Even though many of us started bass fishing with spinning rods, they almost have a stigma about them. It’s not too hard to find an angler who holds their nose up to them, or implies that they can’t handle many of the more common situations. Some people seem to think that spinning rods are only good for light lines and lures. This is baloney. A spinning rod is a perfectly good tool for bass fishing. You just might need to be search a little bit if you need a spinning rod for a hyper-specific situation.
Why the Stigma?
As I mentioned above, there’s almost a stigma against using a spinning rod. Some seem to feel it is amateurish to use these instead of the more complex baitcasters. Certainly, having spent the time necessary to learn a baitcaster inside and out is the mark of an enthusiast, but it isn’t strictly necessary by any means. Indeed, if you’re just fishing for fun, or flat out don’t want the bother with a baitcaster, there’s nothing wrong with using a spinning rod.
Spinning rods vs. baitcasters are very much like an automatic transmission vs. a stick shift in a car. Those who prefer the latter like to put on airs now and then, but the people using the automatics are still getting from Point A to Point B just fine (and often with a lot less hassle)!
Frankly, most mature adults gave up picking on people for what stuff they use back in about middle school, so this isn’t something to really worry about. If someone gives you flak for using a spinning rod, just count your blessings that you don’t allow such trivialities to bother you.
What are Casting Rods Best For?
Casting rods do have their place. While I would submit that just about anything they can do, a spinning rod can do marginally worse, there are certain applications that just are more enjoyable to fish with a baitcaster.
Chunking Heavy Lures
Typically speaking, a baitcaster is going to be your better choice for throwing heavy lures. It’s much easier to find a baitcasting rod set up for this, but more importantly, a “standard” size baitcasting reel can handle large lures just fine. This is because baitcasters are made to accept the heavier fishing line that is normally attached to these bigger fishing lures. In contrast, you’d need a very large spinning rod to toss the bigger lures.
Heavy Cover Situations
Because baitcasting reels act as a winch, they are much better for dragging fish out of heavy cover such as lily pads than spinning reels. That’s not to say you can’t also do this with a spinning reel, but the baitcaster is going to have a much easier time with it. All of my fishing combos set up for fishing with plastic frogs or heavy jigs are on baitcasters for this reason.
Precision Casting
While I suppose, with practice, you could get very precise casting any type of fishing rod, baitcasters have a well-earned reputation for being the most precise casting tools out there. This is because it is so easy to pitch and flip with a baitcaster. Here’s a good demonstration of how to do this (take note of how precise the cast is, and how little splash is made):
What are the Advantages of Spinning Rods?
Spinning rods have so many advantages over casting rods that it’s hard to see why people think so lowly of them. For many situations, they’re the better option.
Versatility
In my mind, spinning rods are actually more versatile than baitcasters. The right power & action spinning rod can throw just about any lure a baitcaster can. On the other hand, you’d be extremely hard-pressed to find a baitcaster that could handle throwing the types of light lures spinning rods can throw.
So, you basically have one type of rod that can handle everything vs. another type of rod that can only handle some things. It stands to reason that a versatile rod is going to be good for bass fishing, and spinning rods are clearly that.
Ease of Use
I’d rather have a spinning rod on a windy day than a casting rod. Even after years of practice, casting into the wind with a baitcaster is a pain. While spinning reels do develop wind knots and have their own issues, they’re just more enjoyable to use on windy days.
They’re also significantly easier for beginners. While you’re starting off, you’re far better off concentrating on catching fish instead of picking out backlashes. There’s a reason no one recommends starting children off on baitcasters.
Price
OK, so spinning rods aren’t necessarily any cheaper than their casting cousins, but it is significantly less expensive to get into a good spinning reel than a baitcaster that won’t leave you flustered. Baitcasters aren’t that easy to use in the first place, but this is exacerbated when your reel of choice has substandard braking systems, as most of the “budget” reels do. On the other hand, a Pflueger President is an inexpensive spinning reel that lasts for years. I know because most of my rods have one attached! Go ahead and check the best price on Amazon. Whatever it is, it’s going to be far less than almost all decent baitcasters.
Can You Throw Heavy Lures on a Spinning Rod?
You can absolutely throw heavy lures on the right spinning rod. The trick is finding a brand that can deliver. An easy shortcut is probably just to go with some saltwater rods, as there are plenty of saltwater spinning rods rated for considerably larger lures than the typical freshwater rod.
If you’re a purist, and want a “true” freshwater rod, then one of your better bets for tossing big lures and baits is going to be the St. Croix Premier series. This expansive set of rods includes spinning rods in a Heavy power, fast action set up that is ideal for throwing frogs and other large lures. I once reviewed the St. Croix premier fishing rod in detail.
There’s really no issue with throwing heavy lures on a spinning rod. The problem becomes the reel itself. You’re going to need a very large one to handle the heavier braid necessary when throwing frogs, for example. Again a saltwater reel might be just the ticket.
When Do I Prefer a Spinning Rod?
As I mentioned above, I use both spinning rods and baitcasters for bass fishing. When do I use what? Well, here’s what I prefer and why:
I Prefer Spinning Rods for…
- Jerkbaits – I believe most people prefer baitcasters for these. I however like how the spinning reel hanging below the rod helps me get the jerks across crisply. It’s just a little bit more “oomph” to help out. To each their own, I suppose, but jerkbaits are such open water lures that you aren’t really losing anything using a spinning rod.
- Shallow Crankbaits – Most people use baitcasters for crankbaits, but I find that I’m usually throwing shallow-running ones early in the year. Where I fish, this is often the windiest time of the year also. The wind and relatively small size of some of these crankbaits just makes it easier to use a spinning rod.
- Plastic Worms – This is just a matter of preference, but I prefer the way a spinning reel balances while I’m working a worm. Perhaps it’s just a habit from my youth that I can’t give up, but I definitely prefer to use a spinning rod with my wacky rigged worms.
- Drop Shot / Light Lures – Finally one that others will agree with, right? Drop shots are light tackle with light line much better suited for a spinning rod.
I Prefer Baitcasters for…
- Spinnerbaits – I can make more casts with a baitcaster in less time than I can with a spinning rod. It’s simply a question of mechanics of the cast and what steps you must take. When I’m fishing spinnerbaits, I’m trying to cover a lot of water so it’s important to make as many casts as possible.
- Deep Crankbaits – Once you start using larger crankbaits that displace more water and dive deeper, the cranking action of a baitcaster really comes in handy.
- Jigs – I tend to make very precise, short casts with jigs and find baitcasters the better option.
- Frogs – The winch-like action of a baitcasting reel is a must when pulling fish from heavy cover.
- Buzzbaits – I find it easier to start reeling with a baitcaster. On a spinning rod, manually flipping the bail before reeling in a buzzbait can cause it to sink.
Conclusions: Yes, Spinning Rods are Good for Bass Fishing
To recap, spinning rods are just FINE for bass fishing. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. One of the main reasons that I started this blog was to try and be a voice of reason. It really bothers me when I hear people trying to convince beginners that they “need” all this fancy tackle. To me, a baitcaster is just that – fancy. Do I own them? Absolutely. Are they better for certain applications? Sure. Do you need to rush out to buy one to be a successful angler? Of course not. If all you have is a spinning rod, use it with a giant smile on your face. You aren’t missing out.
Have a great day for fishing,
John Paxton
