Which rod is suitable for a novice, are you looking to know the comparison of spinning rod vs. casting rod? It’s a question that comes to almost every fisherman’s mind while purchasing a rod. After all, the success of your fishing trip depends upon the capability of the fishing rod.
For that reason, choosing the right rod is essential for an angler. No doubt that it’s a long debate regarding which one is good or worst. The good thing is you don’t have to worry about it because after reading this article you’ll surely get the answer.
Below, we’ll compare these two rods and their advantages and disadvantages to show you a clear and bigger picture.
Spinning Rod vs. Casting Rod: Overview
First of all, you’ve to understand that both spinning rods and casting rods are available in a different range of size, length, and weight. You can choose any size, whichever suits you. The spinning rod works with the spinning reel, and the casting rod works with the baitcasting reel.
As compared to casting rods, spinning rods are lighter. Though casting rods are heavy, they are suitable for heavy purposes. But when it comes to operating, spinning rods wins because they are easy to manage, especially for beginners.
What Is A Spinning Rod?
Spinning rods are made to work with spinning reels which you can see on the downside of the rod along with guides. Graphite, fiberglass, PVC, and carbon fiber are the materials used to manufacture spinning rods.
As mentioned above, they come in different sizes (typically 4 – 15 ft in length). Each size of the spinning rod works perfectly for a specific fishing situation.
How Does It Work?
Complete the casting procedure and wait till a fish bites on the lure. When the fish bites, the rod will bend down from the tip, middle, or handle (bending depends upon which type of rod you have). After that, you have to flip back the reel.
Spinning Rod in Action
You may hear about the term “Rod Action” while purchasing. It describes the bending potential of a rod, which bends whenever we do fishing, and a fish puts pressure on it.
But how much a rod bends depends upon the rod action type. You can find all rods from extra fast to slow action in the spinning rods category.
- An extra-fast action rod bends from the tip.
- Fast action rods bend from the end but from above.
- While moderate action rod bends from the middle
- A slow-action rod can turn from the handle.
How to Choose the Best Spinning Rod
To choose the best spinning rod, you’ve to consider some factors that I’ll share with you below. Just keep one thing in mind: you’ve to choose a spinning rod according to the fishing goals, situation, or circumstances.
Weight
If you want to cast heavy lures, then purchase stronger rods. Otherwise, lighter rods are suitable for accuracy and management.
Size
Shorter rods are suitable for a short cast and longer for a long cast. So choose the size according to your casting plan.
Material
Fiberglass is more rigid and less expensive in contrast to graphite. Graphite is lightweight and sensitive compared to fiberglass. Now, it’s your choice what you prefer.
Action
Know about the bending capacity or rod action (Extra fast, Fast, Moderate, Slow) of the rod before buying. Make sure to choose a rod according to your fishing plan.
What Is A Casting Rod?
Casting rods are suitable for professional anglers. The significant difference between either rod is that the baitcasting reel and guides attach to the rod’s upper side on the casting rod.
Though it is not easy to master the casting rods technique, it is still the best option for heavy lures to catch big fish.
Like spinning rods, it also comes in different sizes (4 – 14 in length), and each rod is different in terms of actions. You can choose whichever you think is suitable for the fishing journey.
How Does It Work?
Casting rods also work the same way as spinning rods. Whenever the fish pulls the lure, the rod will automatically bend down (but from where it depends on the rod), and then you can flip back the reel.
Casting Rods in Action
Same as spinning cast, casting rods also come with many types of rod actions. In case you don’t read above, rod action is the term that describes the bending capacity—a rod bends when we put pressure on it while fishing.
Not every rod bends from the handle or the tip. That’s why always make sure you’re buying the right rod. Keep in mind that the extra fast action rod bends from the tip, fast from the top of the tip, moderate from the middle, and slow action from the handle.
How to Choose the Best Casting Rod
The process of choosing a casting rod is quite similar to the one we share above in the “how to choose a spinning rod” heading. So, make sure that you think about weight, size, action, and material while choosing the casting rod.
In short, if you want a sturdy rod, then select the ones made from fiber. Consider the length of the rod according to the casting plan. Think whether you want an extra fast, slow, or medium action rod.
Fishing With Spinning Rods vs. Fishing With Casting Rods
The spinning rod is an excellent choice, especially for a person who is not a pro angler, and there are many reasons for it.
First of all, spinning rods are lighter in weight. That’s why it is easy to manage, especially for coastal fishing scenarios. With spinning rods, you can cast any lightweight lure or bait farther in water, whether it is plastic ones that are available online or the topwater baits.
A casting rod is an exact reverse of a spinning rod. Casting rods are not lightweight; also, it is not easy to manage you’ve to practice a lot. However, casting rods is a good option; you can easily cast heavy lures and handle any big fish with ease.
So, the bottom of the story is both rods spinning or casting are useful and fantastic for a specific situation. So make sure that your decision to purchase any particular rod is right.
Advantages
Spinning Rod
- Easy to use, even for beginner anglers
- Suitable for casting light lures and for pan fishing.
- Lightweight and easily manageable rods
Casting Rod
- Good to cast a heavy lure.
- It works well for catching bigger fish.
- You can cast longer with a casting rod.
Drawbacks
Spinning Rod
- Not suitable for heavy lures and big fishes.
Casting Rod
- Difficult to use for a novice.
- It is a heavier rod than spinner ones.
Why Do People Choose to Use One Over the Other?
Both rods are opposite to each other. The reason why people choose one over the other is because of the situation.
If you want to catch a big fish, you’ve to choose the right one, which means casting a rod. Spinning rods are not suitable to manage big fish. Using a spinning rod to cast a heavy lure is a Himalayan blunder.
However, according to us, there should not be a debate about which is best between a casting rod and a spinning rod. After all, both of them are made for different situations and have distinct disadvantages and advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use a spinning rod with a casting reel?
No, it’s the biggest mistake, and you can’t do it. Remember that spinning rods work well with spinning reels, and you can’t use them with something that is not compatible. You can’t cast accurately, and there’s a chance that the fishing line and the reel’s gear could break.
Do Baitcasters need special rods?
Similar to spinning reels, bait caster reels also operate perfectly with casting rods. And you can’t use it with a spinning rod; they are made for different purposes.
What type of rod should I use with a bait caster?
A baitcaster reel is made for a casting rod. Though technically it is possible to use it with a spinning rod, it’s useless because it may become the reason for a failed fishing trip.
Do pros use spinning reels?
Yes, pro anglers also use spinning rods when they want to cast a light lure or bait. Or if they’re going to go for inshore fishing to catch lightweight fish.
Bottom Line: Casting Rod vs. Spinning Rod
Undoubtedly it’s a never-ending debate between spinning vs. casting rods which has extra advantages. Honestly, both can be the worst or best for you based on the circumstances or situations.
So, let’s end this debate on a point that there is no debate, such as the Spinning rod vs. Casting rod. Both are good or bad for a specific situation. For your ease, here are the key takeaways in case you’re still confused about them.
Choose a spinning rod for coastal water and to cast a light lure, catch pan fishes.
If you want to catch big fishes or cast heavy baits, go for a casting rod.
The spinning rod is an excellent choice for a beginner.
Casting rods work well if you know how to use them.
