Spinning is one of the most popular methods of catching predatory fish. Over the years, the evolution of angling techniques, fishing equipment, and knowledge made spinning fishing an extremely effective method. In my opinion, it is much more effective than the traditional baitcasting fishing, which still has a lot of support base.

When I use baitcasting, I am doomed to wait, sometimes completely pointlessly, until the fish bites. When spinning, however, the fish is not looking for the angler. It is the angler who is looking for the fish, often leading the lure precisely to the predator’s mouth. This is what puts spinning in the light of the most effective angling methods.

Continuous fly fishing makes it possible to catch a fish every once in a while. The spinning fishing method allows dragging the lure through a shoal of smaller predators willing to try their luck.

When spinning, the angler can walk around the edge of the lake or swim in the middle of the river. He can stop at a place of his choice and do a few throws or a dozen. He has the luxury of changing the area of fishing to cast the lure again. Spinning is all about continually searching for new fishing places and fish, which, after all, also like to wander around. That makes spinning fishing great for motivated people who want to get their adrenaline rush from such a seemingly relaxing activity. Those who think that fishing is boring should try spinning fishing. I’m sure you will not get bored!

Many believe that spinning is simple and does not require a lot of financial investment because one rod is enough. Indeed, you do not need other gear, such as tripods, props, lights, chairs, and other equipment so necessary in other fishing methods. Nor do you need barley, because you do not fish in one place, you are always on the move, trying different places.

So is spinning fishing really cheaper?

In part, yes, but saying that the spooning method that does not require funds is inaccurate. A good rod and reel can cost a fortune.

Basic Requirements for Universal Rods Capable of Spinning Fishing

The most frequently asked question I hear from spinning enthusiasts is what rod is best to buy. That’s not surprising. What is surprising is the question of what kind of rod would be universal enough so that it can be used for spinning fishing and baitcasting. That’s not really possible. You can find a universal rod, but it’s going to be good at one thing, and subpar doing the other. Or mediocre at best at both. Nothing could be more wrong. You can’t extend spinning techniques to non-spinning rods, and you can’t expect an excellent performance that does not involve spinning from a spinning rod.

Today, it is not enough to equip yourself with a pair of spinners of various shapes to do a quality spinning. You need a dedicated spinning rod if you want to try spinning. Sorry to disappoint you.

Types of Spinning Rods

Most spinning rods are usually two or three-part. They are often made as telescopic rods, from 6 feet to 12 feet long. They are also made for different lure weights. The choice of equipment depends on what methods and lures you will be using.

Light Rods

Ultralight rods are made for lures from 0.5 to 10g. Light rods are best for lures between 2g and 15g.

Light rods are usually designed for perch fishing using light silicone baits. Their main features are lightness, sensitivity, and the distance of casting the bait. These rods are characterized by a very sensitive tip that is good at signaling about fish biting the lure. At the same time, the rod does not give the fish any strange vibes by making the bait move unnaturally.

The maximum load of ultra-light rods is about 9 pounds.

Heavy rods

Medium rods can handle casting 10-30g lures.

Heavy rods can bear lures from 20g to 80g and heavier.

Medium and heavy rods are used to catch large predatory fish. Such rods allow the use of large rubber lures, wobblers, and large spinners. They do well during long-range fishing when you need a reserve of power to cast a massive lure. The durable construction of these rods allows you to pull a large fish.

Non-spinning specific features

Choosing a new rod sometimes causes problems, even for experienced anglers. Let’s begin at the beginning with the characteristics common to all rods, which should be noted when buying spinning rods.

Parameters

Before you buy any fishing rod, you need to pay attention to its:

• Action
• Length
• Transport length
• Weight

Action

The action is about how the rod will behave during the casting and fishing, how much it will flex, and how much it will affect the effectiveness of fishing. The action of the spinning rod consists of two factors: the speed of the blank and the degree of flex.

Fast action rods allow for precise casts and very fast pulls. Using them requires a lot of experience when towing fish.

Slow action rods are not as precise, but they are suitable for beginners. 

Length

It’s primarily a matter of taste. However, you should know that a properly selected rod length will allow you to achieve better results at fishing. To a large extent, the length of the rod depends on the method used, the type of lure, and the place of fishing. Boat fishing works better with short rods, and if you’re casting from the shore, you may need a long rod.

Transport length

This parameter is all about traveling with your fishing rod. The smaller the rod is when folded, the easier and more convenient it is to carry.

Weight

For an angler using rod holders, stands, tripods, and so one, the difference of 4 ounces means little. However, when spinning, those modest 4 ounces can make your hand go numb after one hour. The lighter the rod, the better.