Spinning Fishing: The Angler's Guide

Spinning fishing, often perceived as simple and peaceful, is a technique that can be easily grasped. It revolves around straightforward gear, mainly a rod and reel. But as with any fishing story, there's more complexity beneath the surface.

Over the years, this technique has evolved, forming its charm in its adaptability to different environments and dynamic interaction with nature. This adaptability brings a sense of ease and confidence to beginners, making the fishing experience enjoyable and less daunting.

The spinning fishing technique was born from the desire and need for a more efficient way of catching fish. Today, it skillfully balances skill and patience, offering a strategic approach. This strategic aspect keeps enthusiasts engaged and intrigued, leaving room for good, old fishing luck while requiring a thoughtful and skillful approach.

We have created this guide to help you learn this technique in more detail and get close to its core. In it, we will walk you through its methods and gear and help you discover the joys it brings. So, let's get started and explore the basics of spinning fishing!

Understanding Spinning Fishing

It's not called spinning fishing by chance, and that primarily means that everything revolves around learning the mechanics of casting and reeling and choosing the right gear for such a fishing experience. It implies using rods and reels designed for casting light baits over long distances and retrieving them as accurately as possible. 

Another beauty of spinning fishing is its versatility. It easily adapts to different environments, from calm freshwater lakes and rivers to dynamic coastal waters. This versatility excites readers and makes them eager to explore and experience the thrill of catching fish of all sizes in different environments.

You must hone those skills almost daily to achieve the perfect balance of long-distance precision cast.

Why Use Spinning Fishing

Spinning fishing brings out the best in simplicity, which opens up the possibility for a very intriguing fishing experience. It is flexible and easily adaptable to various environments, plus the ease of handling spinning gear makes it ideal for beginners, as its design reduces line tangling and potential complications.

In addition, spinning fishing allows casting light baits over long distances, which is essential for covering a larger area in open water. It also offers excellent control over bait placement and retrieval speed, allowing anglers to mimic the movements of their prey. Although it can indeed be tiring at times, it keeps anglers engaged. The possibility of experimenting with various lures, from soft plastics to crankbaits, is particularly attractive.

When to Use Spinning Fishing

Indeed, and without exaggeration, spinning fishing can be practiced in numerous fishing scenarios and environments. Like most fishing techniques, it is easier to apply in clear water, where fish can spot lures from a distance. The ability to cast from a distance is an advantage, allowing anglers to reach fish without spooking them.

It is an excellent technique for covering large bodies of water, whether in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.

Spinning fishing shows its strength and beauty, most clearly in the early morning or late afternoon, as the movement of baits can cause strikes by hungry fish. It is effective in environments with vegetation, rocks, or underwater structures where fish hide. This technique is reliable in windy conditions as its reel design minimizes line slack and tangling. It is an excellent technique for falling in love with fishing.

Why Fish Gather on Spinning Fishing

The combination of lures in this technique creates intriguing vibrations and a fascinating visual spectacle for the fish. The lures, designed to imitate the prey's live movement, trigger the fish's predatory instincts.

The creative use of baits, through various techniques and gear, makes it very versatile and can be used in multiple environments, from open water to areas with vegetation and structures. This means most fish, from smaller fish species, such as Trout, pelagic, big game fish, Tuna, or Mackerel, will be inspired to inspect them. 

This also means that this technique is primarily based on the ability to control the speed and movement of the bait, which allows adaptation to different fish behavior and water conditions. However, it also requires good angling skills.

Fish Species Commonly Caught by Spinning Fishing

You can't deny the elegance of this fishing technique, which means that it can catch an extensive range of species, regardless of whether you are fishing in fresh or saltwater. 

• Largemouth Bass: A popular fishing species that dominates rivers and lakes. You can catch them on various lures, including spinners, crankbaits, and soft plastics.

• Smallmouth Bass: This species is primarily found in cleaner, cooler waters such as rivers and lakes. It is happy to bite and responds well to lures and spinners.

• Trout: Various types of Trout, from those typical for fresh water to those for salt water, are known to bite spinners, spoons, and small baits or those baits imitating small fish or insects.

• Pike: Pike is an aggressive predator that will not hesitate to attack large spinners, spoons, and lures. 

• Walleye: This species is found in lakes and rivers and is often caught using bait, cranks, and spinners, especially in low-light conditions. 

