Help in choosing casting rods - review of popular models

What are casting rods

Casting fishing rods are spinning fishing rods that are designed for a multiplier reel. Casting fishing rods, or “trigger” rods as they are popularly called, belong to specialized gear, since such fishing rods determine the dynamics of casting, as well as its design.

Casting rods are called trigger fishing rods because there is a special protrusion on the holder, which in appearance and structure resembles a weapon trigger. This trigger is needed to ensure that the fishing rod does not fall out of the fisherman’s hands, so it is located between the places where the fingers can be grasped.

There is no obvious difference between a spinning rod and a casting rod. The main difference is that a casting fishing rod contains the already mentioned trigger, which is needed for convenient use of the multiplier, and rather low-set rings, which are located on the other side of the fishing rod blank towards the reel mount.

Advantages of casting rods:

• when fishing with jerkbaits, casting rods have a much larger ergonomic design;
• have much greater sensitivity;
• can better control the bait used and the catch;
• help to make an instant and strong hook;
• convenient for retrieving a catch;
• It’s easier to do the actual fishing with such fishing rods;
• casting fishing rods are very diverse and multifunctional in their application (they can use a variety of baits and fishing methods);
• When using casting fishing rods, the bite of a fish can only be felt by touching the braid;
• Using a casting rod is many times easier and more convenient than using a spinning rod.

Disadvantages of casting rods:

• It is quite difficult to cast with casting rods with very light baits;
• The cost may be too high (depending on the fishing rod model).

Casting gear set

A standard casting rod consists of:

• fishing rods;
• multiplier reel;
• fishing line

Rod

Basic requirements for a quality fishing rod:

• strength and reliability;
• increased sensitivity;
• ease;
• suitable length.

The rod itself should consist of:

• fishing rod;
• reel seat;
• handles;
• pass rings.

Rods also come in plug-in and telescopic types. The latter have too many disadvantages, so it is better to purchase plug fishing rods.

Multiplier reel

Advantages of a multiplier reel:

Multiplier reel

• ability to withstand heavy loads, up to 50-60 kg;
• high sensitivity due to the fact that the rings are located on top;
• multifunctionality;
• the ability to fish with both ultra-light and very heavy baits;
• when twisted onto a reel, the line cannot twist, as in a spinning reel;
• the ability to cast over long distances, regardless of the diameter of the fishing line;
• direct bite transmission;
• Great endurance to jerks.

Multiplier reels come in the following varieties:

• narrow-profile;
• wide-profile.

Narrow-profile reels are used for fishing with light baits, the weight of which does not exceed 10-20 g. Wide-profile reels are used with heavy baits, the weight of which starts from 40 g.

These coils are also divided into the following subcategories:

• Reels for fishing with baits weighing up to 70 grams (jerkbaits, heavy jig baits, large wobblers).
• Reels for fishing with baits weighing up to 180 g. They are used in sea fishing or trolling.

fishing line

Instead of regular fishing line, it is customary to use a special casting cord in casting rods.

Basic requirements for a high-quality casting cord:

• good glide;
• resistance to abrasion;
• rigidity and strength.

Cords that have all the above criteria last much longer and will not cause problems with their use. The PE cord, which is produced using a special hybrid technology, is considered the most successful and durable. It contains 8 cores: 4 from polyester, 4 from polyethylene.

Choosing a rod

Material

Modern manufacturers mainly use synthetic materials to make casting fishing rods.

Basic materials for making casting fishing rods:

• fibers;
• carbon fiber;
• fiberglass;
• graphite.

In order to choose the right material for a fishing rod, you need to know what properties these materials provide:

• Fiberglass adds strength and flexibility, but also adds a lot of weight to the blank.
• Carbon fiber provides a good degree of resistance and does not break.
• Graphite gives hardness and rigidity to the rod. Most often it is combined with carbon fiber.

Build

The structure of casting fishing rods is:

• parabolic;
• semi-parabolic;
• bending of the upper part of the fishing rod;
• bend of the upper part of the form.

For fishermen who do not yet have much experience, experts recommend purchasing parabolic and semi-parabolic fishing rods based on their structure.

