Planning your Fishing Trip: Spin Casting or Trolling?

When planning a fishing trip, it’s important to know which gear is the best choice to bring with you. Here at Arctic Lodges we have multiple fish species, so it all depends on what you want to catch. Spin Casting Rods and Trolling Rods are used for different forms of fishing, and we’ve written a run down on what to look for when shopping for both and determining which is best for your fishing trip.

Spin Casting Rod

What should you look for in a spin casting rod?

Rod Length: When it comes to rod lengths, remember that longer rods will cast further, but shorter rods are more accurate. If you prefer more accurate casts, stick with 6‘ or less. If your pinpoint accuracy is less of a concern, anything over 7‘ is the way to go.

Action: When looking for the proper bend in a rod, we suggest a medium to fast rod, which provides a bit more casting distance and is better for treble hook fishing. This action also gives you enough sensitivity to set the hook before a fish completely engulfs it.

Power Rating: Most spin rods should have a good backbone to them, and it all depends on what you want to catch. A heavy power rating will handle larger fish, heavier line and lures, and is always good for getting fish out of heavy covered areas.

Grip Length: The grip length should be the right length for your application and style of fishing. This will ensure that you are comfortable, and that your arm stays comfortable as you reel in the trophies.

Grip Material: It’s important to have a lightweight handle with sufficient grip while fishing for the big guys. Having a good handle will help with the vibrations of a fish which is return helps you with a clean hook set. The material ranges and depends on your personal preference, but a good cork material is always a highly suggested grip.

Reel Seat: Although there isn’t a lot of different variations of reel seats, there is a clear difference between cheap rods and more expensive rods. Cheaper rods usually use a cardboard spacer, which makes it harder to feel vibrations and can be damaged easier. It’s best to look for a reel seat that is sturdy and reliable, as not to lose your reel while fishing.

Guides: Most guides feature a metal frame with a ceramic ring, but the price begins to vary depending on the material that your rings are made out of. You want a ring that has smooth edges, so that your line is safe from tear. These days, Silicon Carbide guides are considered some of the best.

Trolling

What should you look for in a trolling rod?

Rod Length: The most versatile length for a trolling rod is anywhere from 7.6‘ to 8‘, so a good bet would be to get a rod anywhere between 7‘ and 9‘.

Action: Sensitivity is not crucial while trolling for trout since they’re a fish with a lot of power, but an extra flex rod will always help with the force of a trout’s strike. Getting a slow action rod is not a make or break point when it comes to trolling for trout.

Power Rating: Depending on what you’re fishing for, you can get away with either a light or medium power rating. We suggest having a stiffer medium power rod if you’re using larger, weighted lures like a dipsy diver or a trolling weight. The size of the fish you’re going for is also a very important contributing factor. Always use a medium weight power when you’re in areas with trophy trout.

Grip Length: Although grip length is not the most important part of a rod, it’s important to note that that a longer handle will help alleviate some of the strain the is put on your arms while trolling.

Grip Material: Grip material is based on your own personal preference. Cork is usually known to be more comfortable than foam grips, but trolling in a rod holder can cause more damage to a cork than it does foam. Carbon fibre grips eliminate this issue, if you’re okay with spending a bit more money.

Reel seat: The reel seat is a very critical component to a rod because it is the lifeline between you and your trophy fish. The last thing you want is for the reel to detach from the rod during a fight, so make sure it’s durable.

Guides: Your line is under a lot of pressure while trolling for trout, so making sure that you have quality guides that are smooth and prepared for the fight. We suggest titanium oxide or an aluminum oxide guides.

The Takeaway

Spin casting rods are generally used for Pike on Reindeer Lake, as they are best used for casting into bays or trolling lures that aren’t overly heavy. You can troll and cast with spin casting rods, but they’re not as successful for the bigger trout that are found in the depths. On a fishing trip, you want to have all of the proper equipment to catch your dream fish.

Leaders and Line: For Pike we suggest a 30lb braided line and no less than a 12″ wire leader. They are tough fish, and their razor sharp teeth can easily break through weak lines and flourocarbon leaders.

If you’re trying to go after heavy duty trout, you’re going to want a heavy duty rod. You’ll need a thicker rod meant for trolling, along with a line counting reel to know how far your line is out and what the depth of your lure is. Normally, trolling rods are stiffer and longer which are used a lot of times for down rigging and trolling deeper waters with weights.

Leaders and Line: For Trout, especially with their strength and weight, we suggest 30-50lb braided line and a 3ft – 4ft flourocarbon leader.

Still not sure what you want to bring on your fishing trip? Don’t worry! Arctic Lodges offers gear rentals starting at $25 a day per rod type. We have high quality, reliable fishing rods and tackle boxes for your use! Try all forms of fishing while you visit us here on Reindeer Lake!