NG Carp: custom rod building by Erich Unger from Burgenland
NG Carp is the rod-building business of Erich Unger from Wallern in Burgenland. Instead of off-the-shelf rods, NG Carp builds your carp rod to measure – with blank, rings, reel seat, handle and whippings exactly as you want them. On top of that come its own landing nets and end tackle under the NG Tackle name.
The route to your custom rod runs through a configurator in the NG Carp web shop: choose the components, add the build service, specify your signature. The rods are built in Austria.
- ✔️ Custom carp rods, spod rods, marker rods, feeder rods and catfish rods built to measure
- ✔️ Blanks from Century, CTS and the in-house BA “Bad Ass” series
- ✔️ Rings and reel seats from FUJI and ALPS
- ✔️ The Original SPOON – foldable carp landing net made in Austria
The exhibitor featured in this article is currently not exhibiting at Carp Austria.
👉 Discover all currently confirmed exhibitors here and find suitable alternatives.
🔎 Explore current exhibitorsHaving a custom carp rod built: how the rod build works
At NG Carp you put your dream rod together step by step in the web shop. You add each component to the basket and Erich Unger builds your rod from them.
- Choose the blank – length, test curve and action to suit your water and casting distance
- Running ring and tip ring – selected to match each other
- Reel seat and butt cap
- Build service – ringing, handle style and fore grip or lower grip at the reel seat
- Whipping colour and handle length
- Optional: cross wraps and a signature on the blank – the blank manufacturer’s original logo can stay or be removed
According to NG Carp, the build time is usually 1 to 4 weeks from receipt of payment. If you are unsure, book an appointment for advice beforehand.
Blanks for carp, spod, marker, feeder and catfish
The blank is the heart of every fishing rod. It determines casting distance, playing characteristics and weight. NG Carp stocks blanks for almost every style of fishing.
| Blank series | Examples | Use |
|---|---|---|
| BA “Bad Ass” | BA Carp, BA Spin, BA Feeder Method, BA Match Power | Carp, lure fishing, feeder and match |
| Century | FBS, DB “Dogs Bollocks”, Armalite, NG and NG+, Stealth Graphene | Carp rods for distance and playing fish |
| Century Spod & Marker | NG Spod, C2-D Spod, SM Spod, NG Marker, C2-D Marker | Getting bait out and exploring the lakebed |
| Century Catfish | Excalibur Braid Catfish, FG Catfish | Catfish angling with braided line |
| CTS | Maori Carp 3-piece | Carp rod that fits in the car |
Which blank suits you depends on the size of the water, casting distance and the size of the fish. The basics of test curve, length and action are covered in the fishing rods guide: choosing the right carp rod.
Rings, reel seats and handle: components for your dream rod
For the build, NG Carp offers rings, reel seats, handle material, butt caps and fittings. For rings, NG Carp relies on FUJI and ALPS among others, for example the ALPS SIC Slim two-leg ring. The butt ring determines how cleanly the line flows off when casting – especially for distance casting, this is where a custom rod stands out from an off-the-shelf rod.
The Original SPOON: foldable carp landing net made in Austria
NG Carp is also known for its landing nets. The Original is round, while the Original SPOON has a spoon-shaped net head. Both fold up and are made in Austria. According to NG Carp, fish from over 20 up to 29 kg were landed several times with the SPOON during field testing.
| Feature | The Original SPOON / Original round |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminium frame with 3 joints, mostly aircraft-grade aluminium, 14 mm frame diameter |
| SPOON size | approx. 95 × 75 cm |
| Frame weight | SPOON XL 600 g, L 580 g · Original round XL 680 g, L 590 g |
| Thread | extra-strong stainless steel thread, not a standard UK thread – adapter available |
| Landing net handle | Century CPU 2-piece, BA “Bad Ass” 1-piece 3K carbon or TITAN 1-piece |
| Mesh | 44-inch spare mesh in green or dark camouflage |
Floats and a Quick Release System Adaptor are also available. What else matters when choosing a landing net is covered in the guide choosing a carp landing net: size, mesh and arms.
NG Tackle: hooks, swivels and shock leader
Under the NG Tackle name, NG Carp also offers end tackle for your carp rig:
- Carp hooks made from 185 carbon steel, e.g. El Classico, Blow Back, Kurve LS XX, Power Carp 885 and The Snag
- Swivels and clips – Speed Swivel, Power Swivel, Quick Release Clip, Lead Clip Ring, Rig Rings
- Shock leader – Shockleader Mono 0.52 mm, including Ultra Violet and COBALT
- Anti tangle – sleeves and tube against tangles on the cast
- “Depth” leading rod for feeling out the bottom
Combining hook, hooklink and lead into an effective rig is the final step – the right end tackle makes it easier.
Where can you buy NG Carp rods and landing nets?
NG Carp sells through its own NG Carp web shop. There you configure your custom rod and order blanks and components or an Original landing net. For questions about the rod build, NG Carp offers appointments and advice.
Compare carp rods in person: at Carp Austria
NG Carp is currently not exhibiting at Carp Austria. You can still compare carp rods, landing nets and rig accessories there – from more than 100 brands in one place.
Online you see photos and spec sheets. How a blank feels on the cast is something you only find out with the rod in your hand. At Carp Austria, Austria’s biggest carp and fishing trade fair in Wiener Neustadt, you ask the experts directly at their stands. On top of that come show prices you won’t find online.