• Redfish: The superstar of coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. They are known to bite quickly and will not resist spoons, soft plastics, and topwater baits. 

• Snook: Like Redfish, Snooks are found in warm coastal waters and estuaries. They are often caught with lures, soft plastics, and live bait imitations. 

• Blue Fish: Common in saltwater environments. They are very aggressive and often hit fast-moving lures like spoons and plugs. 

• Perch: Both fresh and saltwater have representatives of both fish, and it is best to fish them with small spinners and jigs. 

• Mackerel: Their primary habitat is saltwater, where they respond well to fast-moving lures such as spoons and lures. These species are popular targets for spinning because of their feeding habits and the willingness to bait lure.

Each fishing technique requires its specific equipment, including spinning fishing. Let's get to know them better.

Essential Gear for Spinning

Regardless of technique, good fishing is 50 percent good gear and 50 percent skill. Find out below which equipment to include for the spinning fishing strategy.

Rods

Choosing the right rod is essential to spinning fishing equipment. It affects casting accuracy, bait control, and the overall fishing experience. Depending on your preferences, knowledge, or just curiosity, there are several common types of rods you can use.

• Ultra Light Rods: These are incredibly light rods, from 4 to 5.5 feet long, ideal for targeting small freshwater species such as Panfish, Crappie, and Small Trout. They are extremely sensitive, allowing anglers to effectively combine them with very light lures and lines. Use this rod if you like delicate presentations and fishing in small streams.

• Light Rods: A shade heavier from ultra light and usually 5 to 6.5 feet long. They target species such as Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Perch. They maintain good sensitivity while offering more distance and control than ultralight rods.

• Medium Light Rods: Typically 6 to 7 feet long, they balance lightness and strength, making them ideal for species such as Bass and Trout. They are versatile and flexible and enable handling a broader range of bait weights, fishing conditions, and heavier and more delicate designs.

• Medium Rods: These 6 to 7.5 feet long rods are the most common choice for this technique. They suit many species, including Bass, Pike, and Catfish. They have a solid balance between sensitivity and power and can cast medium-weight lures and handle larger fish.

• Medium-Heavy Rods: Ranging from 6.5 to 8 feet, are sturdier and more powerful. They have proven the best for targeting larger freshwater species such as Pike, Muskie, giant Bass, Redfish, and Snapper. They have the power to cast heavier baits and fight bigger fish, making them suitable for fishing in heavy cover and challenging conditions.

• Heavy Rods: Usually 7 to 9 feet long, they are built to last and carry a lot of weight. They are used to target very large freshwater and saltwater species such as Muskies, Tarpon, and large Catfish. They are essential for deep water and difficult situations where power and control are critical.

So, remember that big fish look for strong rods, and that's the only way you can perform cool and delicate actions with them.

Reels

Reels are essential pieces of gear. To support rod weight and bait selection and to learn which one to choose, read below.

• Spinning Reels: They have a hanging position under the rod and a fixed spool that turns when the handle is turned. They are a common choice due to their ease of use, versatility, and ability to support fine to medium-duty applications. Blinds are ideal for beginners due to their simple operation and easy control.

• Baitcasting Reels: They are placed on top of a fishing rod and have a rotating spool that releases the line during casting. They are accurate and have excellent control over lures for casting lures. Mostly, they are favored by experienced anglers looking for precise bait placement and the ability to handle heavier lines and lures efficiently.

• Spincast Reels: They are characterized by a closed side with a button mechanism that releases the rope. Very simple, it is recommended for those experienced in using them because they enable throwing without tangling. They are commonly used in freshwater fishing scenarios and for hunting Panfish and Trout.

• Fly Reels: They are specially designed for fly fishing and have a large fly spool to accommodate the thicker flies used in this technique. They have very smooth drag systems necessary to control the intense racing of fish common in fly fishing. It is vital to combine them with matching fly fishing rods.

• Trolling Reels: Trolling is a technique for hunting large ocean fish, so you assume that trolling reels are highly specialized, have high line capacity, and have robust construction that withstands the rigors of deep fishing. They have robust drag systems designed to handle the heavy lines and big, powerful fish you encounter during trolling operations.

Therefore, the spinning technique and gear can be combined with various other methods, but it is essential that each segment, including the reels, supports each other.

Lines

How and how far you want to cast depends mainly on the chosen fishing line. Here are the ones that are primarily used for spinning fishing action.