Length

Choosing the right fishing rod length depends on the location and method of fishing. There are the following rules for choosing the correct fishing rod length:

1. Short fishing rods are best used when fishing from a boat or when casting with bait along the shore. Short rods are very sensitive, which allows them to control the movement of the bait. Fishing rods from 180 to 200 cm long are considered the most convenient.
2. Fishing rods of medium length are considered universal. These fishing rods are well suited for fishing in almost any area. They are recommended to be purchased by inexperienced fishermen, since they are easier to handle than others.
3. Long fishing rods are usually used for fishing from banks or bridges. Because they allow you to cast as far as possible. Long fishing rods are considered to be from 220 to 290 cm.

Power

Choosing a fishing rod based on its permissible power:

• To fish with baits weighing up to 20 grams, you need to use a light fishing rod. The reel for this type of fishing rod is filled with fishing line with a permissible load of up to 10 kg.
• To fish with baits weighing up to 50 grams, you need to purchase a fishing rod of the medium category. The fishing line for this type of fishing rod should be taken with a load of 10 to 15 kg.
• For fishing with lures up to 130 grams, a fishing rod from the heavy category is best suited. It is better to take a line for such a fishing rod with a load of 20-22 kg.

Test

There are such tests:

• heavy – up to 40 g;
• medium-heavy – test up to 27 g;
• medium – up to 21 g;
• light medium – up to 20 g.

In order to choose the right fishing rod test, you should know this ratio:

• for catching fish from 1.5 kg, the best test is from 20 g;
• for catching fish up to 1 kg, the best test is up to 20 g;
• for catching fish up to 350 g, the best test is 10 g.

Rings

Casting rod rings must have the following features:

• smaller diameter than conventional spinning rods;
• low leg, thanks to which the tackle gains greater sensitivity;
• the rings should be located on top of the fishing rod.

How to choose a casting spinning rod for twitching

The lightness of the spinning rod is necessary so that your hand does not get tired when fishing. Braid is used as fishing line: only it can withstand sharp jerks of the wobbler. When fishing for pike, you also need a leash.

Fast action spinning especially clearly demonstrates its advantages when twitching with large wobblers. It provides long casting and excellent hooking.

When purchasing a spinning rod for twitching, you must carefully inspect the form. There should be no scratches or chips on it.

Particular attention should be paid to the reliability of the reel seat, the quality of the connection of the elbows, and the guide rings. When assembled, the rod should be single and solid. When shaken, it should not make any extraneous sounds or crackle.

In general, you can say a lot about the quality of a spinning rod for twitching based on its price. There are several price categories on the market:

• Up to $20. They are not suitable for twitching; you cannot do proper wiring with them.
• From $20 to $80. Here you can already choose. The main thing is to do this slowly and carefully. To do this you need to: determine the real test of the rod;
• choose a system based on fishing conditions;
• read reviews on the Internet, consult with the seller.

Principles of preferred formation:

• Fast - universal option;
• Ultra-fast - for fishing in currents using light and ultralight class gear, when using wobblers designed for sharp twitches;
• Medium-fast (rarely - medium) action for soft retrieves with smooth play of the wobbler. This is especially true if the maximum rod test is more than twice the weight of the wobbler.
• Regular (cola-shaped), Regular Fast - ideal for fishing with jerkbaits and persistent wobblers;
• Moderate (medium) – good for long casting.

When determining the optimal rod test, you can focus on the following numbers:

• pike and perch weighing up to 300 g - test up to 10 g;
• predatory fish up to 1 kg – up to 15 g,
• predator from 1 kg – test up to 20 g and above.

Many fishermen with considerable experience recommend that novice fishing enthusiasts purchase a universal model, the length of which is within 2-3 meters, and the bait test is designed for 5-25 grams. However, a universal design is, of course, good, but over time everyone comes to the conclusion that there should be several rods in the arsenal, designed for certain fishing conditions.

The universal design is perfect for both shore fishing and fishing from a boat. However, fishing in open water will not be very comfortable, since gear about 1.8 - 2 meters long is considered the most suitable for this. Spinning rods designed for coastal fishing are usually slightly longer - 2.7 - 3 meters.

The test based on 5 - 25 grams allows you to use almost all types of baits - wobblers, spinners, spoons and so on. However, light models will not fly too far, especially if they are used by a person who is just starting to master such gear and does not know the appropriate casting technique.

