To the horror of the fly fishing purists out there, I, along with many other fly anglers, like to spin fish as well.

*Gasp*

Despite fly fishing 99% of the time, I enjoy spin fishing from time to time. Sometimes it’s more efficient, more effective, and the only option. It’s kind of hard to cast a fly with 5 others on a boat, targeting fish that are in deep water. So, out come the spinning rods!

In all seriousness, when it comes to fishing, anglers often debate between the two popular methods. Both have their unique techniques, gear, and appeal, making it tough to say which is “better”. 

In this post, we’ll dive into the differences between fly casting and spin casting, explore the pros and cons of each, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you decide which method might be better for you.

What is the Difference Between Spin Casting and Fly Casting?

The primary difference between spin casting and fly casting lies in how the line and lure are delivered to your target. 

In spin fishing, the weight of the lure propels the line from the reel. The lure is heavy enough to be casted through the air while attached to a (relatively) weightless fishing line.

Spin casting involves a simple flick of the wrist or arm to cast the lure. You can use a variety of motions (overhand, sidearm, between the legs, you get it), but the emphasis is on a quick release and straightforward action, making it easier to learn for beginners.

In fly fishing, the weight of the line is what propels the virtually weightless fly. The fly line is much thicker and heavier than a standard fishing line, allowing it to carry the lightweight fly through the air. 

Fly casting is more about rhythm and timing than power or speed. It requires a series of back-and-forth motions (known as false casts) to build momentum in the line before delivering the fly. Precision and timing are crucial to achieving an accurate fly cast.

Is Fly Fishing or Spin Fishing Better?

Determining whether fly fishing or spin fishing is better depends on the environment in which you’re fishing and the species of fish you’re targeting. However, it’s ultimately up to you and your personal preferences.

Fly fishing vs spin fishing often comes down to how you like to fish, but there are some other elements to consider when choosing.

Target Species

If you’re aiming for trout in a small stream, fly fishing may be more effective due to the delicate presentation of the fly. However, for larger fish in deep water, spin fishing might offer more versatility.

Could you catch catfish on a fly? Absolutely. Is it more effective to use dead bait on a heavy sinker casted with a spinning rod? Definitely.

Most species can be caught with either a fly rod or a spinning rod. Depending on the situation you’re in, one can be more effective than the other. But, either are almost always viable options.

Environment

Fly fishing excels in shallower waters and areas with complex currents, where precise, delicate placement of a fly can be critical. 

Experience Level

Beginners will likely find spin fishing easier to pick up due to its straightforward technique. Fly fishing has a steeper learning curve but can be more rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Spin fishing is generally more accessible to the masses. Walk into any sporting goods, hardware store, or even gas stations and you’ll likely find spin fishing gear. Fly fishing is a more niche endeavor and gear and supplies are a little bit more difficult to find. 

Pros and Cons of Fly Fishing

Pros of Fly Fishing

Precision: Fly fishing allows for highly accurate and delicate presentations, essential for catching skittish fish in clear, shallow water.

Fly fishing can help mimic almost exactly what fish are eating in the water. Oftentimes, replicating the natural forage is more effective than any lure you can throw and flies are simply more productive. 

Skill Development: Mastering the art of fly casting and fly selection can be deeply satisfying and rewarding. Novels have been written about the “art” of fly fishing and fly anglers gush over the nuances of the game, which some people find stuffy or pretentious. However, it’s simply another method of fishing that some people prefer. It does require you to develop skills and knowledge that you don’t necessarily need to catch fish with other methods.

One skill you must develop in fly fishing is the cast, which does require some focus especially when you’re learning. Fly fishing is more “active” in the sense that you are constantly honed in on your casting technique and how to improve it. Much like golfers think about their swings, fly anglers are always aware of their strokes (pun intended). 

