Sometimes, trying to pick the right rod is such a struggle. Tens of questions pop into your head, and it’s hard to choose which one you really want. Sure, it determines the success of your fishing trip, but which one is the easiest for you? And what about the price?
That’s what this article is for. Here you will find information on two main rods: the spinning rod and the casting rod, which will hopefully answer all your questions and help you choose a rod at a reasonable price for you.
What Is A Casting Rod?
A casting rod is also known as a spin cast rod. It is one of the cheapest and easiest types of rods that you could use.
It is good for novices with general knowledge about fishing. A casting rod allows you to easily control where you cast accurately and still be able to reel in big catches.
But since it accepts casting reels and the way it works, it can seem strange for beginners, as the casting rod bends to leave the eyelets and guides upwards facing, as this makes controlling the fish that much easier while landing it.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Allows you to cast precisely: Whether you need to maintain control over the hook and bait, or wanting to cast into weeds and rocks, you don’t need to worry about it as the casting rod does it for you.
- Harder to break: The eyelets are less likely to break from the force of the line. So, take it off of your mind as you will be able to catch larger fish with ease.
- Easy to use: It is easier to catch fish when the rod is so easy to use! Many people can become extremely accurate just after a few sessions.
Cons:
- You really need to understand the techniques of angling: While you don’t need to be an expert in fishing, you need to learn the exact way to cast the rod, as it can be challenging. This could potentially end up in you having to change your lines more often than you thought.
- Line tangling: A casting reel is not quite as smooth as a spinning reel, meaning that a casting rod has a higher chance of tangling, especially if you do not understand the techniques.
Features and Materials to Consider:
The interior of the rod, also known as a blank, can contain different materials, so you need to pick a type of material that fits the type of angling you want to do.
| Graphite
Made of carbon fiber, the material flexes when a fishhooks on, meaning the angler can easily tell there something’s hooked on. Once the pressure has removed (the fish is gone,) the material will return to its original shape. It is perfect for small fish, and slightly fragile for large fish. |
Fiberglass
Fiberglass casting rods are more difficult to sense a small fish; however, they are perfect for large fish, and the rods are stronger. This means you don’t even have to think about the rod snapping; however, graphite rods are competing with fiberglass making them about the same quality. |
Blend
A mixture of graphite and fiberglass, these types of rod are more flexible and durable. People who normally fish with fiberglass may swap to a blend, as the graphite senses small fish easier, yet the toughness of the fiberglass makes it a perfect combination. |
Line Guides and Eyelets:
Line guides are attached to the rod that contains the eyelets. Eyelets are smaller near the top of the rod, and larger near the handle, with a casting rod. Some of the materials that line guides and eyelets are made of are:
| Plastic
This is the least expensive and worst quality. They snap easily when placed under pressure and can pull away from the rod also. |
Metal
If you use metal, make sure to use a type that will not rust or corrode as they are tougher and more durable than plastic materials. |
Ceramic
Extremely durable; however, it has not got the sensitivity that plastic and metal materials have when it comes to small light-biting fish. |
Prices:
- Prices can range from everything between $25 and $200. Be aware that some casting rods have been sold without a reel.
- Beginner-level casting rods cost $20+. They are a cheap starter option that is not made for heavy fish as novices are not expected to be able to master techniques that intermediate and advanced experts will have.
- Intermediate casting rods will be about 8 feet long and cost about $40 – $100. These are more expensive, depending on the quality and what type of fish you are looking to catch
- For the most experienced anglers, rods will be at least $100 and up to $200 as they are made for anglers who require maximum control for heavy fish. At least 6.5 feet, similar to intermediate rods; however, they are made of the best quality materials that have the ability to stand under high levels of stress and pressure.
What Is A Spinning Rod?
Spinning rods come in all types and sizes, light action, heavy action, or medium action. Eyelets point down on this rod while your line also directs downward.
The rod uses a reel mounted on the underside, so there is less friction, you have the ability to last longer. Make sure you do not mix the two rods up since you do not want to fix the wrong reel to the wrong rod, as the fishing line could snap, and you will not be left with any fish!
While it is easier to access the reel, you use your non-dominant hand, so be sure to get some practice in, even though it is easy to master the techniques. This is why many people think that the spinning rod is a better alternative compared to a casting rod.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Amazing for beginners: Reeling in fish is much quicker, techniques are easier, the line is less likely to break or tangle.