It is very important to look at the type of rod itself - will it be plug-in or telescopic. The first is suitable for fishermen living near a reservoir, since folding and transporting it is not very easy. The telescopic rod when folded takes up a minimum amount of free space.

Another key point regarding the choice of spinning rod is the material from which this tackle is made. Most often they are made of fiberglass - the material is not too expensive and does not require special care, but such rods weigh quite a lot. Active use will cause your hands to get tired quickly.

Read more: Brief review of royal clima rm r35cn e

Composite fishing rods are characterized by a medium level of rigidity, are among the cheapest, and are well suited for most fishing techniques and baits used. The lightest models are those made of carbon fiber.

When compiling our rating of the best inexpensive fishing rods, we took into account all the points discussed above, and also took into account user reviews, both amateurs and fairly experienced fishermen. We also did not ignore the price-quality ratio, so the most expensive models were not included in the ranking of the best budget spinning rods of 2021. So, now let's look at the models we have selected in more detail.

This is one of the most modern models, which is used for fishing not only with jigs, but also with twitching. The rod has a spaced handle made of EVA material. It has a top nut that is built into the foregrip. The ergonomics of the handle are carefully thought out, so there is practically no strain on the hands during retrieving, and when fishing for fish you do not have to exert too much effort.

Forgrip has an original shape, which allows you to place your index finger on the tackle form itself. Due to this, the angler can almost immediately feel the bite and hook the fish in a timely manner. The gear is equipped with anti-wrap rings, which are manufactured in South Korea. They allow you not to be afraid of overlaps even when using soft braided cords instead of fishing line. The performance characteristics are very high.

The blank is made of ultra-light carbon fiber and is a plug-in design, which in its quality is almost in no way inferior to telescopic gear. There is a screw-type reel holder installed here, so the fisherman does not have to worry about it becoming loose when actively using the unit.

Advantages:

• Lightweight carbon fiber tackle;
• Retains its original appearance throughout its entire service life;
• Can be used for different types of wiring and baits;
• Anti-wrap rings installed;
• Screw spool holder.

Flaws:

• The cost is slightly higher than the average models on the market.

At a very reasonable price, this model is characterized by excellent quality. The products are made on the basis of high-modulus graphite, so their weight is not too large, and they also have a high level of strength and flexibility. The rings are arranged using classic technology, so the load is distributed evenly throughout the rod.

The design is perfect for a wide range of baits and for almost all bodies of water and fishing conditions. The handle is made of fine-pored neoprene, painted in various colors. The shape is anatomical, the grip is very strong and confident, even a novice angler will hold the model in his hand in the event that a fairly large fish bites and begins to tug and go to depth.

Advantages:

• Quite affordable price;
• High quality workmanship;
• Durable and abrasion-resistant rings.

The developers created this rod specifically for jig fishing. The tackle has the most sensitive tip, due to which it was possible to achieve the highest possible tactility, which is necessary for jig fishing. Such products are perfect not only for classic jigs, but also for various types of underwater equipment.

The action is fast, due to it you can ensure the correct and easiest operation of the tackle, regardless of the fishing phase. The general appearance of the gear can immediately indicate a high-class product, although the product is not too expensive. The length of the unit is 2.65 m and weighs only 136 grams.

The blank is made from the latest carbon fiber, which is characterized by increased strength and good flexibility. The rings have special polymer inserts. They not only reduce friction, but also prevent the line from twisting or tangling. The reel seat of the tackle is a screw-type design, so the reel is securely attached to the rod, without creating any discomfort when fishing for even the largest fish.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and very reliable tackle;
• Reasonable cost;
• The guides are equipped with polymer inserts that increase the casting distance and prevent the line from tangling;
• When folded, it takes up a minimum of free space;
• The polymer outer coating makes the rod completely invisible to the fish.

Flaws:

• The handle is not very comfortable - the bite is not felt immediately, but after about 0.5 seconds, which is why the fisherman may be late with the hook.