The challenge of the fly cast is addicting. I think I speak for fellow fly anglers when I say that casting is half the fun of fly fishing. Can it be frustrating? Absolutely. But just the act of casting ends up being soothing, relaxing, and when you hook up to a fish, much more rewarding.

Cons of Fly Fishing

Learning Curve: Fly casting requires some practice and skill development, which can be daunting for beginners. This is often a reason some avoid fly angling, though with time and practice it becomes second nature. 

Limited Versatility: Fly fishing is less effective in deep or very windy conditions, where heavier lures might be needed to get to the right depth or cut to the wind. 

From my experience, fly fishing in anything more than about 15 feet of water is both a hassle and less effective. You can certainly get fast-sinking fly lines with heavier flies that get your flies down deep, however this method tends to be much slower and many times less productive than using spinning gear.

Pros and Cons of Spin Fishing

Pros of Spin Fishing

Ease of Use: Spin fishing is generally easier to learn and is more accessible for beginners. Anyone can be fishing within minutes with a spinning rod and can focus on catching fish vs learning the nuances of fly casting. 

Versatility: Spin fishing is effective in various environments, from shallow streams to deep lakes, and can target a wider range of species. Whether you’re in a trickling creek or the depths of the ocean, a spin rod can catch fish there.

Depth/Dirty Water: Spin fishing has the significant advantage when fishing deep or muddy water. Lures can give off vibrations that flies simply cannot. Additionally, you can throw much heavier lures that sink to the right depth much, much faster than any fly can.

I personally opt for spin fishing when the water is very muddy and deep. Fish will have a much harder time detecting a fly and have a much better chance of chasing down something they can hear or feel. In this scenarios, fish hone in on prey using their lateral lines, which detect motion. When the water is clear, they’ll be able to see flies but in the absence of clear water, they need something that is detectable through other senses.

Cons of Spin Fishing

Less Precision: Compared to fly fishing, spin fishing may offer less control and precision, particularly in delicate presentations.

If fish are eating small prey like nymphs or flying bugs, it’s very difficult to mimic this with a spin rod. While you certainly can still catch fish in this situation with a spin rod, fly fishing is generally much more effective.

Less Skill Development: While spin fishing requires skill, it may not offer the same depth of technical mastery as fly fishing.

Some people may not care about this, however over time it becomes less rewarding (in my opinion). Fly fishing often requires you to heighten your skills and knowledge of the local fisheries, which offers a more complete, satisfying experience. 

Is Fly Fishing Harder than Regular Fishing?

When it comes to fly fishing vs spin fishing, fly fishing is generally considered “harder” to learn, but not necessarily more difficult to catch fish.

Fly fishing is often considered more challenging than spin fishing due to its unique casting technique. The learning curve involves honing in the cast, understanding insect hatches, and selecting the right fly, all of which can be overwhelming for beginners. However, the challenge is part of the appeal, offering a rewarding experience as you improve.

Check out our article Is Fly Fishing Hard? How to Untangle the Lines.

Can I Use a Spinning Rod as a Fly Rod?

Short answer: no, you should not use a spinning rod as a fly rod.

While it’s technically possible to cast a fly with a spinning rod with some split shot attached, it’s not ideal. The design and action of a fly rod are tailored specifically for the fly fishing technique, allowing for the proper casting of a fly line and in turn, the fly. A spinning rod lacks the necessary flexibility and balance, making fly casting inefficient and frustrating.

I learned this the hard way. As a youngin’, I was once told that fly fishing was effective at a local reservoir. I picked up a handful of flies, got to my fishing spot, and tied on a fly to my spinning rod. No matter how hard I tried, the fly went no further than 2 feet in front of me. 

Conclusion

So fly fishing vs spin fishing- who is the winner?

In the end, the choice between fly fishing and spin fishing comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions in which you’re fishing. Both methods offer their own set of challenges and rewards. Whether you prefer the technical nuance of fly fishing or the versatility of spin fishing, both provide a great way to enjoy the water and hook into fish.

Which do you prefer?