• Monofilament Line: Monofilament is a single nylon line known for its stretchability and ease of handling. It has resistant solid stretch properties that absorb shocks, reducing the likelihood of line breakage during sudden strikes or aggressive fish behavior. It is easy to knot and widely used in freshwater and light saltwater fishing scenarios. 

• Braided Line: It's made from woven synthetic fibers like Spectra or Dyneema and will keep you from being down regarding strength. Firm with minimal drag allows longer casting and increased line capacity on spinning reels.

• Fluorocarbon Line: The main feature of the Fluorocarbon Line is that it is almost invisible underwater, which makes it ideal for clean water conditions and wary fish species. Also, fluorocarbon is abrasion resistant and sinks faster than monofilament, improving lure presentation and making it suitable for delicate performances.

• Hybrid Line: This type of synchronization is the best of fluorocarbon lines, offering a blend of stretch, visibility, and sensitivity. It is low-visibility underwater, easy to handle, and strong like monofilament knots. Because it is very balanced, you can use it in fresh or saltwater.

When choosing, consider factors such as water clarity, target species, and angler preferences for sensitivity, visibility, and ease of use with spinning reels.

Hooks

Hooks are a sensitive and critical point of contact between anglers and fish. The spinning technique is no exception. Here's an overview of the most commonly used hooks:

• Single Hooks: These are the most uncomplicated hooks. They consist of a single point and can be found in different sizes and styles, such as wide gaps or straight handles. They can be used literally for every form and terrain of fishing and are fundamental to every angler's equipment.

• Treble Hooks: This type has three points within a single hook and is designed to increase the chances of hooking fish, especially those that strike from different angles. They are mainly used with lures such as spoons, where the multiple points increase the hooking potential, and for fishing in freshwater environments for species such as Pike, Muskie, and Bass.

• Offset Hooks: These hooks have a bend near the eye, aligning the hook point for improved hook sets. They perform best for presentations with soft plastic lures and weedless tackle, ensuring better penetration. They are used in freshwater and marine fishing environments, especially in areas with vegetation and structure.

• Circle Hooks: Their characteristic circular shape reduces hose hooking and improves the survival rate in catch-and-release fishing. Anglers often use them to fish for species such as Tarpon, Redfish, and Snapper. They are also effective in freshwater for Catfish and Carp, providing an opportunity to minimize damage to fish populations.

• Dropshot Hooks: These hooks have a very short handle and a turned lug and are specially designed for dropshot placement. If you are a fan of fine fishing techniques and target sea Bass, Perch, and other fastidious species in shallow and deep water conditions and need exact control, these hooks will enable you to do so.

• Jig Hooks: This type of hook has a weighted head and a single hook. It is typically used with jig heads for vertical fishing presentations. It provides quality control and precise presentation of baits.

Having multiple types of hooks available is always an excellent option. Sometimes, they allow you to experiment, and sometimes, they can help you exploit an awkward fishing situation.

Rigs

For your spinning bait presentation to be of the highest quality and practical, choosing rigs that align with the environment, strategy, target species, and the rest of the equipment is essential.

• Texas Rig: The Texas rig is a complex setup. It consists of a bullet-shaped weight strung on a line above an offset worm hook, often paired with a weedless soft plastic bait. These rigs provide quality support for fishing in heavy cover without snagging. They are primarily used in lakes, rivers, and ponds and excel at presenting soft plastic lures such as worms and critter baits.

• Drop Shot Rig: This type of rig has a hook tied above the weight, which allows the bait (usually a fine worm or minnow) to hang off the bottom, maintaining a natural presentation. It allows precise control over the placement and movement of lures, and if you are targeting finicky and suspicious species, try this rig.

• Carolina Rig: The famous and versatile Carolina rig has a sliding weight above the swivel, a leader line attached to the hook, and a soft plastic bait. It is used in open seas and larger rivers because it allows long casts while minimizing line twists.

• Jig Rig: A jig rig combines a jig head with a soft plastic or live bait trailer, thus providing a very realistic presentation. It is versatile for fishing in shallow and deep water, giving anglers precise control over depth and movement. If you are looking for fish that like to hide in various structures, then this is your rig, which will contribute to a better presentation. 

• Spinnerbait Rig: This type uses a lead head with rotating blades and a hook with an edge decorated with soft plastic or live bait, thus producing flash and vibration. It is often used in murky or dirty waters where visibility is reduced, offering a combination of visual appeal and erratic movements.

