changing from spinning to casting

[txangler81]

Is it possible to take a spinning rod change out the eyes and the reel seat to ones for a casting rod or is the construction of the blank different as well
Thanks
Dusty

[johndtuttle]

Blanks are the same, generally speaking, but can be optimized for a different set of lures if they are preferred by one reel type or the other.

For example, extremely light lures with a largish cross section are preferred by spinning gear and a rod to cast them would be matched by having lighter tips and a slower, whippier action.

Conversely, lures that are ideal for bait casters, smaller and more dense, will have rods to match with generally faster actions and stiffer tips.

If you have a rod you like for particular lures you can use either reel, more or less. But people that use one or the other type of reel tend to gravitate to lures those reels cast well to some degree and their rod choices evolve.

[Tightlines667]

I believe the splines are reversed too. 

[txangler81]

The lack of selection of surf rods for conventional reels is atrocious.  Just trying to figure out options

[floating doc]

That's what started me on building my own rods.

[txangler81]

ive thought about it just lack the time lol

[CapeFish]

The lack of selection of surf rods for conventional reels is atrocious.  Just trying to figure out options

We have an incredible variety in South Africa and don't forget to contact Jeri on this board for expert advise, he is a pro rod builder.

[Jeri]

Hi guys,

Strictly speaking, any blank can be made into any type of rod. BUT, just how good it will be is another matter.

Taking  a blank designed for spinning and changing it to a casting rod is possible, but the likely results are going to be a let down, even should you change the spine and get the appropriate ring set. The rod will probably be very soft in action, and lack the crispness usually associated with casting blanks and rods.

We see this a lot here with folks trying to go the reverse direction, taking casting (multiplier) surf rods and trying to convert them to suit fixed spool reels. The result is a rod that lack the softness – or forgiving nature that is needed for casting in the surf with a fixed spool reel. The end result is the rod usually snaps under power casting.

The problem is the manner of release of the two types of reel, a multiplier is quite slow and progressive in its release of line when compared to the fixed spool which is almost immediately powerful. This release difference needs different structures within the rod blank to cope and be effective.

For surf casting with multipliers we look for blanks that have a very quick action and usually of higher strength carbon construction – with a fast recovering top section. For fixed spool reels the same style of blank would be constructed of either a lower strength carbon or a mixture of carbons, to give a much more 'mellow' tip action, to accommodate the immediacy of the release style of the reel – allowing the tip to be more flexible and recover slowly.

This is why a spinning rod made into a casting rod would appear much too soft in the final build.

As for American surf blanks, they really are such a small part of the whole market that generally speaking, that aspect has never really been covered by the various blank and rod manufacturers. Certainly not to the level of Europe or Southern Africa, where surf casting is a much stronger aspect of local fishing. One manufacturer that we use has a catalogue of over 200 different blanks specifically for surf fishing – varying in length, strength, composition and design; without cataloguing all the special blanks that he makes that are unique to us.

Compare this to the multitude of bass style fishing blanks available in America, and you see where local market preference dictates the products manufacturers will produce and develop.

Hope that helps.

Cheers from sunny Africa


Jeri

[the rockfish ninja]

Yes, if the blank is worth the effort.  (I'm on the re-do phase of a Diawa emcast surf that I love the fast/stiff tip enough to warrant the time & energy) I did find that the spine issue is more important than most think, switching it when changing from spinning to casting makes a big difference in casting and backbone to lift fish. Mark the rod before you strip the guides off so you will know where to mount the casting guides. (opposite side of spinning)

PS-A heat gun or careful use of a bic lighter will make the guide removal task a lot easier, just a tip. Good luck with it!!!