Since twitching is a separate direction in fishing, which involves the use of jerking techniques to maximize the imitation of a live fry with a wobbler, then a spinning rod for it should have a number of features:

1. Rod length. This parameter completely depends on the conditions and distances at which the fishing process takes place. The majority of fishermen prefer to purchase spinning rods with a length of 210 to 240 centimeters - the best option for open water. For frequent fishing from a boat or in overgrown areas of water bodies, it is better to use smaller rods (180 to 210 centimeters long). Long spinning rods (up to 240 to 300 centimeters) are inconvenient and put too much strain on the hand, but they will be indispensable when you need to “throw” the gear over an overgrown coastline and fish from clear water.
2. Build a rod. As a rule, standard spinning rods for twitching have a medium-fast action, which makes it possible to sharply vary the softness and speed of the retrieve. However, there are alternative, more specific tuning options. For example, it is easiest for fishing beginners to master a spinning rod with a medium action, in which a uniform retrieve prevails. For those who like to fish from the beach, you can purchase long models with a slow action - there is more than enough space for a swing. But for forest and heavily overgrown reservoirs, the ideal option would be to buy a short and stiff rod (with a fast or very fast action) for making sharp wrist casts.
3. Bait. Fishing enthusiasts prefer to install wobblers of various types on twitching rods, arguing that they are looking for new combinations and more productive “game” of small fish. But classic twitching (the way it originated) is based on the use of Minnow wobblers, which most fully imitate fry, widely known to every predator.
4. Rod test. This parameter indicates what weight lures can be used with a particular fishing rod model. For twitching, the optimum ranges from 5 to 30 grams, however, when selecting one to another, a number of extraneous factors should be taken into account. For example, the presence of blades on wobblers, which create additional resistance in the bow when retrieving. Here you should remember one more technical rule: the spinning rod’s action should be slower, the lighter the bait purchased for it.

Popular models of casting rods

The most famous and popular manufacturers of casting fishing rods are the following companies:

• Norstream (price from RUB 1,860 to RUB 5,230)
• Shimano (price from 200 rub. to 9887 rub.)
• Major Graft (price from 3280 rub. to 9280 rub.)
• Black hole (price from 3500 rub. to 5020 rub.)

Norstream

The Norstream Standard 661M model is designed for fishing in hard-to-reach areas and unfavorable conditions. Its price is 2540 rubles. A characteristic feature of this model is the slow redirection of the permissible load from the top to the strong butt, which prevents too frisky fish from leaving when playing.

The top of the model is quite rigid, it allows you not only to successfully lift the wobbler, but also to quickly hook a fish that is already biting. Handle material EVA.

Specifications:

• Weight – 140 g.
• Rod length – 196 cm.
• Build – fast
• Test for baits 4-21 g.

Norstream Standard 661M

Major Graft

One of the best fishing rods from this manufacturer is the Major Craft Basspara BPC-702X model. Its price is 3750 rubles.

The spinning rods of the BassPara series are manufactured with the excellent quality inherent in Major Craft. By type – these are short casting bass rods, medium light and medium heavy power rods, and short spinning light rods.

They were made for universal use.

Specifications:

• Weight 162 g.
• Rod length 7'0″ ft. / 2.13 m.
• Regular rod action
• Test for baits 10-84 g.

Major Graft

Major Craft Go. Emotion

Another popular casting rod from this manufacturer is the Major Craft Go. Emotion. This high-quality fishing rod is not only the best device for long-distance casting, retrieving and retrieving, but it is also quite comfortable and multi-functional. The peculiarity of this model is its special design, excellent performance and high reliability.

An additional feature of the Go model. Emotion is a shortened front part of the handle, which is made of practical EVA material. This slightly reduced its weight and added convenience for those fishermen who like to rest their index finger on the blank when fishing to gain greater sensitivity and bite control.

Price: 3240 rub.

Major Craft Go. Emotion

Black hole

Spinning rod Black Hole Classic C-255 7-35g Casting The model is designed for fishing with various types of bait, including bulky ones - wobblers and spinerbaits, and stubborn ones - dips and cranks.

Characteristics:

• Length: 193 cm
• Test: 5-28 gr. ;
• Under the cartoon.

Its price is 5090 rubles.

All these companies produce the highest quality models of fishing rods, which are made using the best modern technologies. A wide variety of such fishing rod models allows you to choose the fishing rod that will meet all the buyer’s requirements.