• Swimbait Rig: It consists of a lead jig head with a soft plastic body for swimming, whose purpose is to imitate fish bait. This rig type is effective for Bass, Pike, and Walleye species covering water to target actively feeding fish. 

Remember that choosing the right gear involves considering water clarity, depth, and fish behavior.

Essential Baits and Lures for a Spinning Fishing

Whether you're targeting Bass or Catfish in a freshwater lake or casting in open saltwater and ocean waters, the variety and presentation of your lures will make a difference. It doesn't matter which lure you choose. Find out below which lures are suitable and how to adapt them to the environment. Let's start with saltwater.

Saltwater

From beautiful, almost jewel-like glittering metallic lures to realistic soft plastic swimmers and vibrant live baits, each option is strategically designed to attract species that inhabit coastal and oceanic environments.

Live Baits

Choosing live baits for saltwater spinning primarily involves choosing lively and resilient options such as shrimp, squid, mullet, or pilchards, which combine movement and scent to attract various fish. Look out for the following live baits:

• Shrimp: Typical and common, primarily due to its natural smell and realistic movement. They attract marine species, from coastal favorites such as Redfish and Speckled Trout to Grouper.

• Squid: Squid have a firm texture and a strong smell, and many species cannot resist them. Like Tuna or Mahi Mahi.

• Mullets: Mullets are also popular live bait due to their availability and resilience. They primarily target species such as Snook, Tarpon, and Redfish.

• Sardines: Sardines, also known as scaly sardines, are attractive prey due to their shiny scales and lively swimming. 

• Menhaden: Menhaden are very oily small fish that emit a strong scent trail underwater, making them irresistible to predatory species.

• Sand Eels: Sand Eels are slender, elongated fish that swim in sandy coastal waters.—very effective live bait for Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Flounder.

• Crabs: Different crabs, such as blue or fiddler, are used. Redfish, Tarpon, and Sheepshead will have a hard time resisting them.

• Ballyhoo: Ballyhoos are a type of fish with long, pointed jaws that are mainly used as live bait for offshore trolling and are very effective in targeting pelagic species.

Each live bait has specific characteristics that make it practical for marine species and fishing conditions. Anglers often select lures based on local fish preferences, water clarity, and fishing regulations.

Artificial Baits

Saltwater spinning artificial baits offer anglers an impressive array of choices, including plastic swim baits, top-water plugs, metal baits, and many others.

• Soft Plastic Swimmers: Classic artificial lures used to imitate various natural prey. 

• Topwater Plugs: They are primarily used to create top-quality surface distractions to attract fish like Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and Barracuda.

• Metal Lures: Heavy, shiny lures are the basis of any effective deep-water fishing and hunting species such as Tuna, Kingfish, and Amberjack.

• Dive Lures: This type of lure is used for diving with realistic swimming for species such as Grouper, Snapper and Bass.

• Spoons: These are reflective metal lures that flutter when retrieved to attract fish such as Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Cobia.

• Spinnerbaits: They combine flash and vibration and, with successful control, will create an irresistible show for species such as Snook, Tench, and Pike.

• Soft Plastic: Versatile and multifunctional; you can quickly adapt them to the environment and fishing strategy.

• Surface Poppers: As the name suggests, they create splashing and popping sounds to attract pelagic species.

• Swimbaits: Very realistic with impressive swimming mimicry for species such as Striped Bass, Barramundi, and Muskie.

• Imitation of Shrimp: These are created from soft plastic or rigid bodies to be as close as possible to shrimp. They have proven effective for Bonefish, Permit, and Sheepshead species.

The good thing about artificial baits is that they are adaptable, open to improvisation, and can be used more than once. Their disadvantage is that they endanger the aquatic environment if lost in the water.

Freshwater

However, freshwater spinning fishing differs from saltwater, so even live or artificial baits must be adapted. Let's meet some from both categories.

Live Baits

In this group, there are fascinating miniature insect creatures and various types of small fish, which effectively attract different types of fish due to their colorful movement and smell.

• Worms: This group includes nightcrawlers and Redfish and is very versatile for various species, including Bass, Trout, and Panfish.

• Minnows: Minnows and bighead minnows primarily target Bass, Crappie, and Walleye.

• Crawfish: Favorite menu item species such as Bass and Catfish.

• Leeches: Their squirming attracts fish like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Bass.

