A spinning reel is one of the easiest setups to learn, particularly when fishing lightweight lures. When properly matched with the right rod and line, it can provide excellent casting accuracy, distance, and overall control.

We have discussed baitcasting setups in previous articles and videos, but spinning gear has its own advantages and techniques worth understanding. The key to getting the most from a spinning reel starts with choosing the right equipment and learning how to make a controlled, efficient cast.

Spinning Reel Setup: Choosing the Right Rod, Reel, and Line

The first step is matching the line to the reel and the type of fishing you plan to do.

For this setup, I’m using a light rod for lightweight presentations, along with a size 1000 spinning reel. I would not pair a reel of this size with 30-pound line because the line diameter and capacity would not be properly matched to the reel.

Instead, I’m using 8-pound, 13-carrier finesse braid. It provides plenty of line capacity while matching well with this smaller spinning reel and the light baits I’m fishing.

I’m also using an 8-pound fluorocarbon leader. In this case, I’m using a tri-polymer leader and connecting it with a double uni knot. There are several effective knots for connecting braid to a leader, but the double uni is one I particularly like.

The basic principle is simple: match your line to your reel, rod, and intended presentation. Getting that combination right gives you a much better foundation for consistent casting.

Setting Up Your Spinning Reel for a Cast

Once the tackle is properly matched, lure position becomes an important part of the casting process.

I like to keep the bait approximately 18 inches to 2 feet below the rod tip before making a cast. If the lure hangs too far below the tip, the extra length reduces leverage and makes the rod more difficult to load efficiently. On the other hand, if the lure is pulled too close to the tip, there is not enough line available to generate the leverage needed for a smooth cast.

Next, rotate the bail until the line is positioned directly beneath the index finger of your casting hand. Hold the line with your finger, then open the bail.

At this point, you can use several different casting techniques depending on the conditions around you.

Spinning Reel Casting Techniques: Sidearm, Overhead, and Backhand

A spinning reel gives you the flexibility to cast from several angles.

A sidearm cast is useful when you want to keep the lure relatively low or work around nearby obstacles. An overhead cast is a good choice when there is sufficient clearance behind and above you. A backhand cast can be especially helpful when another angler, vegetation, or other obstacles limit your casting position.

The important thing is to practice all three techniques so you can choose the most effective cast for the situation.

With a light bait, light line, and properly matched rod, you can achieve impressive casting distance. Using this type of setup, I can make a cast of roughly 35 yards, or close to 100 feet.

That distance is not simply the result of casting harder. It comes from having the line, lure, rod action, and reel properly matched.

How to Close the Bail and Prevent Line Twist

One of the most important habits when fishing with a spinning reel is how you close the bail after the cast.

I recommend closing the bail manually rather than turning the reel handle to engage it.

When you close the bail by turning the handle, the rotation of the rotor can introduce additional twists into the fishing line. Doing that repeatedly throughout the day—100, 200, or even 300 times—can result in a significant amount of line twist.

Instead, make the cast, reach up, and close the bail manually before beginning the retrieve.

This simple habit can help reduce unnecessary line twist and keep the line performing properly throughout the day.

How to Increase Spinning Reel Casting Distance

When additional casting distance is important, using your second hand can provide more leverage.

Place your other hand toward the rear of the rod and pull downward with that hand while driving the rod forward with your casting hand. This allows you to load the rod more effectively and can increase casting distance.

However, distance is not always the most important objective.

Why Casting Accuracy Matters More Than Distance

For me, casting accuracy is far more important than simply making the longest possible cast.

There is little value in making a cast far beyond the area where you believe fish are holding, especially if you cannot control the line or detect a bite effectively. Wind can create additional problems by putting excessive slack in the line and reducing your ability to maintain contact with the lure.

Accurate, controlled casts allow you to place the bait where you believe the fish are located while maintaining better control of the line throughout the presentation.

In many situations, that will result in more effective fishing than simply trying to maximize casting distance.