Black hole

Rating of twitching casting spinning rods

SeaShark 0133

Rating: 4.8

And of course, what rating can do without outright freebies. SeaShark 0133 is an inexpensive, but extremely high-quality spinning rod designed for lure fishing and twitching. There really is nothing to complain about here - the main criteria are far beyond the required cost. The length of 1.8 meters is complemented by high rigidity and medium action, thanks to which the bait (no matter how heavy it may be) behaves smoothly and more restrained, switching to sharper movements if desired.

Read more: Brief review of nikon d7500 kit

In terms of fishing style, the Chinese spinning rod SeaShark 0133 is more suitable for beginners than for seasoned fishermen, since it does not require high skill in controlling the bait. Its ergonomic parameters (even taking into account the “crust” on the handle) were extremely high and appropriate. The same “crust” looks much more reliable than on more expensive analogues - and such little things in themselves already encourage consumers to make a low-cost purchase.

Advantages

• very low price with high quality;
• a nice present in the package (usually a spinner);
• “calm” style of wiring, suitable for beginners;
• variability in terms of the choice of baits (tails, spoons, wobblers, etc.);

Flaws

Kuying TTC632UL

Rating: 4.7

The manufacturer’s subtle calculations have borne fruit: it is too early to talk about emerging trends, but the sales prospects for the unusual model are encouraging. Consumers are free to choose the length of the rod themselves, although the offer is not full of options: 1.8 and 1.9 meters do not provide much variety in actions. But the combination of medium action and low weight practically predetermines the class of “victims” of the equipment - they are mainly perch and river trout.

Advantages

• high build quality;
• prompt delivery;
• test in the range of 2-14 grams;
• light weight (only 82 grams) and excellent ergonomics;
• original appearance;

Flaws

• high price offset by quality.

Mavllos BLS-ZY-001

Rating: 4.6

Another AliExpress debutant made an impression not so much with its material part, but with its appearance, leaving its more flimsy and less hardy competitors out of the rating. Mavllos BLS-ZY-001 is a three-section spinning rod designed for river and ocean trolling with heavy baits (70-250 grams).

Its own weight without body kits at the largest length (and there are only three of them: 1.8, 1.95 and 2.1 meters) is 383 grams - for casting fishing from the ocean shore it is somewhat heavy, although such a point is also provided in the application. Actually, everything in the model indicates a phenomenal carrying capacity - it can withstand a load of 22 kilograms, which is too steep for river fishing and very modest for ocean fishing.

In terms of delivery and ergonomic performance, there are no complaints about the Chinese spinning rod Mavllos BLS-ZY-001: everything was done first-class and with the maximum degree of responsibility. Some potential buyers may be outraged by the cost of the spinning rod, so we want to warn you in advance: something similar in retail fishing stores will cost several times more.

Advantages

• high load capacity (up to 22 kilograms);
• reliable assembly;
• fair price;
• good ergonomics and prompt delivery;
• impressive range in weight of baits (from 70 to 250 grams);

Flaws

Uncle wolf G81

Rating: 4.5

The Uncle wolf G81 two-segment twitching rod appeared on AliExpress quite recently, but has already managed to generate some excitement around itself. This was greatly facilitated by the cost of the treasured model: at this level, store-bought analogues will be valued at approximately three times more expensive. Of all the variety of characteristics, the most interesting is the combination of rigidity and medium-fast action, which are ideal for twitch fishing.

The length of the Chinese spinning rod Uncle wolf G81 is 210 centimeters, which also, as if by chance, hints that the rod belongs to the twitch-legged class (and, to a limited extent, with due professionalism, jig rods). In terms of ergonomics, we can highlight precise balancing, a comfortable double EVA handle, low weight (only 96 grams) and a pleasant appearance.

Advantages

• profitable price;
• a rod “sharpened” for twitching;
• high ergonomic performance;
• bait test is in the range of 3-16 grams;

Flaws

• fast but sloppy delivery.

Rating: 4.4

Another representative of short fishing rods, characterized by better quality and a small variety of functionality. The length of 1.8 meters allows you to comfortably fish from a boat, as well as fish from the coastline, in thickets of reeds and trees. Carbon was used as a manufacturing material, which ensures the strength and elastic plasticity of the two-section blank.

If we talk about class, the model occupies an intermediate position between light and ultra-light, thereby expanding the tolerances for the weight of baits. The minimum rod test is 0.6 grams, the maximum is 10 grams, which makes it possible to use light wobblers, tails, spoons and jigs when fishing.

