Why less gear can mean more carp
Brenton Bird
There’s a quiet magic to the overnighter. Rolling up after work, slipping into a swim as the light fades, and waking to the sound of fizzing carp — it’s the purest form of modern angling. But to make it work, you need to master one thing above all else: travelling light.
In a world where barrows look like expedition vehicles and anglers haul enough kit for a week in the Alps, the streamlined overnighter is almost a lost art, Yet those who embrace it often fish sharper, move quicker and enjoy their time on the bank far more.
This is the modern guide to stripping it back without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.
THE MINDSET: PACK FOR REALITY, NOT POSSIBILITY
Most anglers pack for every scenario under the sun. Three stoves, two kettles, enough end tackle to stock a tackle shop — all “just in case.” But an overnighter isn’t a campaign. It’s a focused hit and run session.
The mindset is simple: Take what you’ll use, not what you might use.
Once you adopt that, everything else falls into place.
SHELTER & SLEEP: THE BIG THREE DONE RIGHT
Shelter: Keep It Compact
A lightweight brolly system or stripped back bivvy is all you need. Quick to erect, quick to pack away, and small enough to carry without a barrow.
Look for:
• Fast setup
• Minimal footprint
• Enough coverage for you and your essentials
Luggage: Choose Smart, Not Big
This is where anglers often overdo it. One rucksack or carryall should hold everything.
EVA luggage is brilliant for overnighters — waterproof, wipe clean, and stackable. Tactical fabric bags offer more pockets if you prefer organisation. Both work; the key is discipline.
TACKLE: THE ESSENTIALS ONLY
For a single night, you don’t need your entire end tackle collection. A streamlined setup keeps you efficient and mobile.
Pack:
• One rig box with pre tied rigs
• One small pouch of leads
• One tub of hookbaits
• One compact tackle pouch (hooks, swivels, needles, putty)
If it doesn’t fit in a small pouch, it stays at home.
FOOD & COOKING: KEEP IT SIMPLE
You’re not hosting a banquet. One stove, one pan, one brew kit — that’s all you need.
Perfect overnighter food:
• Noodles
• Pre made pasta pots
• Wraps
• Porridge sachets
• Tea/coffee
Quick, easy, no fuss.
WATER & POWER: THE TWO MOST FORGOTTEN ITEMS
Water
A single 2L bottle covers:
• Brews
• Hydration
Power
One small power bank keeps your phone and headtorch alive. No need for solar panels or multiple chargers.
RODS & END TACKLE: LESS IS MORE
Two rods are ideal for an overnighter. Three rods add weight, take longer to set up, and rarely increase your chances.
Take:
• 2 rods
• 2 alarms
• 2 banksticks or a lightweight pod
• 1 landing net
• 1 sling & scales
Simple, effective, efficient.
BAIT: DON’T BRING THE BAIT BUCKET
Most anglers bring enough bait for a week. For an overnighter, you only need:
• 1kg boilies
• A small bag of pellets
• A small bag of crumb or stick mix
You’re fishing for a bite, not building a campaign.
THE BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING LIGHT
You move faster
If the fish show elsewhere, you can be packed and gone in minutes.
You fish sharper
Less clutter means more focus.
You enjoy the session more
There’s a freedom in simplicity.
You save time
Setup and pack down become effortless — perfect for after work sessions.
FINAL THOUGHTS: LIGHT GEAR, HEAVY RESULTS
Travelling light isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about cutting the unnecessary. When you refine your kit to the essentials, you fish with more intent, more mobility, and more enjoyment.
The overnighter is carp fishing in its purest form — spontaneous, focused, and deeply rewarding. And with the right lightweight approach, it becomes one of the most effective ways to put carp on the bank.
