Besides the rod’s performance, there is so much that goes into its selection. Before you hit the waters with your setup, it is essential to find the right rod for your best baitcaster reel. Anglers usually run into the casting vs spinning rod confusion.
Typically, a casting rod is best used for bass fishing, surf casting, and trolling, using various baits and lures. The spinning rod on the other hand can be used for freshwater fish such as walleye, pike, trout, perch, salmon, and more.
Only an expert can tell the difference between spinning and casting rods just by looking because of their similar appearance. As you dig a little deeper, the dissimilarities between the two types help you understand which suits your fishing criteria the best.
The Major Differences: Casting Vs Spinning Rods
When it comes to the baitcasting rod vs spinning rod, there is so much more to consider than what one imagines. To provide a clearer insight, the chart below determines the common differences between casting and spinning rods.
| Features | Casting Rods | Spinning Rods |
| Line Guide Size | Small throughout the rod length | Larger near the handle, gets smaller towards the tip |
| Line Guide Position | Bottom of the rod | Top of the rod |
| Rod Backbone Location | Opposite to the line guides | Same as the line guides |
| Applications | Heavy covers, bass fishing, technical applications | Trolling, still fishing, live bait fishing |
| Usability | Tricky | Very easy |
| Reel Orientation | On top of the rod | Under the rod |
What is a Casting Rod?
When you use a casting rod and the fish pulls the line, the eyelets turn upside and the rod bends over. A lot of anglers get confused with what happens with the rod and cannot get hold of it. Just like a casting reel, it is challenging to learn to use and master a casting rod.
Best baitcasting rods come in a variety of sizes and power. When using a lighter rod, you will get incredible casting. With such rods, low-profile baitcasters work like a charm for enhanced castability with multiple lures.
However, if you choose a heavy rod, look for a baitcaster with a larger spool size, max drag, and level wind. If chosen correctly, casting reels can offer better performance as compared to spinning rods for serious fishing techniques.
Related Guides on Baitcaster Rods
What is a Spinning Rod?
These rod have line guides on the top side unlike casting rods but, what is a spinning rod used for? You can use these rods for kayak or boat fishing. Most of these rods are designed for freshwater. To manage the load of saltwater including inshore and offshore tactics, the rod has to be extremely robust and corrosion resistant.
As the fish takes a bite of the line, the rod bends. Spinning rods are relatively very easy to learn. Therefore, beginners usually start with these rods and move to cast rods once they have got a hold.
Spinning Rod Vs Casting Rod Features
The following factors will help you learn the spinning rod vs casting rod difference.
1. Rod Material And Size
Materials used to make casting and spinning rods are the same i.e., graphite, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or composite material. For ergonomics, high-end rods include foam handles.
The eyelets on a casting rod are mounted on the top. Whereas, on a spinning reel, the eyelets are positioned downwards.
Both rods are available in a wide range of sizes i.e., between 4 ft. to 14 ft. Considering the rod length options, people as tall as 6 to 8 ft. can also use these.
2. Reel Orientation
Reel Orientation is a common difference spinning vs casting rods have. The baitcasting reels sit on top of the casting rod near the handle. On the other hand, spinning reel hands below the spinning rod.
While using a casting reel, you should hold the rod with your dominant hand. To turn the handle, switch the rod in your non-dominant hand and use the dominant one to crank the handle.
Speaking of a spinning reel, you hold the rod in your stronger i.e., dominant hand, and turn the handle with the weaker hand.
3. Line Guide Size And Spacing
The size of line guides on casting rods is small but these are many in number and run along the entire rod’s length. On a spinning rod, the guides are larger at the start i.e., near the handle and the size reduces near the tip.
The guides are not very far unlike those on a spinning reel. The greater spacing of line guides in spinning rods makes it easy to use the spinning reel with a wide diameter.
4. Line And Lure Weight
Best Line For Baitcasters usually have large diameter. That said, you can easily use heavier lines and big baits/lures. This help to pull in the bass, big cats, trout, and more. Whereas, if you are into light or ultralight fishing, spinning rods would work perfectly.
These typically use lighter lines however, some top-tier models can manage heavy lines and lures as well. The best type of fish to catch with spinning tackle include perch, walleye, trout, panfish, etc.
Related Guides:
- Best Spincast Rods [Spincasting Fishing Rods Reviews]
- Baitcaster Reel Sizes
- Spincast vs Baitcast Reel – Which One Is Better?
- Ultralight Smallest Baitcasting Reel
Surf Casting Rod Vs Spinning Rod
If you are a saltwater angler, surf casting rods are an excellent choice. These are used for slow-action fishing techniques that require high strength. That said, you can fight against hefty species and achieve accurate casting with surf casting rods. These rods are not beginner-friendly and need prior expertise
However, spinning rods are used best for fast-action fishing applications for smaller species but mostly in freshwater. Offering amazing control over the cast, these rods are a great choice for new anglers to learn fishing.
Some Other Top Choices For Spinning Rod Vs Casting Rod
- Best spinning rod vs casting rod for Bass: St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning and Casting Rod.
- Best spinning vs casting rod for Catfish: Ugly Stik Catfish Spinning and Casting Rod.
- Spinning vs casting rod for Trout: Cadence Spinning Rod and Shimano Trevala Casting Rod.
FAQs
What is spin casting fishing technique used for?
Spin casting is best for catching species like crappie, bluegill, panfish, and similar. These are quite easy to use hence, ideal for beginners.
What is the best spinning vs casting rod for beginners?
As mentioned earlier, spinning rods are suitable for beginners but casting rods are not. However, if you want to know what is the best spinning vs baitcasting rod to go for, these include the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod and KastKing Brutus Casting Rod.
Conclusion
Choosing a fishing rod is fun but quite confusing as you dive into the details of different types such as casting vs spinning rod. Simply put, for heavier applications and expert usage, choose a casting rod. Whereas, for light and ultralight fishing techniques and small species, a spinning rod should be your choice.
