs rods limit you add in bait end tackle and the power of the cast to get 100 meters really is going to test everything to the limit. Not my style of angling few others on here that are set up for distance fishing they will put you right on how to get the distance safely. Mainline might be a bit too fine usually a 12lb line with shock leader, I know one lake owner that will question the use of 12lb line for distance casting.

Lines and lead are fine but you need a longer shock-leader. I'd go at least 4m longer. Not sure why you'd use the smaller carp rod set up?