Cons:
- Accurate casting is not its strong forte: If you are trying to aim your lure into a specific area, and have a high experience angler, then this probably is not your best choice of rod. The spinning rod is better for beginners, so when you understand angling, you will probably want to switch to a different type of rod.
Guides:
Guides are on the underside of the rod, so the rod will flex naturally when there is a fish on the line. More guides mean more flexibility.
Rings and brackets in a spinning rod guide can be made from a few different materials. Here are a few.
| Stainless Steel
This is a rare ring material as the metal can make the line weak and limit your casting distance |
Ceramic
This can break under pressure; however, it lessens friction, meaning it is smoother than most metal rings |
Silicon Carbide
Arguably the best, creating the least friction and heat, so you can last longer |
Titanium
Easily bendable, so if this happens, just casually bend it back to its original shape |
Action:
Telling which action is which is easy for experienced anglers. Your action should match your style and the conditions you fish in.
| Fast Action
If you’re using a jigging technique, this would be useful for you as it has so much flexibility in the last two feet of the rod. |
Medium Action
Flexible in it’s midway, these actions are suitable for all fishing types. |
Slow Action
The most flexible in the entirety of its length. You can fish with live bait and make a long, gliding cast. |
Prices:
- Prices can range from everything between $15 and $200. This depends on the quality and the features your spinning rod has. Also, be aware that most spinning rods have been sold without a reel.
- Short spinning rods can be as cheap as $15
- Medium spinning rods are about $35 to $60
- Long spinning rods can handle more weight, so usually cost more than $60, and can even go up to $200
- Rods with reels adds about $50 to the cost
Top Spinning Rods:
#1 St. Croix: Premier Series
- High range of sizes and amazing quality construction of graphite. Best quality handles and profiles that are durable and sleek, sturdy, and sensitive.
- Expensive
#2 Entsport: Sirius 2-Piece Spinning Rod
- Available in a few sizes yet inexpensive with a lightweight carbon design and comfortable handle grips.
- Fewer sizes than competing designs
Top Casting Rods:
#1 Rippin Lips: Super Cat
- A well-priced casting rod that is high quality. Lighter than usual fiberglass, yet still stiff while being able to reel in large fish successfully. With a glowing tip, you will be able to see the nib at dusk or dawn.
- While the tip is high-vis, it is very brittle and cannot withstand high pressure.
#2 Berkley: Cherrywood HD
- A cork handle gives amazing grip and performance. It’s a popular design that offers good results, and for the price, it still gives high sensitivity for those small fish..
- Durability is questionable as it is made for lightweight fish and small baits.
Also Read: Fly Fishing VS Spin Fishing
So, Which Is Best?
As mentioned before, it really depends on your experience and your style of fishing. There are so many types of rods out there, but between casting and spinning, these are the main differences.
Spinning rods have spaced excellent guides, whereas casting rods have smaller guides that are spaced closer together.
Casting rods provide better performance compared to spinning rods, as casting rods are usually for experienced anglers that understand the main techniques.
The eyelets bend differently on casting rods, yet another reason that expert fishers find it easier to use than novice beginners do on casting rods, so spinning rods are better for them.
Casting rods will be more expensive for beginners. This is as the lines will snap while you are practicing, meaning you have to spend time, effort, and money on changing your lines multiple times. However, spinning rods don’t have any additional costs, making it better for spinning rods.
Spinning rods cannot be used for heavy cover, but casting rods have a good versatile range of uses.
Spinning reels are unsuitable for heavy action, as the line tangles and twists easily, whereas casting reel’s lines are strong and durable, as well as being good quality, meaning casting rods can handle heavier, larger fish.
So, decide for yourself! If you are a beginner, spinning rods will be perfect for you as they are suitable for trolling and still fishing and can catch many small fish, as well as being easier to learn.
However, if you are an expert, you should already know this basic information and be using a casting rod, or another type of rod that is good for heavier fishing and can endure more weight, stress, and pressure.
The many similarities that are shared between the different types of fishing rods can make anglers easily confused, so make sure you know which one you are choosing and buying, as well as the right reels and guides.
There are different situations that may require you to use a certain type, or you may just prefer a specific one. A general rule is that casting rods are better in boats, yet spinning rods are for beginners. Just make sure your reel and rod setup has the right diameter of line and wait patiently to see what a good quality fishing rod can really do!
