How to Choose a Rod

[Fossil Fish]

I agree with Zippy that you have yourself a nice setup now, but I still have some questions about your method. When you are carp fishing, are you holding the rod in your hands the whole time, or resting it in/against something until you get a bite? Personally, I close the bail and I set my drag very light so the fish doesn't feel much resistance on the initial bite. I then SLOWLY increase the drag as needed but so far have never needed to go to maximum. You don't need to be in a rush as you have plenty of line. Take your time and don't make careless mistakes. Remember that braid has no stretch and if your drag is set at maximum from the start, there's really nowhere for the shock to go. You'll likely end up ripping the hook out of the fishes mouth or maybe even snapping your rod. It is as much about technique as it is about gear. I've caught carp on an ultralight setup using 4lb fluoro line and I know lots of people fly-fish for them, and their line is nowhere near the 50 lb you're using. Slow and steady wins the race.