• Insects: Various species such as Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Hellgrammites will successfully attract species such as Trout, Bluegill, and Perch.

• Frogs: Live frogs are used to catch larger predatory fish such as Bass and Pike.

Always be guided by the typical behavior of the species you are targeting and what the fish likes, and remember to adjust your live bait presentation as well.

Artificial Baits

The primary feature of freshwater spinning lures is that they all expertly copy live baits, are very functional, and can serve you many times.

• Soft Plastic Worms: These are the most commonly used artificial lures. They are versatile and practical for bass and other species and are often used with various rigging techniques.

• Baits for Diving: This rocking action attracts fish such as Bass, Walleye, and Pike.

• Spinnerbaits: Designed to combine flash and vibration to attract Bass, Pike, and Muskellunge.

• Jigs: They are made of so-called weighted heads with soft or live bait trailers, and with good presentation, they will be effective for Bass, Walleye, and Crappie.

• Swimbaits: This type will provide a realistic swimming action to attract Bass, Pike, and Muskies.

• Spoons: Another type that reflects a metallic sheen, flutters, and flashes to attract Trout, Salmon, and Bass.

• Inline Spinners: These are small blades that spin, creating a flash and vibration that attracts Trout, Bass, and Panfish.

• Poppers: Famous and versatile surface lures that make a popping sound and can attract various species from deeper water and even from a distance.

When using artificial baits, taking care of the environment and, if possible, not leaving them in the water is essential. Most are made of plastic, which can significantly harm the environment in the long run.

Where to Go Spinning Fishing

Spinning fishing is a technique that is quite generous when it comes to the locations from which you can conduct it. And besides, what's more important is that you can improvise a lot and make it your own in a way you think is right.

From a Boat

For many anglers, any fishing technique, including the spinning technique, is only possible with a boat. And yes, we understand you; there are many advantages, such as the more accessible approach to critical areas, easier carrying equipment, and if you have a bigger boat, you can also take a crew. Boats also allow anglers to reach underwater structures such as reefs and submerged trees.

From a Shore

Whether on the sea or freshwater coast, the sea or river shore is a superb playground for various approaches to spinning, fishing, and walking along the sea or river shore; you can change different habitats. Dropping from the shore offers a variety of possibilities in various environments.

For example, lake shores offer productive fishing, especially in the early morning and late evening, targeting species such as Bluegill, Bass, and Carp. In saltwater environments, beaches and jetties allow you to try your hand at surf or sight fishing.

Urban Spinning Fishing

Urban spinning fishing refers to practicing this technique in artificial canals and ponds. It is practical and mostly successful, as these areas are often stocked and landscaped for recreational fishing. They allow anglers to enjoy fishing close to home without needing a boat, and they are generally productive throughout the year.

Specific Spinning Strategies 

Spinning fishing is a simple technique, and as we have already mentioned several times, you can enjoy fishing curiosity through this technique.

Topwater Fishing

It involves using topwater baits such as poppers and frogs to create surface disturbances and buzzing water attractions and attract fish such as Bass and Pike, especially during periods of low light. Although initially, topwater fishing might not seem that way, it can offer a truly thrilling experience.

Bottom Fishing

This is a popular technique for freshwater and saltwater species that live on or near the bottom. The best method is to use jigs or soft plastics rigged with weights to fish close to the bottom, targeting species such as Walleye, Catfish, and Flounder. You need to take care of water depth and current for optimal presentation.

Casting and Retrieving

This straightforward approach involves casting baits such as spinners and spoons to cover a wide area. The retrieve's speed and depth should be varied to mimic the movement of the prey.

Drifting

Drift fishing is both relaxed and dynamic. It relies on presenting the lure as naturally as possible, primarily by allowing the boat or kayak to float naturally while presenting the lures to fish held in deeper water or along the structure.

Final Thoughts 

The world of spinning fishing is dynamic, active, and diverse, and literally, your fishing possibilities are endless with this technique. From exciting topwater strokes to the precise art of vertical jigging, each one offers its thrill and challenge, and the best part is that you can always switch to a new one.

We hope we have inspired you to try it or, if nothing else, intrigued you to explore it. If you answer yes, embrace the adventure, hone your skills, and guide us toward unforgettable fishing experiences.

In the meantime, remember to contact us in the comments. Write your favorite strategy, unforgettable catch, or what motivated you the most to spin fish. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! We always look forward to seeing you.