These are the two leading types of gear in the United States. According to the latest purchase data, spinnings account for about 60% of the market and casting rods for about 30%. They are chosen for their high versatility (adapted to different popular techniques). And also because of the variety of models with diverse properties of durability, sensitivity, and power. But depending on the skills of the angler, the type of prey and angling conditions, sometimes the best option will be Spinning Rods, in others - castings. So it's important to understand their differences.
What is a Spinning Rod?
The main characteristic of these models is versatility. The range of lengths is huge, but in general, these are medium-sized rods (5-8 feet).
The models also vary greatly in power: from light to heavy. Their versatility is due to their specific design:
- Smooth line release and reduced friction is achieved by large guide rings, which are located at the bottom of the rod. As a result, the fisherman is able to make long-distance casts with high accuracy;
- Such models are combined with spinning fishing reels, which are attached at the bottom. They are comfortable, highly sensitive, and easy to control;
- These rods have a sufficient level of stiffness. It allows anglers to easily cope with the loads and resistance of medium and sometimes large fish. But at the same time retains sufficient flexibility.
Advantages of Spinning Rod
These models are breaking sales records among anglers for reasons like these:
- Versatility in the context of rod length. If accuracy is a priority and throwing is for a short distance, the angler can choose a shorter model (5-6 feet). When hunting for big fish in large bodies of water, he can buy a longer rod (7-8 feet);
- It is an ideal choice when hunting medium-sized prey. For example, bass or trout. But they can also be used effectively for other prey. Light Fishing Rods work well with light baits/lures when catching small fish. And heavy models will help to pull large fish out of the water;
- You can fish with spinning models in freshwater (rivers, lakes, and ponds) or in seas and oceans. But for fishing in an aggressive salt environment, you should choose more durable/corrosion-resistant/powerful versions.
- These rods are simple to use. It is easy to make accurate throws with them. In addition, spinning reels minimize the risk of line tangling as much as possible. Therefore, such combinations (rod + reel) are often recommended for beginners;
- These models have increased sensitivity. So the angler can easily feel even a weak bite.
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What is a Casting Rod?
These are professional models. They are also called Baitcasting Rods. Their use requires skill, but they give the fisherman maximum power and level of control.
This is due to such features of the design:
- The guide rings are mounted on top of the rod and the baitcasting reel is perfectly attached at the bottom. This maximizes throwing accuracy and gives the angler more control;
- Lengths are varied: there are short models (6-7 feet) with the highest level of control and precision and long models (8-10 feet) that allow you to fish in deeper waters and larger bodies of water such as the ocean;
- The models are made of durable materials. This gives them a high level of rigidity as well. The main types of materials are carbon fiber/composite materials. So such fishing rods can withstand heavy loads.
Advantages of Casting Rod
The choice in favor of such models anglers make for these main reasons:
- Ideal for Trolling/Jigging/Bottom Angling in the open sea or ocean. They allow anglers to make long casts + have high power and strength to withstand the resistance of large predators. For example, marlin or tuna;
- These models are good for angling in difficult conditions (high winds or waves). After all, they provide high accuracy of casting;
- These rods have a fairly high sensitivity. So to feel even a weak bite of a cautious fish is not a problem;
- Thanks to the design features, more control over the line is achieved. This plays a key role when casting/reeling in fish;
- They are universal in the context of different techniques/types of baits. For example, heavy crankbaits can be used with them;
- They are a good choice for catching trophy fish. Characteristics such as strength & power contribute to this.
Differences Between Casting and Spinning Rods
Spinning/casting models have distinct design + are used with different reels + offer unique features. Therefore, there is a fundamental difference between them. The main distinctions are described in the table below.
| Parameters | Spinning | Casting (Baitcasting) |
|---|---|---|
| Reel type | Spinning (easier to manage) | Baitcasting (requires more control and skill to manage the fishing line) |
| Casting accuracy & distance | Generally good range and accuracy, but performance drops if heavy baits/lures are used | Maximum range and accuracy even with heavy baits |
| Target audience | All anglers: from beginners to professionals. No long training or special skills required | Professionals with experience in fishing |
| Ability to fish in saltwater | Yes, there are corrosion-resistant and more durable models available | Best suited for fishing in seas/oceans |
| Type of prey | Versatile, but best suited for medium-sized fish. Examples: Walleye, Trout, Perch, Bass, and Pike | More specialized, and more often used for large saltwater fish. Examples: Yellowfin Tuna, Shark, Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper, and Grouper |
| Level of sensitivity | Max height, making it easy to catch small to medium-sized active fish | Pretty high, but lower than the spinning ones. Therefore, they are more often used exactly for large predators |
| The most suitable fishing technique | Jigging, Twitching, and Crankbaiting | Trolling, Jigging, Bottom Fishing and Long Casting |
| Price category in the fishing gear shop | Wide range of prices: from cheap to expensive (much depends on material and brand) | More expensive than the spinning ones. The reason is the greater complexity of construction |
| Most suitable types of baits/lures | Soft Plastics, Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Spinners, Poppers, Spoons, Stickbaits | Heavy Soft Plastics, Large Crankbaits, Deep-diving Crankbaits, Jigs, and Deep-diving spoons |
| Which fishing techniques cannot be used with these models | Deepwater Jigging, Fly Fishing, Heavy Lure Trolling, and Bottom Fishing | Ultralight Jigging, Finesse Fishing, Fly Fishing, and Long-Distance Casting with Light Lures |
Spinning Vs Baitcasting Rod: When to Use
Hunting conditions play a crucial role in selecting the type of rod. In general terms, spinning models are the best choice for small freshwater bodies or fishing from the shore, while baitcasting models are the best choice for angling in large and open bodies of water with great depth. More detailed recommendations are in the table.
| Parameters | Spinning | Casting (Baitcasting) |
|---|---|---|
| Waterbody type | Rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, coastal marine areas, and ponding | Oceans, seas, deep and large lakes, rivers |
| Depth | Up to 30 feet | Deep sea fishing (100-1,000 feet) |
| Weather conditions | Quieter conditions | Effective in high winds and large waves |
If you still have questions and can't make a choice, you can get advice from our Fishmak store. Just write to our consultants.