Spinning Rods
A spinning rod is probably one of the easier types of fishing rods to use. Spinning rods are one of the most commonly used rod types do to the fact they are so versatile. They make a great choice for some one just starting out. Should you be planning on fishing with light gear 1/32 to 1/4 ounce in weight they are what you need in order to cast these light lures.
A spinning outfit makes it possible to cast small spinners, baits, lures and other light “fishing gear” that are very difficult to cast with baitcasting gear if you could cast them at all. You can even use a spinning rod too fish with a fly if you like. All you need to do is attach a clear plastic casting bubble that you use for weight.
When selecting your spinning rod, consider these features:
•Material.
The best spinning rods are made of the same material as the best fly rods high-modulus graphite. There are some nice fiberglass models available if you are on a budget, however they are a little heavier. Not only does a high- modulus rod give you excellent casting performance, its lightweight allows you to cast with less effort. You will enjoy this if you plan to spend all day on the water.
•Length.
The tendency in spinning rod selection, as in fly-casting, is towards the longer rods. These longer rods are necessary if you are going to be making longer casts. On large western streams, anglers use spinning rods up to 9 feet long for casting their lures to the opposite bank. However, in most trout streams, long casts will be unnecessary; the average cast will be less than 25 feet. A long rod is simply not realistic on a narrow, brushy stream. An angler will do better with a 5-foot rod that is easier to maneuver under those conditions.
•Power.
An ultra-light to light spinning rod with 2- to 4-pound mono is ideal for casting lures weighing 1/32 to 1/4 ounce. They are an excellent choice for catching trout weighing up to 2 pounds. You will need a medium- power rod with 6- to 8-pound mono to handle heavier lures (1/4 to 5/8 ounce) and land the larger trout. For steelhead and salmon, you really should use a medium-heavy rod that can handle 10 to 20 pound line. Most all Rods have a recommend line size printed on the rod located just above the reel seat make sure this matches your intend use.
• Action.
For casting very light lures, you need a slow-action spinning rod. They flex over most of their length. A slow-action rod is best for casting tiny spinning lures because it loads well on the back cast. If your rod is too stiff, it will not flex, or load, so you will find yourself throwing the lure rather than letting the rod do most of the work for you. A medium-action rod (one that starts bending in the middle) will make the best all-around choice. They will allow you to cast most small lures and they give you a strong hook set along with added control when fighting heavy fish. The medium action rods also handle a wider variety of line sizes or weights as well.
