Trying to wade through the many options for a surf rod can be challenging.
One of the first major distinctions you’ll come across is surf casting vs surf spinning rods.
But what is the difference between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod?
(If you’re looking for the best surf rod out there, click here for our perspective!)
Surf casting rods are longer, heavier and stiffer with more guides. Surf casting rods use casting reels that sit above the rod, whereas surf spinning rods use spinning reels that sit underneath. The surf casting rod backbone is on the opposite side of the guides, whereas the backbone on a spinning reel is on the same side.
Let’s dive into the differences between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod…
What is a Surf Spinning Rod?
Surf spinning rods are typically longer than regular spinning rods and more flexible than surf casting rods, with a thinner rod blank and smaller guides.
They are designed to be used with spinning reels and are capable of casting light to medium lures and baits short to medium distances.
Surf spinning rods are ideal for beginners, light tackle fishing, and finesse techniques such as drop-shotting and jigging.
When selecting a surf spinning rod, factors to consider include length, power, action, and the type of fishing you will be doing.
Many people often wonder whether you can surf cast with a spinning rod.
What is a Conventional surf Casting Rod?
Conventional surf casting rods are typically the longest type of rods out there. They are also stiffer than other types of fishing rods, with a thicker rod blank.
They are designed to be used with baitcasting and conventional reels and are capable of casting heavy lures and baits long distances.
Surf casting rods are ideal for experienced anglers and heavy tackle fishing, and are often used to target larger saltwater species such as striped bass, bluefish, and redfish.
When selecting a surf casting rod, when selecting a surf casting rod you’re likely to find them a bit more expensive than spinning rods due to their specialized design.
What are the key differences between Surf Casting and Spinning Rods?
Typical Rod Length and Weight
Surf casting rods are usually longer, ranging from 9 to 15 feet, and can be slightly heavier than surf spinning rods.
This length and weight enable you to cast farther with bigger terminal tackle and handle larger fish.
Surf spinning rods, on the other hand, are generally shorter and lighter, making them more comfortable to use for extended periods on the beach. But you can get very long surf spinning rods too – up to 15ftin some models.
Material Composition and Durability
Surf Casting vs Surf Spinning Rod materials and construction
Both conventional surf casting and spinning rods can be made of graphite, fiberglass, or a composite of the two materials.
Graphite rods are lighter and more sensitive, while fiberglass rods are more durable and offer better shock absorption.
Composite rods offer a balance between the two, providing both sensitivity and durability.
Surf Casting vs Surf Spinning Rod blanks
Surf spinning rods have typically a thinner rod blank and larger guides, while surf casting rods are longer and more flexible, with a thicker rod blank and smaller guides.
This article is a useful guide for understanding rod blanks (click).
Surf casting conventional rods generally have more power and weight to them, while surf spinning rods have a more flexible backbone, which can help to absorb the shock of a fish’s movements.
Surf Casting and Surf Spinning rod weights
Surf spinning rods are generally lighter in weight than surf casting rods, which can make them easier to handle and more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
The Art of Casting
Casting techniques also differ depending on the type of rod you use. Can you even surf cast with a spinning reel?
Surf casting with conventional rods involves bending your arms and bringing the rod tip slightly over your shoulder before flicking the pole forward. Surf casting rods often have long handles to use as leverage in the cast.
In contrast, spinning rods use a more straightforward and relaxed casting motion.
Surf casting rods are generally better for long-distance and accurate casting, while surf spinning rods are better for short to medium-distance casting.
Understanding Bait and Lure Techniques
Both surf casting and spinning rods can accommodate a variety of baits and lures, but the casting distances and techniques will vary depending on the rod type.
Surf casting conventional rods allow for:
- Longer distances.
- “Eight n’ bait” fishing, with big 6-8oz weights and huge chunks of bait to target large fish.
- Fishing in heavy currents using large weights.
- Fighting very large fish like sharks.
Spinning rods offer:
- Greater finesse and precision in presenting baits
- Greater sensitivity when fishing with lures
- Greater control on the movement and action of lures in the water
- Easier portability
Pros and cons of Surf Casting vs Surf Spinning rods
Check out our view of the best rods for surf fishing today.
The pros of conventional surf casting rods include
- Accuracy,
- Power,
- And distance.
The cons of conventional surf rods include:
- A steeper learning curve,
- Tendency for backlash on the casting reels
- Typically a higher cost.
The pros of surf spinning rods include
- Ease of use for beginners
- Better line management and reduced line tangling
- And versatility.
The cons include:
- Reduced accuracy
- Reduced casting distance.
Applications for surf casting vs surf spinning rods
Surfcasting conventional rods
Surf casting rods excel when targeting larger species and fishing in rougher waters.
Their ability to handle heavy lines and lures and cast long distances is an advantage.
Surf casting rods are ideal for experienced anglers, heavy tackle fishing, and techniques such as casting heavy lures and baits long distances.
Surf spinning rods
Surf spinning rods, though, offer ease of use and versatility, making them suitable for beginners and those who value comfort and precision over sheer distance.
Surf spinning rods are ideal for beginners, light tackle fishing, and finesse techniques such as drop-shotting and jigging.
Surf Casting vs Spinning Reel types
Surf Casting conventional reels
Surf casting rods work best with casting reels, like baitcasting reels, which have the reel seat pointing downwards and line guides running along the bottom of the rod.
This design offers better control of the cast, but requires an educated thumb for tension control to prevent bird nests.
Surf Spinning reels
When choosing between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod, it is crucial to consider the reels you plan to use.
Surf spinning rods typically pair well with spinning reels, which have the reel seat pointing upwards and line guides running along the top of the rod.
This configuration allows for smooth line distribution and is more comfortable for extended periods of use.
When selecting a reel, consider factors such as size, quality, and efficiency.
For example, a saltwater spinning reel for surf fishing ranging from 4000 to 6000 is suitable for most beginners. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your experience, target species, and personal preferences.
What is the difference between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod? Summary
There you have it, I’ve tried to outline the differences between a surf casting rod and a surf spinning rod to help you choose between the two.
I surf fish a lot, almost every week. And my go-to has always been surf-spinning rods because I think they give you such great versatility and usability.
Don’t forget to check out our opinion of the best surf rods out there now.