spinning rod vs. casting rod

spinning rod vs. casting rod: What's the difference?

Spinning rods and casting rods are types of fishing rods used with bait or lures, but they are made to be used with different reels. A spinning rod has a spinning reel hanging below the rod that stays in a fixed position and is typically used with light fishing line. A casting rod, used with a thicker line, has a reel that is on top of the rod and enables the thumb or finger to control the line during a cast.

spinning rod

noun

a flexible fishing rod, often made of fiberglass, used with a spinning reel.

casting rod

noun

a fishing rod, generally 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 meters) long, for casting bait or lures with a reel mounted near the handle that enables the thumb or finger to control the line during a cast, including rods used for bait casting and spinning.