Rods and Reels
There are two basic ways to catch carp: Tip indicator and mechanical indicator. Most North Americans watch the tip or the line and place their rods pointing at the water being fished. The tip of the rod is usually put up in the air to make these observations easier. English carp anglers use electronic and mechanical indicators and hope that the fish run off with the bait. To ensure that this happens, they feed heavily and rely on self hooking terminal rigs.
A typical North American rod is heavy, 7-8 feet in length, and either a spinning or casting rod. Line is usually of the 20 pound variety and the fish is expected to be craned in after a short fight. No fooling around, here. Fiberglass makes a good material for this type of rod as it buffers the long runs of these magnificent fish. As a result, American style rods are affordable, an important factor for many fishermen.
Affordability, on the other hand, is not the first concern of English rod makers. English rods are 11-13 feet long which means a lot more material is used. The cost is high ($100+ US for just a fair rod), but the technique demands it. The English are after fish which have been caught before and are naturally wary. 20 pound line will not hack it. A long rod allows you to fish lighter lines at longer distances. Casts of 80 yards are common. These rods always have spinning reels and most of the reels have a "baitrunner" function. This allows the line to run off the reel without tangling or falling off. Shimano makes a baitrunner reel sold as a saltwater reel in NA. Any Shimano reel with a Fightin'Drag© can be used. I use a Spirex© because it is good and it is cheap.