I've never caught salmon on salmon gear, so for me it is between carp and barbel. I'd say barbel have the edge, but then only because they have the advantage of running water and the ability to use their shape and fins to make the most of the current. I've not cuaght many stillwater barbel, and only small ones at that, so I couldnt say.
I agree with Ron though, power of carp fights vary a lot. Pound for pound, some of the hardest fighting fish I have caught were small canal carp. I've had 4-5lbers tear almost 40 yards of 10-12lb line off no problem. One memorable fight lasted 15 mins on moderate gear, and I swear it was a 20lber until a pristine and very resistant little 5lb mirror finally surfaced. Such a shame that most of those Bridgewater Canal fish are now dead after last summer.
Best fighting fish of all for their size though.. GUDGEON!!! Pure muscle. I wish they grew over a pound! You catch 2ozers on the Mersey and you think you've hooked a small chub!
I agree with Ron though, power of carp fights vary a lot. Pound for pound, some of the hardest fighting fish I have caught were small canal carp. I've had 4-5lbers tear almost 40 yards of 10-12lb line off no problem. One memorable fight lasted 15 mins on moderate gear, and I swear it was a 20lber until a pristine and very resistant little 5lb mirror finally surfaced. Such a shame that most of those Bridgewater Canal fish are now dead after last summer.
Best fighting fish of all for their size though.. GUDGEON!!! Pure muscle. I wish they grew over a pound! You catch 2ozers on the Mersey and you think you've hooked a small chub!