Fly fishing vs spin fishing

Fly fishing and spin fishing are two different types of fishing which are used to catch different types of fish. Although there are many similarities, it’s quite easy to learn the difference and that’s what we’re going to teach you here. In this post, we’re going to put fly fishing and spin fishing head to head to see what the differences are and which one is best.

Before we get into the differences and which one is best, we’ll first go into more depth on each different kind of fishing. 

Fly fishing

Fly fishing is a type of fishing where you use special gear to imitate insects moving on the top layer of the water. It’s a form of lure fishing where (in most cases), no live bait is used. It’s very effective for catching certain fish that typically eat (mostly) insects, like trout. That being said, fly fishing enthusiasts have recently started trying to catch a huge range of different types of fish, to varying degrees of success. As it goes, fly fishing is surprisingly dynamic and there are a lot of enthusiasts who are avid supporters of this method of catching fish, saying it’s more natural, and a more fun and peaceful way of catching fish.

You need special gear for fly fishing since it’s very different to other types of fishing. It’s also considered more challenging than many other types of fishing, like spin fishing or bait fishing. Although this is generally agreed upon, it’s still relatively easy to learn how to fly fish. Mastering fly fishing is a whole other story though, and can take people decades!

Spin fishing

Spin fishing is also a form of lure fishing that’s used to catch a range of different fish. Instead of mimicking insects on the top layer of water, with spin fishing, you try to imitate small prey fish moving through the water. Traditionally, spin fishing uses lures and doesn’t use live bait. Because the lures are heavier, they sink a little deeper which gives the lure the characteristics of a pray fish.

Spin fishing tends to be seen as a more dynamic form of lure fishing, with a broader appeal to various different fish species. When not fishing for trout, spin fishing tends to have the upper hand in most parts of the world when you compare fly fishing and spin fishing. However, that’s not considering personal preference or enjoyment. 

What’s the difference?

The main difference is the weight of the lure as well as the gear and the types of fish it appeals to. Whereas fly fishing tends to work well for trout and other insect-loving fish, spin fishing can be more effective at catching a wider range of fish. Both have a learning curve, but fly fishing is generally seen as more difficult, with a lot of people being able to fly fish but far less mastering the art form.

Spin fishing vs fly fishing – Which one is better (for you)?

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to go with fly fishing or spin fishing. Also, it’s important to remember that you’re not limited to just one, and plenty of enthusiasts master both forms of fishing to great success. Nevertheless, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between spin fishing or fly fishing:

Type of fish

If you’re fishing for trout or other insect-eating fish, fly fishing can be your best bet, with many skilled anglers reeling in record-breaking catches using a fly fishing setup. However, if you’re fishing for fish that prey on smaller prey fish, spin fishing can be a better choice. This isn’t to say that either can’t be used to catch most fish species, just that one type of fishing is generally better at catching certain types of fish.

Body of water

Although fly fishing is used on open bodies of water, it’s usually most effective on rivers. Spin fishing is very dynamic and is considered very effective on lakes, in the sea or ocean as well as for catching some types of fish in a river too. It’s a good idea to keep the type of water you’re fishing in mind what choosing whether to go for fly fishing or spin fishing.

Personal preference

Last but certainly not least, your personal preference plays an important part in deciding whether fly fishing or spin fishing is right for you. If you enjoy fly fishing then go for it, there are plenty of fish you can catch when fly fishing and a lot of fun to be had. If you want to go for a wider range of fish or just prefer the setup, spin fishing can be a fun past time too!

If you consider all of these things, it’s much easier to decide whether you should pick fly fishing or spin fishing. There’s no right or wrong answer, on;y right or wrong options for particular people in particular situations!

Not sure whether to use and artificial lure or live bait? Check out our post on live bait vs artificial lures!

Conclusion

Although there’s no one size fits all, fly fishing tends to be better for insect-eaters whereas spin fishing is better for fish that prey on other smaller fish. You need specific gear for both these types of fishing and both are great in their own right. Which one is right in your situation will depend on the type of fish you want to catch, the water you’re fishing and, most of all, your own preference as to which fishing style you prefer.