Obvious improvements in the Chinese spinning rod TSURINOYA IV Area Trout-S602 compared to its previous competitor concern the ergonomic part. The handle of the Chinese spinning rod is divided into two segments and, most importantly, is packaged in high-quality and inexpensive EVA material. All this slightly raises the cost of the model, but the price tag still remains too high.

Advantages

• ideal equipment for twitching and light jigging;
• nice appearance and good ergonomics;
• comfortable length (1.8 meters);
• fast and delicate delivery;

Flaws

Allblue MQS-UL562S

Rating: 4.3

A small Chinese spinning rod for jig fishing, small spoons and wobblers, the user base of which is represented mainly by Russian fishermen. In general, the high rating of Allblue MQS-UL562S is due to the quality of service of the seller himself and the sensitivity in terms of delivery methods. If we take into account the characteristics, then we can observe a slightly different picture.

The length of this Chinese spinning rod is 1.68 meters, making it very convenient for fishing from a boat. The ultra-fast action allows you to make sharp casts and actively participate in the phases of the fight against particularly active fish. In this case, it will be extremely difficult to catch a trophy - the model is designed for not at all heavy loads (about 2-4 kilograms) and is used for catching small pike, perch and asp.

Advantages

• biting and fast;
• high-quality case included;
• small margin of safety (withstands up to 1 kg of extra weight);
• a length that allows you to comfortably cast from a boat;

Flaws

• high price;
• Not the most comfortable or durable handle.

ToMa TM0156

Rating: 4.3

The Chinese spinning rod with a somewhat comical name that is so native to Russia has gained considerable popularity among domestic users (more than half of the total number of orders). Does not meet the criteria for redundancy of information, but the seller is extremely sociable and will be happy to tell you all the characteristics that interest you.

Actually, about them: the rod is designed for river casting, has a fast action (what is needed for this type of fishing), and its length varies from 2.1 to 3.0 meters. Some fishermen take an outright risk and use it for ocean fishing - it turns out well, but the catchability and reliability when biting a large predator are clearly not enough.

The blank of the Chinese spinning rod ToMa TM0156 is made of carbon fiber, which ensures its low weight and good transfer of force to the bait. At a relatively low cost, the model is supplied in a special case (or tube), and the delivery process takes only 15-20 days (depending on the remoteness of the region).

Advantages

• low cost;
• ergonomics (EVA handle, lightweight form);
• abundance of length options (2.1-3.0 m);
• the presence of a portable case included;

Flaws

• The delivery process is not always careful (scuffs or scratches are possible);
• little load potential for ocean casting.

Attention! This rating is subjective in nature, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

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Features of choosing rods

Casting rods according to the method of wiring are divided into the following main types:

• for jig;
• for twitching.

Choosing a casting rod for jigging

The principle of fishing with jig wiring:

• when jigging, the bait moves along the bottom in a zigzag motion;
• wiring is done at a small level from the bottom;
• During the fishing process, the fisherman watches the tip of the fishing rod and independently adjusts the tension of the fishing line.

To choose the right fishing rod for jigging, you should require the following factors from the spinning rod:

• quick response to bite;
• safe bite control;
• the ability to cast over long distances;
• the ability to make quick cuts.

A casting rod for jig should have the following components:

• the best rod length for jig is from 250 to 280 cm;
• the best material is fast and medium-fast standing carbon fibers;
• the rod must be flexible and strong.

Choosing a casting rod for twitching

When fishing by twitching, the bait is pulled with versatile jerks. Tackle for this method of fishing should be light, fast-action, 200 to 250 cm long when fishing from the shore and 200 to 210 cm when fishing from a boat.

The lightness of the fishing rod is needed so that the hand does not get tired when fishing. Fast action spinning best shows its advantages when twitching with large wobblers, since it provides good casting and easy hooking.

When choosing a fishing rod for twitching, you need to pay special attention to the following criteria:

• The form must not contain any scratches or chips.
• The guides, reel seat and ring connection must be of good quality without any flaws or defects. All these parts must be reliable and strong.
• When you shake the fishing rod, nothing on it should creak or wobble.
• You also need to buy a fishing rod at a good price, because, as a rule, the cheapest spinning rods are not suitable for good fishing.

