In the last fifty or so years, no method of casting has gained such popularity as that of spinning. What is spinning? Why did it become so popular? Can you really catch large fish with spinning tackle? Well let’s try and answer these questions.

The term spinning in the popular context means casting with a stationary, (or fixed) spool reel. This means that instead of being pulled from a revolving spool, the line spins over the rim of a fixed spool without restraint. The only time the spool of a fixed spool reel moves is when a fish is taking the line out. Rotating on a spindle at the resistance set by the angler with the drag control.

There are a number of advantages to the angler with this system. Firstly, since it is the revolution of the spool which causes “backlash”, the fixed spool eliminates one of the angler’s most annoying hazards. Also the almost nil resistance on the line makes longer casts, with lighter lures, possible for the average angler.

Many “experts” put the popularity of spinning down to this ease of casting. Undoubtedly a great advantage for the beginner. However, spinning is more than just a lazy man’s answer to the casting problem. And whilst it’s true that the basics of spinning are easily picked up, the fine points of using spinning tackle will only be mastered with practice.

Spinning has opened many new avenues of fun for the angler. Using this technique, some truly amazing record catches are being made these days. For anyone seeking trophy fish on light tackle the field is wide open. 150lb Marlin have been fought to a belly-up finish in running seas with an 8lb test monofilament line. One angler, after a two-hour fight, landed a 261lb Mako shark on spinning gear with only a 12lb test monofilament line.

Giant Muskies, Pike, Salmon, Trout, Tarpon, and many other “tackle-busters” have been brought to a standstill. With spinning tackle, whether you have hooked a “big ‘un” or a “small ‘un”, every ounce of the fishes strength needs to be exhausted before it can be brought in. You tell me if that isn’t a test of skill, and great fun too?

Spinning was never designed to replace bait casting. It is simply another method of casting, not fishing as such. Although it is really just another means of accomplishing the same thing as the bait casting outfits, there is enough difference in the operation and action of the two to give them individual merit.

However, to sum up the major advantages of spinning tackle, we can state the following:

• Spinning tackle casting is much easier to learn.

• Casts of greater distances are easily possible.

• Light lures, including flies and live bait, are easier to cast.

• Backlashing is eliminated (although care needs to be taken to prevent tangles).

• There is a more sensitive response to both small and large fish.