FS Digest

What’s the difference between a casting rod and a spinning rod?

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by jsmhellohello

bcwolfe

Other than:
1. handle
2. reel seat
3. size, location, and number of line guides
there isn't too much difference between them.
They both come in various lengths, and strengths for fresh/salt water. both may have either light, Med, Med heavy, Fast action along with slow, moderate, moderate fast or fast tip action.
Think a more accurate question might be why the different size line guides on the rods.
Casting rod: smaller line guides: why, the line coming off the casting reel is a much smaller diameter circle flying thru the guides and tip and on. While the line coming off a spinning reel is a larger diameter circle (larger spool) different extraction of line (casting- comes off of a rotating cylinder holding the line) (spinning- comes off a stationary spool, coming off one end of the spool, thus a larger "circle" of line being fed towards the line guides which start out large and get smaller along the length of the rod to the tip.
Dont't believe me, just try to make a cast using a spinning reel on a casting rod and see just how far you can make it. Another point- spinning rods are designed to have the reel hanging below the hand, placing the guides on the bottom of the rod. What's the difference? Both are "tools" almost as different as a hammer and a saw.
My opinion, I am sure others have more to say. BCW

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

There is a video that describes the difference in the way the blank is made. You can't use a bait casting reel on a spinning rod because of the way the rod blank is formed. Spinning reels go on the bottom of the rod bait casters go on the top. It has to do with the seam on the blank. Find and look at the video if you are interested.

Don Fischer

I like ultra light fishing rods and reels for most fish but for cats, bass and walleye if I ever get going with them, it's casting all the way. That is simply a personal preference, I love casting rods. There are spinning rod and reels that will do the same as the casting. Why ultra light for some? I have never been able to cast a lure under 1/4oz with a casting rod. I also expect larger fish with the casting rods. Catch a decent size fish, say a couple pounds on a ultra light with 2 or 4 lb line and you will have your hands full. Same fish on a casting rod and reel, lightest line I use it 6lb and only on one rod and reel them 10 lb on most the other's and it's about like pulling in a fish with a crane! If I had to give up one, I'd give up spinning, I just really like casting reels and mostly round ones.

S Kat Loc: Lake Lanier - Georgia

As stated above, the physical reel, the way the line comes off, the rod used, etc. are all different. An important thing to know is why one is used rather than the other.
Spinning Rods - much better for lighter lures. Much less likely to get a bird's-nest/line tangled. Slightly harder to properly put line on the reel to ensure it does not come off the line twisted. Can cast without using thumb or making adjustments to brakes.
Casting - often preferred for heavier lures and heavier live bait, Many people are more accurate in casting as you have a little more control, more adjustments needed between lure changes to make sure it is set up properly for best cast and less chance of bird's nest.

Both have advantages based on the situation, and the type of fish and bait you are using.

john1470 Loc: Sandy Hook, CT

One jams, other does’not.

Pixiedog456005 Loc: Maryland

Spinning reels feed the line off a large spool compared to a smaller diameter of a bait caster. The bait caster axle is a smaller size. The spinning will cast farther than bait casters but accurately is much easier with the baitcaster. The bait caster is actually a mini-winch relying on you pumping the rod to do the work.
Yes birds nest happen to both. Spinning is over spooled or using cheap line causing a coiled spring effect. Bait casters lure or bait stops traveling, but the reel keeps spinning causing the birds nest. Thus you have to thumb the spool, adjust magnetic settings and or turn reel horizontal cast to vertical and back again just before the bait or lure comes down.
For really long cast I use an Alvey side caster. It has a 7.5 inch wide spool.. it cast as a spinning reel then twist 90 degrees becoming a bait casting retrieval. With this set up casting up to 140 yards, some have gone farther.. I use this to reach the 3rd trough in the surf. I retrieve by pumping the rod and then wind. Let the rod work.