What is casting? Casting in Russia

All fishermen know such fishing tackle as a spinning rod. I mean a classic spinning rod with a spinning reel and, as it is also called for a similar operating principle, a meat grinder. Thousands of articles have been written and thousands of videos have been filmed on classic spinning. All the pros and cons are chewed by expert fishermen to the smallest detail.

Most anglers have caught or tried to fish this way. But spinning is not only classic. There is such a type of spinning tackle - casting. Casting can still be called a relatively new and not very popular tackle in Russia, despite many advantages. The main reason is some difficulty in mastering. Even experienced spinning anglers, who have been fishing with a spinning reel for many years, sometimes experience difficulties at the initial stage of development.

Casting gained wide popularity in our country around 2011-2013, when many people acquired trigger rods and baitcasting reels. Some for specific tasks, others just to try something new, but over the course of several years the popularity of this gear undeservedly faded away. It's hard to say what was the main reason.

Difficult to learn, using cheap reels that are simply impossible to throw or anything else. But it’s not for nothing that in Japan and America this type of tackle is more popular than classic spinning rod. Now we are systematically returning to the use of casting gear, now thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Casting tackle, like a regular spinning rod, is designed for catching predatory fish using artificial bait. It also consists of a rod with rings, to which a reel is also attached, a fishing line or braided cord is also wound on it, the same baits are tied to the fishing line, and this is where the similarity ends.

In general, if we draw detailed analogies with classic spinning, the differences are visible in the initial choice of gear and the importance of the elements. When in a classic spinning rod the main role is played by the rod, which is a key element influencing the casting distance, and the reel, to summarize, is a device for storing fishing line and there are often cases when a good expensive rod costing tens of thousands of rubles and a budget-class reel are successfully used, then in casting it’s the other way around.

Here the main element is the reel; if you estimate the degree of importance in numbers of the reel and rod, then in percentage terms it will be approximately 70/30 or even 80/20. Using a good reel that costs more than 10 thousand rubles and a budget stick, even for 1000-1500 rubles, you will fish quite comfortably, which cannot be said about the opposite situation, if you buy a good working stick for 10-15 thousand and a Chinese reel for 3000, then Most likely, your desire to fish this way will disappear before it even begins.

Rod

A casting rod is similar to a classic spinning rod, but if you look closely, you will immediately notice the “extra” element on the holder - the trigger (or as it is simply called - the trigger), which helps to fix the rod in the hand while fishing. The grip occurs in such a way that in the fisherman’s hand there is not only or even not so much a rod as a reel.

The size and arrangement of rings on the form also differ. A casting rod is equipped with rings of a smaller diameter and in larger quantities than on a classic spinning rod, this is due to the peculiarity of casting with a multiplier reel.

As already mentioned, the reel is the key element of casting gear. It is selected for specific tasks and even for the type of bait.

The multiplier reel itself differs from the classic one in that it is inertial and has a transverse spool arrangement. Therefore, it is much easier for those who are familiar with the phrase “Neva Reel” to master the first casts. Of course, modern multipliers are incomparably more technologically advanced than Soviet inertial reels, but nevertheless they have a simpler design than inertia-free ones, and at the same time they have a much larger number of nuances.

Casting reels come in two main types: barrels and soapboxes. Barrels are powerful power reels for fishing with heavy baits such as jerks. They are also used for catching catfish and for trolling, and are often equipped with a line counter. They are quite voluminous in size and therefore even small barrels do not lie so comfortably in the hand.

Soapcast reels are the most popular reels used for cast fishing. Used from ultralight to heavy weights.

There are combined reels, when a large spool and a powerful mechanism are installed in the body of the soap dish. Such reels, of course, cannot be compared with barrels, but they work calmly on scales up to 80-100 g.

The casting distance in casting depends little on the rod or the thickness of the braided cord (line) used in the tackle; this parameter is fundamentally influenced by how correctly the reel is selected for the specific weight of the bait, what type of brakes are present in the reel and how correctly the reel is adjusted.

One of the main elements is the spool, or rather its weight. I will not go into mathematical calculations here and talk about force vectors; in general, this parameter is indirectly related to the power of the coil.

