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What is Spin Fishing?

Spin fishing or spinning involves the use of artificial lures, which spin as the angler reels in the line. Spin fishing anglers pay close attention to the retrieval speed and the depth of the lure, trying to imitate a game fish's prey. As the lure spins, as the name, spin fishing indicates, the lure's action often times provokes the fish to bite. If a fish strikes the moving lure, it will usually hook itself. When the fish is hooked, bait-casters and spin-casters reel it in and land it with a net or gaff (a sharp, hook-like pole). Lighter fishing rods are used for smaller fish, and heavier rods for bigger fish. It is considered unsporting to use large rods for small fish because a heavier rod tires them quickly and denies them a chance to fight and escape.

Contributed By:

Jay H. Cassell, M.A.
Senior Editor, Sports Afield. Member, Outdoor Writers Association of America. Contributor, Business Week, Camping Journal, and other publications.

"Fishing," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000
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