tackle wise i use 1.25 - 1.75 test curve rods, ive got an avon road that has 3 differnt rod top halfs, allows me to match the rod tip to the river pace and what feeder/ lead/ method size weight i'm fishing, also depends on how far your trying to get to. having the changeable top halfs covers most situations, having said that you can use light weight carp rods, just means that bite detection isnt so visible, but as you know, a wrap around bite off a nice barbel takes some missing lol.
reels i prefer a bait runner / feeder these days but any fixed spool reel will do the job as long as you ca