Spinning Rod Vs. Casting Rod
First, while going fishing, choosing the right fishing gear is very important; hence the right rod is necessary. When comparing casting vs. spinning rods, consider that they are two different designs of rod set to perform particular fishing techniques.
Before selecting a rod, you need to pick a fishing reel. Spinning and casting rods have more similarities than differences which can only determine under close observation.
The spinning rod can only be paired with a suitable spinning reel. Thus, the reel seats and guides are below the rod; on the other hand, casting rods can be paired with a casting reel hence the reel seat and guides are above the blank.
What Are Spinning Rods?
Spinning rod refers to flexible fishing rods used to target various fish species. They can handle lures and bait rigs of all types and sizes. Bass spinning rods are made in weights varying from light to heavy and can be used in either slow or fast action.
Spinning rods are frequently used for trolling and still bass fishing. Professional anglers use spinning rods since they require proper angling techniques. Here are some examples of the best spinning rods;
St Croix Bass x Series Spinning Rod
It is made of St Croix design with solid aluminum oxide black-framed guides with a lightweight feel. The SCII graphite rod blank is lightweight and has a double-coated flex premium cork that is corrosion and abrasion-resistant.
Bass X is rigged with a Fuji reel seat and a long-lasting split-grip handle with solid cork. It’s available in 6’8″ to 7’1″ rod length with a power of medium-light weight rod to medium-heavy light and can be retrieved in fast to extra-fast action.
Piscipin Serpent One-piece Spinning Rod
Piscipin serpent one-piece rod has a high-quality balance of power, sensitivity, and casting ability. It is the best bass fishing rod as well as panfish.
Its rod material is made of im7 Toray high modulus carbon fiber blank made by piscifun’s x wrapping process. It also has a high-quality fuji frame with a fitting fishing reel seat.
Ensport Rattlesnake Graphite Spinning Rod
It is one of the most popular spinning rods, with a three-in-one graphite fishing rod with one base and three tips. It has a durable handle made of split cork. Its guides have stainless steel frames and ceramic inserts that reduce friction and maintain sensitivity.
The medium-light tips are essential bass rods. In comparison, the medium-heavy tip is ideal with Carolina and Texas rigs. They are available in rod lengths of 7″ and have medium-light power, medium power rods, and medium-heavy power rods.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
It is a great spinning rod made of either fiberglass or graphite. Ugly Stik gx2 is a sensitive rod with any line, including braided lines.
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
The ugly stik elite a is a lightweight rod, with an exposed blank style reel seat and high-quality cork grips. This rod enables you to catch big fish with the spinning reels quickly.
The ugly stik rod has durable stainless steel guides and a precise tip of solid fiberglass. It comes in various styles, lengths, and actions that are perfect for your fishing needs. Other top spinning rods include;
- Tica SMHA series for trout, bass, and walleye rod
- Falcon coastal rod
- Ugly Stik tiger elite spinning rod
- St Croix mojo bass, graphite rod
- Dobyns rods fury rods
- Shimano stimula 2 pieces rod
What Are Casting Rods?
Also known as baitcasting rods, is the right fishing rod enhanced to cast the line and bait with a baitcasting reel. It has a reel mounted on the top of the rod, allowing the line to lay across the top. It prevents the fish from pulling the eyelets of the rod.
Long casting rods with straight handles are designed for power fishing bass tactics, trolling, or surf casting for large fish such as striped bass, salmon, blue or flat head catfish, and strong saltwater fish.
Types of Casting Rods
- G Loomis E6X 782c casting rod
- Entsport e series two pieces 7 feet graphite casting rod
- Okuma’s Citrix lightweight travel rod
- Abu Garcia vengeance casting rod
- Noeby bait casting rod
- Lew’s custom lite bait casting
Comparison Between Spinning and Casting Rods
The primary difference between spinning and casting rods is the reel. A bass angler knows that they need to select a reel style before they pick a rod to pair it.
Casting rods also offer a small trigger grip for your index finger, depending on how you’ll hold the reel during your cast.
Features of Spinning Rods and Casting Rods
Spinning rods vary depending on strength, action, and power. Here is a list of various spinning rods and how they work;
Rod Length
Spinning rods vary in length and action for catching a variety of fish. Frequently, spinning rods run between 6 to 8 feet from the tip to the butt. You can use shorter action ultralight spinning rods with a thin line for panfish or trout.
Medium and medium-heavy action 6- to 7-foot rods are ideal for finesse bass fishing tactics. Long heavy action rods with elongated grip handles for two-handed casting are best for surf fishing in saltwater or steelhead and salmon fishing. Shorter rods have minor bends, making them ideal for catching large bass.
Rod Material
Rods can be made from various materials, and some use more than one material on the blanks for a stronger backbone. Such rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
Graphite is sensitive, strong, stiff, and ultra-light, while fiberglass is heavier than graphite rods and is suitable for angling. Carbon fiber is the most expensive, stiffest, strongest, and lightest material.
Rod Power
Rod power is the force required to bend the rod. It is categorized into light, medium, and heavy power rods. The more the heavy power rod, the heavier the fish caught.
Rod Action
it would help if you matched the rod action depending on the fishing technique intended. Rods are classified into slow, medium, and fast action rods. The rod action is measured from the tip to the butt.
Slow action rods are more flexible and are made to fish lighter weight lines and finesse baits.
Most bass anglers tend to prefer a fast action rod since they are designed for fishing larger bass using heavier lines and baits.
Rod Handle
Rod handles are made of EVA foam, cork, or rubber. While picking a rod, make sure the grip is comfortable for your hand.
Short rod handles reduce your casting distance, while longer rod handles increase the stretch. Eva foam is soft, while cork is a bit rough to hold. For beginners, it’s advisable to choose shorter handles since they are easier to handle.
Braided Line Weight and Guides
The quality of your guide material is essential to keep the line from breaking. Many anglers prefer ceramic-coated guides to work with braided lines since stainless steel wears them off.
Bottom Line
While choosing a fishing rod, look at the features and benefits of both and find the one that fits the type of fishing you enjoy. Equip yourself with both since some situations and fish species might require both setups.
Mostly both spinning and casting rods can be made from the same materials, offer the same actions and powers, and come in the same range of prices.