Spin Casting

Article and illustrations by J.Jelev

This is arguably the most dynamic, simplified and efficient technique that has ever been developed. Its advantages come from the angler's ability to cover vast expanses of water as well as the attraction qualities of lures that are hard to match by anything else. No bait (with the exception of live minnows) or fly would ever achieve the wobbling motion of a spoon, the jerking action of a plug, the flash and vibrations of a spinner, or the life-like movement and feel of a twister tail jig.

Trout and salmon take lures out of aggression and to provoke the appropriate response, the angler must present the spinners, plugs, spoons or jigs well while moving from place to place in search of active fish. Reaching the desired distances and depths is rarely an issue.

Lures are usually cast, without any split shots being attached to the line, thanks to their own weight. In contrast, a fly fisherman cannot cast a heavy fly without the help of a heavy fly line and a yet heavier rod.

Spin casting usually requires some space to run the lure through although in the really small creeks, spinners and plugs can be successfully suspended in the current to entice fish.

Casting Distance

Maximum casting distances are achieved by properly matching the lure weight to your line diameter. Heavier lures will go further on thinner line. However, using lines that are too thin will result in lost lures during casting. Spools are filled almost to the rim. If a spool is overfilled, the chance of tangles increases especially in windy conditions. Underfilled spools, on the other hand will shorten the casting distance.

Lure to Line Matching Table

Lure weight	Line	Line	Fish
1-5g (1/32-1/8oz)	2-4lb (0.14-0.18mm)	2-6lb	small rainbow, brook, brown trout
5-10g (1/8-1/4oz)	4-6lb (0.18-0.25mm)	4-8lb	rainbow, brook, brown trout
10-20g (1/4-1/2oz)	6-10lb (0.25-0.30mm)	6-12lb	salmon, steelhead, lake, bull trout, arctic char
20g-30g (1/2-1oz)	10-17lb (0.30-0.35mm)	10-20lb	large salmon

Lure shape is also quite important; a kastmaster goes easier through the air than the wide blade of a spinner, resulting in a much greater distance.

Spincasting is relatively easy even in windy conditions. When the temperaures drop below zero, the rod of choice is one with big diameter guides that do not freeze as often as the regular ones.

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