If you are a fan of fishing, chances are you have managed to assemble tons of different tools.
Among them, spinning reels and casting rods are undoubtedly the easiest to use, even for beginners.
However, have you ever wondered “Can you use a spinning reel on a casting rod?”
In case this question ever pops up in your mind, let’s keep reading to find out whether this combo is feasible.
Can You Use A Spinning Reel On A Casting Rod?
Technically speaking, putting a spinning reel on a casting rod is completely achievable. However, most experts would recommend against this action.
Not only does it look inappropriate and will make you become a laughing stock of all fellow anglers, but it also gravely affects the quality of both your reel and rod.
Consequently, you are more likely to come home with an empty bucket.
Spinning rods have oversized guides
The first reason why spinning reels and casting rods do not go well together is the size of the rod’s guides.
Typically, spinning rods enjoy larger-than-average guides or at least larger than those of casting rods.
The point is to make sure the fishing line can be thrown off with minimal friction, enabling you to cast longer, deeper, and more accurately.
If you intend on pairing a spinning reel with a casting rod, the tiny guides on the casting rod will not suffice.
The fishing line coming off your reel stands a higher chance of grinding against the guides, thus compromising your casting efforts.
Even if your casting rod comes with microwave guides, the result will still be the same.
Microwave guides include a series of double guides, where a smaller guide is placed within a bigger one. Hence, your fishing line is still exposed to the possibility of being slowed down by friction.
The rod’s backbone
Next up, how your rod’s backbone is designed plays a vital role in determining which reels should go with which rods.
Take one look at the casting rod, and you shall notice how the guides are facing up.
This is the opposite of a spinning rod, where all the guides are placed underneath the pole.
Generally speaking, the body part holding all the fishing guides tends to be flexible and elastic.
It allows your rod to bend when needed to reel in the fish.
Vice versa, the part right behind the guides and close to where you put your reel is much stiffer. It provides you with enough steadiness and power to put in a fight.
The key takeaway from this analysis is that for a rod to work properly, you will need a soft and stiff body part. Together, they create a necessary force for anglers. A rod with two soft sides or two stiff sides is not likely to bring you any tangible result.
And unfortunately, this is what will happen should you insist on mounting a spinning reel on a casting rod. The incompatibility between these two items results in an overly soft rod.
Not only does it prevent you from catching trophy-sized fish, but it can also damage the entire setup.
Why is that? Simply because the pressure exerted is insane. Normally, guides on the spinning rod are placed facing down for catching smaller fish, while those of casting rods face up to handle bigger fish without placing too much burden.
If you intend on mounting a spinning reel on a casting rod, you are essentially using it the wrong way. Breakage is bound to happen, and things will get nasty.
Your line’s safety
Last but not least, your fishing line should also be taken into account. You are determined to use a spinning reel on a casting rod?
Be prepared for the latching coil. It may end up curling around your guide, preventing you from casting properly.
Furthermore, as the guides on a casting rod are much closer, your fishing line is more likely to be bumped. As a result, it might not come out smoothly and can even snap in half.
Of course, this is not to mention how friction can tamper with the quality of your casting rod.
Finally, backlash tends to be more common if the fishing line is not controlled. Since your fishing line comes through smaller guides and you cannot dictate its speed, chances are you will have a tangled mess on your hands.
Using Casting Reel On Spinning Rods
Here, you have already understood the dangers of pairing spinning reels with casting rods. But what about the other way around? Can you mount a casting reel on a spinning rod? Will it work out?
Unfortunately, the answer is still no for the exact reasons above. The size of the guides will be too big for the fishing line to travel through. The backbone will remain stiffened and cannot offer enough elasticity if needed.
The fishing line will become messy and torn when the exerted pressure is not correct. Given these obstacles, there is no reason why you should play with incompatible tools. Fishing works best when you have the support of perfectly lined-up gear.
See also: what is difference between casting rod and spinning rod ?
FAQs
Conclusion
Can you use a spinning reel on a casting rod? Technically, yes.
But our advice? You should probably stay away from this combo. Consider using things that go well together instead.
Not only does it increase your chance of success at fishing, but it also maintains the lifespan of your tackle box as well. Should you have any hesitation, feel free to drop a comment and let us know!
*Disclosure: We only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may Read more
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Born in Lakeland, Florida, Daniel has started fishing since he was just a tiny little kid. His father was a real good fisherman, as he taught Daniel tricks and tips to catch the fish better. From those childhood memories, Daniel has built up his love for fishing. Until now, he has been participating in several bass tournaments and currently serves as the Chief Editor of fishingonsunday.com to share his precious knowledge and experiences with many more people.