An experienced caster can determine the test range of baits only by the weight of the spool, that is, determine the minimum weight of the bait that the reel can throw at an acceptable distance and approximately determine the maximum weight, but the “upper test” can be accurately determined only by understanding what mechanism is used and what material is made of its elements.

Another important point that affects the selection of a reel is the type of brakes. There are several main types of braking systems.

An axial brake is present on all reels and regulates the free rotation of the spool. Correct adjustment is especially important for beginners in order to avoid “beards” or “overruns” during the casting process. Affects casting distance.

The centrifugal braking system is most suitable for casting voluminous, sailing baits that have a low flight speed, as they work better at low speeds and thanks to this, some wobblers can fly a distance comparable to casting jig baits. Most popular with manufacturers such as Shimano and Abu Garcia.

Magnetic braking system - due to its structure, works best at high speeds, making it the best choice when fishing with jigs or jigs, that is, for those baits that have a high initial flight speed. The most popular among Daiwa reels.

Of course, with each of these systems you can use any type of bait, but with a jig and a centrifuge, and wobblers, and a magnet, casting will not please you at all. Some manufacturers tried to combine these systems in one reel, as a result of which they achieved the same casting of wobblers and jigs, but it turned out to be significantly less than with a properly selected separate system.

The use of cords and fishing lines in casting also has its own characteristics. Firstly, it's thickness. When using a baitcasting reel, there is no point in chasing small diameters in order to increase sensitivity and increase casting range. The difference will be so minimal that you shouldn't pay attention to it.

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What will you end up winding on the spool? Braided line, monofilament or fluorocarbon? In casting, there is no difference in casting between these types, and in some cases, bait with fluorescent and monk will fly further. For jigs, it is still better to use a cord, due to its minimal elongation and therefore increased sensitivity.

For wobblers and jerks, flurry is often more suitable, since having greater stretch it allows you to better animate the bait. By the way, in Japan and America, when fishing for bass by casting with artificial baits, fluorocarbon is used, and these are countries where spinning fishing is more advanced.

Everyone decides for themselves what gear to use. But I think casting is more advanced and functional compared to classic gear.

The casting has great ergonomics. When I use both tackles while fishing, alternating them, then when I pick up a classic spinning rod, I feel some discomfort after casting. To exaggerate it, it’s a similar feeling when you change from a good foreign car to a Zhiguli.

When jigging, the bait moves relative to the bottom in a zigzag, touching the bottom or dancing at depth. “Aerobatics” is considered to be guiding at a short distance from the bottom parallel to its changing relief using triangles and trapezoids. For this purpose, moderately long, powerful spinning rods are used, specialized for fishing at great depths. During the fishing process, the fisherman watches the tip of the fishing rod and determines the tension of the fishing line with the palm of his hand.

Jigs are used to catch predators: pike, catfish, pike perch, and perch. In this case, the bait is reeled in with a reel or pulled with a rod. The weight is a jig head or “eared” on a hinged mounting with hooks.

When choosing a spinning rod for jigging, pay attention to:

• speed reaction;
• bite control;
• the ability to make long casts;
• confident hooks.

The length of the spinning rod for jig is 240–270 cm. With a shorter rod you cannot ensure long casting; Only professionals can cope with longer ones.

Spinning rods made of composite or carbon fiber are used for jig fishing:

• fast;
• medium-fast;
• slow build (less often).

The following rods are best suited for jig fishing:

• Extra Fast (ultra-fast);
• Fast (fast).

The structure of the spinning rod indicates its flexibility and speed of response to bites.

Twitching spinning rod is aimed at fishing with light wobblers using jerk wiring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsHdQZQmTHU

When fishing by twitching, the bait (wobblers, fish silhouettes made of paper or plastic) is jerked, varying in amplitude, strength, frequency, left-right or up-down. For this, light (required) fast-action tackle with a 1000-th reel 210-240 cm long is usually used when fishing from the shore, 180-210 cm from a boat.

• The Black Hole Hyper model is specially designed for jigging, a budget option.
• Shimano Game AR-C – for professionals.
• Major Craft Restive RTC 612 X (XX) - universal options for jigging and twitching.

Major Craft Restive RTC 612 X

• St.Croix Legend Elite LES70MF2;
• Norstream Kando KDS-662L;
• Restaffine Monster Edition 83H.

St.Croix Legend Elite LES70MF2