This Is Not A Fly Fishing Blog - Informal Spinning Gear Overview/Review

Over the last two years I've become immersed in fly fishing.  To the point that most of my posts have been fly fishing in nature, for better or for worse.  If you read the description of this blog over in the the upper right side of the page, it professes an environment for "equal opportunity angling." While this has always been my mindset - I don't care what you use - the content hasn't exactly reflected it recently.

So today, I'm going to give you a peek into my small stream trout spinning outfit.  I most often use it the early spring when the waters are rich with uneducated stockies, but it really excels in all conditions.  It's also kinda budget conscious, so in my opinion, it gives a really good "bang for the buck" if you're looking to invest in some new tackle this holiday or for next spring.

Rod:
Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Graphite Spinning Rod, 5.0', UL Fast Action

Okay, this is a relatively inexpensive rod at $45 (when I got mine a few years back it might have been $35 or $40), but what I really love about it is its sensitivity.  Yes, it's an ultralight (UL).   Yes, when a fish is "on" you get a deep bend.  Despite both it's not a noodle and is still pretty darn sensitive.  You can definitely feel ticks on the bottom well when slowly retrieving spinners. It's something I attribute to the fact that it doesn't have a screw down reel seat, rather rings that snug around your reel to keep it against the cork handle.  It's handle "B" if you look at it on the BPS site.

Random Pro - It's good lookin', pretty even.  Not another black fishing rod.
Random Con - No hook keeper.  You'll need to get one of those Fuji hook keepers, that's what I use.

Reel:
Pflueger Trion 4520 GX-7 UL Spinning Reel

Note: My reel (the smallest in the Trion family) only has a 4 bearing system

If you ever fished with a Pflueger reel you know how smooth they are.  This reel, even though it's only $30 is just as smooth - like glass.  When I bought it, I figured I'd try it out and when it broke down, I'd upgrade to its older brother the President.  Well, it's been 4 years and I've had no reason to - no wobble, no give.  It works just as well as the day I removed it from the box.  If you're fishing ultralight - 2lb to 6lb test, I honestly don't think you need to spend more on anything else.

Random Pro - Comes with a spare aluminum spool
Random Con - Rosewood knob.  I actually prefer it, gives it a retro, classy look.  I know some anglers don't like them and prefer the more typical nylon/rubber knobs.

So that's my "go-to" set up.  I usually pair the rod & reel with 2 or 4 pound Berkley Trilene XL (red box), a small box of assorted spinners, and go get 'em.

Who else fishes spinners?  If you do, what's your set up?  Short rod, long rod, and what reel?  I know technique (and not gear) catch fish, but honestly isn't "stuff" always more fun to talk about...


DISCLAIMER:
I don't consider this gear overview a real gear review by this blog's standards, however it should be made clear that I bought all the stuff mentioned above with my own money...or at least a gift card I was given by a family member.  Neither Bass Pro, Pflueger, or Berkley prompted this review; it's just gear I've found works well for me.  As with all independent gear reviews at Troutrageous!, I try my best to keep my reviews honest and unbiased.