Why Spinning Reels Are Effective for Light Lures

Spinning reels are an excellent choice for anglers who are learning to cast and for situations where lightweight lures are required.

They are easy to operate, hang naturally beneath the rod, and are available in a wide range of sizes. Options can range from very small reels to larger models designed for heavier applications, including saltwater fishing.

Spinning reels also provide strong drag systems and are useful across a wide variety of fishing situations.

Another advantage is that they do not require the same spool-tension and braking adjustments used with a baitcasting reel. When the bail is opened, the line comes directly off the front of the spool, making the basic casting process relatively straightforward.

That simplicity makes spinning reels particularly effective for anglers who want to cast lightweight lures with minimal mechanical adjustment.

What Is a BFS Reel and Why Use It for Light Lures

There was a time when spinning reels were essentially the only practical option for casting very lightweight lures.

For example, one of my favorite presentations is a small Ned rig. Depending on the conditions, I may use a 1/8- or 3/16-ounce jig head, and at times I’ll go as light as 1/16 ounce.

Today, however, anglers have another option: the BFS reel, or bait finesse system reel.

A BFS reel is similar in size to a compact baitcasting reel, but it uses an exceptionally lightweight, shallow spool and a braking system designed to manage light presentations.

That combination makes it possible to cast very small lures with a baitcasting setup while maintaining the casting control that many anglers prefer over spinning tackle.

How to Set Up a BFS Reel for Lightweight Lures

The BFS setup I’m using here combines 8-pound 13X finesse braid, an 8-pound leader, a small lure, and a BFS-style casting reel.

Because the spool is lightweight and the braking system is designed for finesse applications, the setup can handle lightweight presentations without the same level of backlash and overruns typically associated with conventional baitcasting equipment.

Before casting, the spool-tension adjustment needs to be properly set. I want the lure to fall slowly and under control, while keeping the braking system around a medium setting as a starting point.

Once the reel is properly adjusted, I can cast a very small lure with a baitcasting setup and maintain a high level of accuracy.

That is one of the major advantages of BFS fishing reels. They allow anglers to combine the light-lure capability traditionally associated with spinning reels with the casting control of a baitcaster.

Spinning Reel vs. BFS Reel for Light Lures

A spinning reel remains one of the easiest and most versatile choices for lightweight lure fishing.

BFS reels provide another option for anglers who want to fish very light presentations while maintaining the feel and control of a baitcasting setup. Depending on your preferred casting style, rod selection, and target species, either system can be effective.

For anglers new to light-lure fishing, a spinning reel is an excellent place to start. Once you become comfortable with that style of fishing, a BFS reel can expand your options and provide a different approach to lightweight baitcasting.

Final Tips for Spinning Reel Casting

A properly matched spinning reel, rod, line, and lure are the foundation of consistent casting performance.

Keep the lure approximately 18 inches to 2 feet below the rod tip, choose a casting style that fits the surrounding conditions, and focus on controlled and accurate presentations rather than maximum distance.

Most importantly, remember to close the bail manually after each cast. This small adjustment can help reduce line twist and improve line management throughout the day.

For anglers looking to move beyond spinning gear while still fishing lightweight lures, BFS reels offer another effective option. They combine the light-lure capability of finesse tackle with the casting control of a baitcasting setup.

I hope you enjoyed the video and learned something that you can use on the water.

Remember, fish boldly, live faithfully, and go fishing.

I’ll see you on the water sometime.

About the Author

Al Noraker is a lifelong angler and fishing industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in fishing, tackle design, and product development. He joined KastKing in 2017 after more than 35 years in retail management and fishing manufacturing, and previously served as President of the United States Market. Raised in Bozeman, Montana, he has spent most of his life on the water, fishing across the United States and around the world for nearly every major freshwater and saltwater species. A two-time cancer survivor, Al now focuses on sharing practical, experience-based fishing knowledge to help anglers learn faster, avoid common mistakes, and get more enjoyment from their time on the water—encouraging others to fish boldly and live faithfully.

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