Many blanks are listed specifically as casting blanks and many are listed specifically as spinning blanks. What is the difference between the two, and are they interchangeable under any circumstances.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2019 11:59AM by Bob Ginther.

They are interchangeable under all circumstances. The blank doesn't know or care how it is going to be built. Notice that the Anglers Resource line of Point Blank blanks just lists the blanks and specs, no mention of spin or cast.

The classifications are simply suggestions, back in the day many 3 power mag bass blanks were also the 4 power spin jig, or spin bass blank in the company catalog.

No difference. A blank is a blank is a blank.

However, there are some manufacturers that sell a blank that they call spinning and another one that they call a casting blank. In the catalog they will often sell them with very similar line and lure weights.

However, when you take the spinning blank in one hand and the casting blank in the other hand, you immediately find that the casting blank is stiffer and has more power than the spinning blank.

The point being, that the two blanks are entirely different, even though the marketing of the blank claims that they have similar characteristics, except that one is designed for spinning, and one for casting.

So, just be aware, that some blanks might be advertised as identical - except one is for spinning and one for casting, but in reality, the two blanks are entirely different from each other.

Just test any rod in question and you can determine the correct one for your particular application.

It is possible to secure the butt of a blank or rod, attach a weight to the tip, measure the distance the weight deflects the rod and measure the arc of the deflected blank or rod, but this involves standard measurements. Many anglers don't like or don't understand standard measurements so they are not generally advertised..

Roger Wilson:


"No difference, a blank is a blank is a blank".


"The point being, that the two blanks are entirely different"

"So, just be aware, that some blanks might be advertised as identical - except one is for spinning and one for casting, but in reality, the two blanks are entirely different from each other"






Thank God for explanations like this , it's impossible to misunderstand , very simple.

Not all are rated this way, there is absolutely zero differences in steelhead and salmon rod blanks as far a spinning, or casting is involved.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/03/2019 07:05PM by Spencer Phipps.

Steelhead even belong to the Genus "Salmo" - which would make them salmon, from a scientific point of view. From an advertising point of view it's better to have both steelhead and salmon blanks and ignore the fact that the blanks are as physically identical as the fish themselves.

Bob--There's no clear delineation.Ultimately, the builder decides how to best utilize the blank. Generally speaking,spinning rods are designed to work with lighter loads than casting rods because of the nature of spinning reels. An open spool doesn't have to overcome the same inertia as a revolving spool. And generally, casting rods favor heavier applications. Until recently,spinning reels wouldn't withstand the rigors of off shore trolling,for example. However,any rod can be built with either type of guide and will function to some degree or other. It's the builder's job to match the blank to the desired function. Not easy without being able to physically compare a variety of blanks together,to say nothing of individual preferences. So,the mfr.'s rating is an opinion,and, with statistics (length,weight,action,power) an aid for you to determine it's potential suitability for your purpose. Interchangeable? Sometimes. Kinda. Up to you.

Practical example. I wanted a bait casting rod that could handle lighter lure weights, so I used a "spinning" blank. Like previous folks said, match the hatch, use that blank that meets your lure, line rating and other blank characteristics.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

Phil Ewanicki Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Steelhead even belong to the Genus "Salmo" - which
> would make them salmon, from a scientific point of
> view. From an advertising point of view it's
> better to have both steelhead and salmon blanks
> and ignore the fact that the blanks are as
> physically identical as the fish themselves.

Now genus oncorhynchus, but apparently used to be salmo. Genetic testing showed that Steelhead are identical to Rainbow Trout.

"Now genus oncorhynchus, but apparently used to be salmon. Genetic testing showed that Steelhead are identical to Rainbow Trout".





They must of seen Phil's post and just changed it , they can't stand when Phil's always right, samples were obviously tampered with .

How do they arrive at line weight recommendations and lure weights?

Travis, ive wondered that myself... And came to the conclusion that its just a suggestion.. If im wrong, heck... Id like to know myself... Haveing a somewhat understanding of the CCS system, lure weights are also a rounded suggestion.. Would look a little odd seeing 37/64... So they simply put 1/2

I worked as a fisheries biologist several decades back, when Salmo gardneri was the lingua franka. Rainbows and Cohos haven't changed since then, only the names. I guess they ignored the volmer bones and went to the DNA, but trout and salmon are only distinguished at the microscopic level, and nobody has explained the difference between a "trout rod" and a "salmon rod" on any level.

Phil Ewanicki Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
"Nobody has explained the difference between a "trout rod" and a "salmon rod" on any level"




My guess is because nobody has asked , all i know is don't get caught fishing a rod that's meant for salmon if you're fishing for trout & vice versa , it just doesn't work and you will come home empty handed every time.

A rod blank is a rod blank is a rod blank.

You can have a 3 foot rod and catch bass, trout, salmon, sting ray, tuna and any other species that you like.

Buy a rod blank to build on - that casts the lure that you wish, that will work the line that you want to use, and will handle the reel that you want to put on it.

Then, use that rod to catch the species of your choice. Just be sure that you are using the right one with the right action and power and you will be good to go.

Of, if you like you can take a spool of line, put a hook on the end, bait it up, put some weight on the hook and catch anything you wish using no rod at all.

The fish have no feelings at all as to what rod they are being caught with.


Be safe