Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this. Recently I have discovered that I prefer spinning reels to baitcasting or spincasting reels. I have a perfectly good rod for baitcasting, but I want to buy a spinning reel when I purchase a new reel. Is there an effective way to convert the rod without damaging it?

Thanks again,

Patrick

Patrick,

If you have a trigger finger type casting reel, you can simply cut the trigger finger off the reel seat.
Then, the spinning reel will fit in place nicely.
However, to then to get the rod to cast well, you will need to change at least the first three and possibly the first four guides on the rod from a casting guide to a spinning guide.

Otherwise, you will get tremendous line choking when casting with a spinning reel.

Take care

Roger

Patrick;
Do as Roger suggest with the handle.
But before you change any guides, test the rod to see if it will cast what you intend to throw through it both in lines and lures.

Many have been smaller striper guides (10mm and 8mm) on their spinning rods for the last couple of years and they work just fine if you are using smaller lines or braids.
You may (or may not) find that you have to change them out to get the results you want. I suggest trying it before going through the trouble

Patrick,

It will save you so much time and effort if you bought a spinning rod. IF you don't like the casting rod, craigslist it. But honestly, buy a spinning rod and save yourself a whole lot of time and frustration.

just my .02
Paul

Steve Gardner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Patrick;
> Do as Roger suggest with the handle.
> But before you change any guides, test the rod to
> see if it will cast what you intend to throw
> through it both in lines and lures.
>
> Many have been smaller striper guides (10mm and
> 8mm) on their spinning rods for the last couple of
> years and they work just fine if you are using
> smaller lines or braids.
> You may (or may not) find that you have to change
> them out to get the results you want. I suggest
> trying it before going through the trouble


Steve makes a great point. Try it and if it doesn't work the way you want it to sell it or start over.

Your hand may not feel good holding that cast seat with the trigger cut off. Sell it and make another.

Bill - willierods.com

I did just the opposite. I stripped an old spinning rod and converted it to conventional. Next time I will buy a new blank and start from scratch.

Patrick,

I fish just with spinning reels and long rods,so i have changing 4-5 steelhead 8'6"casting rods in spinning rods cutting the trigger .I have not change the guides and work fine for me fishing with jigs and hard lures.

Jean

Thanks for the info. All of it is quite helpful. I'm thankful that there are others who have looked into this before. In response to Jean's reply, I realize I should put how long the rods are. One is a 5'6" 2-piece. There is approximately 1'6" of space between the reel seat and the first guide. The second rod is a 7'6" 1-piece. There is approximately 1'6" of space between the reel seat and the first guide on this one as well.