| In the last fifty or so years, no method of casting has | | | | One angler, after a two-hour fight, landed a 261lb Mako |
| gained such popularity as that of spinning. What is | | | | shark on spinning gear with only a 12lb test |
| spinning? Why did it become so popular? Can you | | | | monofilament line. |
| really catch large fish with spinning tackle? Well let's try | | | | Giant Muskies, Pike, Salmon, Trout, Tarpon, and many |
| and answer these questions. | | | | other "tackle-busters" have been brought to a standstill. |
| The term spinning in the popular context means | | | | With spinning tackle, wether you have hooked a "big |
| casting with a stationary, (or fixed) spool reel. This | | | | 'un" or a "small 'un", every ounce of the fishes strength |
| means that instead of being pulled from a revolving | | | | needs to be exhausted before it can be brought in. |
| spool, the line spins over the rim of a fixed spool | | | | You tell me if that isn't a test of skill, and great fun too? |
| without restraint. The only time the spool of a fixed | | | | Spinning was never designed to replace bait casting. It |
| spool reel moves is when a fish is taking the line out. | | | | is simply another method of casting, not fishing as such. |
| Rotating on a spindle at the resistance set by the | | | | Although it is really just another means of |
| angler with the drag control. | | | | accomplishing the same thing as the bait casting outfits, |
| There are a number of advantages to the angler with | | | | there is enough difference in the operation and action |
| this system. Firstly, since it is the revolution of the spool | | | | of the two to give them individual merit. |
| which causes "backlash", the fixed spool eliminates one | | | | However, to sum up the major advantages of spinning |
| of the angler's most annoying hazards. Also the almost | | | | tackle, we can state the following: Spinning tackle |
| nil resistance on the line makes longer casts, with | | | | casting is much easier to learn. Casts of greater |
| lighter lures, possible for the average angler. | | | | distances are easily possible. Light lures, including flies |
| Many "experts" put the popularity of spinning down to | | | | and live bait, are easier to cast. Backlashing is |
| this ease of casting. Undoubtedly a great advantage | | | | eliminated ( although care needs to be taken to |
| for the beginner. However, spinning is more than just a | | | | prevent tangles). There is a more sensitive response |
| lazy man's answer to the casting problem. And whilst | | | | to both small and large fish. |
| it's true that the basics of spinning are easily picked up, | | | | All in all, it is probably safe to say that the beginner will |
| the fine points of using spinning tackle will only be | | | | have a more enjoyable and trouble-free fishing |
| mastered with practice. | | | | experience. Leading them into the more intricate side |
| Spinning has opened many new avenues of fun for | | | | of the sport before getting fed up and giving up. And |
| the angler. Using this technique, some truly amazing | | | | the more experienced angler will re-discover the |
| record catches are being made these days. For | | | | anticipation, excitement, and yes, fun. Let's not forget, |
| anyone seeking trophy fish on light tackle the field is | | | | for most of us angling is a hobby, even if it is a |
| wide open. 150lb Marlin have been fought to a belly-up | | | | passionate one. We should enjoy ourselves, give |
| finish in running seas with an 8lb test monofilament line. | | | | spinning a try. You won't regret it. |