If you are curious to know what kind of spinning reel should you use for your spinning rods, you need to understand the core difference among them and the basic ways how they function. Here, we have compiled how the types of rods and spinning wheels function and what goes where so that you can understand which reel should you attach with your spinning rod.
What Is a Casting Rod?
There are about 8 different types of fishing rods you will find in the market, among them, you will find spinning rods, fly rods, and casting rods to be the most popular ones. A casting rod is mainly designed to be operated in running waters, or streams. The ergonomics make it easier for you to place the rod and bait on the hook so that you can relax instead of luring the fish.
There are two types of casting rods, 1) baitcasting rods, and 2) spin casting rods.
You will find multiple small eyes near the reel in a baitcasting rod. On a spin casting rod, there is a larger eye near the reel and some other small eyes on the rod.
So, now you understand that spin casting rod and spinning rod, although sound similar, are very different types of rods. But,
What Is a Spinning Rod?
The main difference between a spinning and casting rod is that the spinning rod is much lighter in weight and shorter in length than the casting rod. However, distinguishing them instantly might be tricky for you unless you are not an experienced fisherman or have a good understanding of fishing gear. Thus, we suggest you compare side by side to feel the key differences.
Another key distinguishing feature is that the spinning rod has a larger eye, which lowers the chance of being heated up and snapping by lowering the friction.
Now, you can find a spinning rod having a length of 4 to 9 feet in height. You will also find a varying number of eyes between 5 to 9 depending on the manufacturer and length of the rods. Finally, you will see that the reel is set under the rod, which helps to lessen the pressure of your wrists while casting. This makes casting simple and easier for the user.
Spinning Vs. Casting Reel, Which One to Choose?
All the types of fishing rods are designed to perform some specific things. That is why the suitable rod and reel for you will be based on the condition and requirement of your fishing spree. Spinning reels are great for lightweight lures and when you need to cast for a long time. On the other hand, when you need precise casting, casting, especially baitcasting ones are perfect for that.
- Spin casting vs spinning rods
- Baitcast vs spin-cast
What You Need To Know About Baitcasting Reels?
Baitcast reels are placed on top of the rod, just a little up there from the handle. The spool is stretched from there towards the end of the rod and so, it remains the parallel of the rod. The spool will move as per the casting of the line when you are using a baitcast. Having control over the casting and ensuring the speed does not escalate too quickly is important. That is why the baitcasters are a better option for experienced anglers compared to beginners.
A bait caster reel is used for dropping the line strategically and placing it with the most accuracy where there is a lesser surface area to swing around. Thus, it is very helpful to cover a crowded area with a large number of anglers.
If you are trying to get used to the baitcasters, try rehearsing bit by bit in your beginner stage while you are using spinning reels or any other sort of rods. You need to use your dominant hand to cast the rod at first. After that, hold the reel to cast with that hand, switching the hands. If you follow carefully, you will notice that you can use your thumb to regulate the line. When you grasped it pretty decently, you will be able to understand when the line is about to backlash and can use your thumb as a brake to stop it.
All In All, the Bait Caster Reels Are-
- Well-suited for the experienced anglers
- Capable to hold a heavier line
- Holds more line
- Strong drag capabilities to ensure the precise cast
- Handles powerful and heavy fish effortlessly
- Durable a lightweight
However, They Are Also-
- Quite expensive, especially for the beginners
- Takes a long time to learn over the time
- Highly prone to nesting or backlashing
In contrast to that, here we have the spinning reels which are much easier to operate when you are a beginner compared to a bait caster reel. It is excellent for anyone new to fishing, but not limited to that only. Experienced anglers also adore these as it is much easier to maneuver and lets you have a relaxed time on fishing. On top of that, it is also a budget-friendly option than bait caster ones which makes it accessible for amateurs who are starting fishing but unsure whether or not it will be for the long term.
If you compare the spinning reels to the spin caster ones, you will find the spinning reels need a little more practice to operate. So if you are switching from a spin caster to a spinning one, you will need a little time to adjust, however, spinning reels are not too difficult to learn anyways.
To operate, you need to unlock the line first, by detaching the metal bail. Then hold the line with your index finger so that it does not get tangled. Then cast the line by releasing your index finger and let it go when you reach the top of your cast.
The Benefits You Will Find in a Spinning Reel
- More control
- Easy to use than a bait cast reel
- Control over the distance and speed
- Less expensive than bait casters
- High quality, east for everyone to use
- Easy to switch hands
- Suited for various angling conditions
- Great for setting up in a rod holder, so no need to continue holding the rod.
But, You May Find the Spinning Reels to Be
- Under-performing for a heavy fish or a heavy lure
- Limiting capacity of mid-sized fish
- Bail needs to be handled technically to prevent backlash
To sum up, the bait caster reels function very differently than a spinning reel. So, we suggest you avoid using a bait caster reel on a spinning rod. Otherwise, it strains the rod, lines, and spool makes it difficult to perform well.
FAQs
Q : Why Should I Not Use A Bait Caster Reel On A Spinning Rod?
A : firstly, the bait caster reels are not designed to work well with the spinning rods. They cannot maneuver enough strength and friction necessary for the spinning reels, thus, not yielding an efficient fishing experience for you. And secondly, due to the inconsistent response between the rod and reel, your back will be strained and might face severe spinal injuries.
Q : What Are The Difference Between Spinning And Casting Rods?
A : if you are not completely which of the rods you are looking at, try using these 2 tricks-
- Bend the rod with light force (not too much, otherwise it will snap and break). Now, in which direction it bends is important. If you find the rod bends down easier than it bends up, then chances are it is a spinning reel. Otherwise, it might be a casting rod. Note that, determining which direction it is bending is up to the guide, whether if it is facing up or down.
- If you are comparing between a baitcasting rod and a spinning rod, looking for the fingertip will come in handy. You will find a small fingertip before the reel seat if the rod is a baitcasting one. But the spinning rods have no fingertip as it is not required for the spinning rod.
Q : Is A Spin Cast Reel Suited For A Spinning Reel?
A : you will find two types of sip cast reels in the market, one is the traditional spin cast reel and the other one is called underspin reel. A traditional reel is only made to air with a spin-cast rod, so, it would not be applicable on a spinning reel. An underspin reel, however, acts the same way as a spinning reel. Thus, if you have the underspin reel, you can use it in a spinning rod.
Conclusion
If you are certain about your expectation from your fishing trips, then it would be easier for you to decide on which rod to choose and adjust the appropriate reel accordingly. And if you go fishing occasionally and trying to maintain straightforward fishing gear, think about the fishing condition you go on the most. Then choose the rod according to that and buy the reel as per your chosen rod.