Spinning rods and reels are essential equipment on most fishing adventures. Spinning tackle not only ranks high among anglers after walleye and panfish; the same type of gear is also mandatory for many trout, bass and even pike fishing presentations.
Designed primarily for light line fishing presentations, spinning tackle shines best when combined with premium quality low memory lines. Depending on the target species and the presentation at hand, the most common line sizes for spinning include 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 pound test.
Spinning gear is so popular, selecting gear from the many brands, models, actions and lengths available can be overwhelming. It's also easy to get confused by the different rating systems and trade names manufacturers use to describe relative rod sensitivity.
A WORD ON SENSITIVITY
Rod sensitivity is an often misunderstood term. Sensitivity or a rod's ability to telegraph bites is relative to both rod weight and stiffness. Lighter and stiffer action rods are more sensitive than heavier and softer action models. Heavy or soft action rods tend to absorb the telegraphing effect of the rod, robbing the angler of that all important "feel".
It will come as no surprise that quality spinning rods are made of graphite, but it might surprise some readers to know that graphite rods come in many different grades or modulus ratings. The higher the modulus rating the lighter and more sensitive the rod becomes to a point. Making a rod too light can also cause the rod to become brittle and easily broken. Currently the highest modulus rating practical for spinning rods is 64-million modulus.
Unfortunately, as the modulus rating increases so does the cost of manufacturing the rod. Luckily not all spin fishing applications require expensive high modulus rods. The best advice is to let the presentation dictate if a moderately priced or more expensive rod is the best possible choice.
HOW MUCH SENSITIVITY IS NEEDED?
Super sensitive rods are a tremendous asset when using techniques that require the angler to detect subtle strikes. Casting jigs or tube baits, vertical jigging, pitching plastic worms, drifting spawn bags and live bait rigging are a few of the common fishing methods that cry out for rods that are as sensitive as possible. Okuma's new C3 series rods are a good example of spinning rods that feature that ultimate 64-million modulus rating. Nothing is more effective at telegraphing light strikes.
Not all spin fishing situations require rods of this caliber. Take slip bobber fishing for example. The rod's primary function when fishing bobbers is casting, not detecting strikes. It simply isn't necessary or advisable to use an expensive high modulus rod when fishing floats. The same is true when trolling, casting crankbaits, pier fishing bottom rigs or dead sticking a floating jighead for walleye. For these fishing presentations, a moderately priced 40-50-million modulus graphite rod becomes a more practical option.
The new Okuma Reflections series of rods are a good example of rods that meet the needs of these fishing presentations for under $50.00 retail.
ONE OR TWO PIECE RODS
One piece rods tend to be stronger, lighter and more sensitive than two piece rods. This stated, try fitting a seven foot one piece spinning rod into a Saturn two door coupe. Two piece rods are a necessity for many anglers. Two piece rods are more practical for the traveling angler who must make his or her gear fit into limited spaces. Also, it's important to note that the loss of strength and sensitivity is modest at best with two piece rods. Most anglers could not detect the difference between one and two piece rods by simply fishing them.
THE REEL DEAL
It makes no sense to match up a super light high modulus rod with a spinning reel that's unnecessarily heavy. Anglers tend to select spinning reels that are too large and heavy for the job. The line diameter you'll be using most often should be used to determine reel size.
For example, if you're purchasing a spinning outfit for pitching tiny crappie jigs, a reel with a line capacity of 80 yards of four pound test is perfect. When vertical jigging for river walleye, a reel with a line capacity of 100 yards of six pound test makes sense. If you're interested in a spinning combination for casting tube jigs to smallmouth, you'll want a reel that can handle about 150 yards of eight pound test. When big northern pike are the target species, select a larger reel capable of handling 150 yards of 12 pound test.
SMOOTH AS SILK
Reel smoothness boils down to how many ball bearings are used in the construction of the reel. Spinning reels are generally manufactured using expensive ball bearings or somewhat less expensive bushings. Reels that feature five or more ball bearings rotate smoothly and suffer from less bail wobble and vibration. Reels with fewer ball bearings or ones produced using bushings are just as functional in terms of how they handle line retrieving chores, but they do it with a little less class. Think of it this way; both a Cadillac and Kia are viable forms of transportation.
BELLS AND WHISTLES
The best spinning reels are those with a minimum of bells and whistles. Extra features on a spinning reel often turn out to be things that somehow break or malfunction. Stick with the basics and purchase a reel that has as many ball bearings as you can comfortably afford. Extra cash spent up front will pay off in years of trouble free service.
MAINTENANCE
Spinning reels require amazingly little maintenance. Dirt, sand and grime is the biggest enemy of spinning reels. Keep your gear clean and add a drop of oil to moving parts such as bail arms, etc., occasionally.
Store your valuable rods in a vertical rack that keeps them safe and secure. Use an ordinary household scouring pad and a little soap and water to clean the cork grips once a year.
When traveling use a quality rod tube and reel case to protect your investment. Most importantly, never slam a car door or rod locker without first removing the rod tip!
Spinning rods and reels are essential equipment on most fishing adventures. Spinning tackle not only ranks high among anglers after walleye and panfish; the same type of gear is also mandatory for many trout, bass and even pike fishing presentations. 
Not all spin fishing situations require rods of this caliber. Take slip bobber fishing for example. The rod's primary function when fishing bobbers is casting, not detecting strikes. It simply isn't necessary or advisable to use an expensive high modulus rod when fishing floats. The same is true when trolling, casting crankbaits, pier fishing bottom rigs or dead sticking a floating jighead for walleye. For these fishing presentations, a moderately priced 40-50-million modulus graphite rod becomes a more practical option.
For example, if you're purchasing a spinning outfit for pitching tiny crappie jigs, a reel with a line capacity of 80 yards of four pound test is perfect. When vertical jigging for river walleye, a reel with a line capacity of 100 yards of six pound test makes sense. If you're interested in a spinning combination for casting tube jigs to smallmouth, you'll want a reel that can handle about 150 yards of eight pound test. When big northern pike are the target species, select a larger reel capable of handling 150 yards of 12 pound test.
