Fly Fishing vs Spin Fishing: Which is better? (Brook Trout Edition)

FLY ROD vs SPINNING ROD: Which do you think is better??
Fly fishing is a technique that has become near and dear to my heart over the last 5 years or so. However, I've been spin fishing for far more years than I've been fly fishing. So I feel as if my relatively recent experience with both puts me in a good position to be able to use both and figure out which is more effective!
SPIN FISHING: Spin fishing excels at being easier to pick up and become proficient at. The casting makes it such that you can move large sections of water and hit small areas of creeks that may be difficult to cast with a fly rod. The draw back is the lack of versatility. You can only really imitate bait fish or large bugs with ease, but that's not really what trout eat most of the time.
FLY FISHING: Fly Fishing is more difficult to become proficient at, but once you get to comfortable level with the fly rod it can be way more effective. The reason being is that trout just eat bugs and fly fishing easily imitates their main foot source. Fly fishing also has the versatility to imitate baitfish, nymphs, or any sort of bug that fish may want to eat.
All in all the spinning rod actually out performed the fly rod for the native brookies. But it was cool to see what a hatch coming off did for the fly rod. When the hatches started coming off I immediately started catching trout on the fly rod and it actually started out performing the spinner. It was a cool day on a small creek!
Let me know if you want me to make another video with stocked trout, or brown trout in the comments below.
Thanks for watching! #fishing #flyfishing #spinfishing #troutfishing #outdoors

[@rodneymoorhead1895]

Wow, that is a beautiful area.

[@johnt1877]

As a kid, there were no wild trout streams nearby. I mostly fished for bass with a spinning rod, so I naturally used it for the stocker trout in nearby streams. The only other people I knew who fished for trout used worms. I bought a fly rod hoping to learn how to use it. I took that on a camping trip, and an older kid showed me how to fish for trout with it. I have had great success on bigger, deep streams using a spinning rod when I was young, but I now almost exclusively use a fly rod for trout. I think the skill level required for fly fishing, not just the casting, mending, and rod handling, but the fly and equipment selection make fly fishing both more challenging and more rewarding. It feels more immersive. I will admit, it takes a certain level of skill to fish with a spinning rod in such a small stream. I would probably have a lot of bad casts and snags on a small stream like that because I am out of practice. The main thing is to have fun fishing, no matter how you catch them, but try not to harm any fish you don't plan to keep. A single hook rather than a tremble hook on a spinner seems right.

[@leeeng478]

There are NO wild trout fisheries every body of water that can be planted has been planted. Those wild fish are usually plants from previous generations!

[@savvasefsef]

As a spinner , fifteen years now, finally i know flies,midgets and nymphs, are deadly effective vs spinners, rooster tails and soft plastic.After many attempts, at least had the feeling of a trout on the end of my line 😅😅😅...we have brown (native) and rainbows(invasive) down here!(Greece) thanks for your video man, awesome!!

[@MikePGuitars]

For a tiny brookie stream, I’m fly rod all day. It’s just way easier. On bigger water I’m much more comfortable throwing spinners with a spinning rig.

[@Huge4Fish]

This is completely nonsense. I would clean fly fisherman clocks with my spinning rod. You don’t just have to throw spinners lol

[@Huge4Fish]

The point is that it is way more efficient to fish spinning.

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree! Small stream fly fishing is where it's at... not that spin fishing doesn't work.

[@hardmanfishing]

@@Huge4Fish $10 says I could out fish you with my eyes closed LOL and I don't even consider myself a great fly fisherman

[@edwardcowan7012]

I’m inclined to agree with you Mike.

[@sauli2438]

Awesome video, area and comparison! Thank you for sharing!

[@James_A_Bailey87]

I grew up fishing both spin and fly. Most of my adult life I have primarily fly fished, but recently I have been trying new techniques with the spin rod. I believe it’s important to be proficient in both to maximize opportunities and become a better angler.

[@thatonenathan3991]

Yes

[@wvlongshooter3912]

Awesome content as always, thanks!!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it

[@stevedavis4087]

Nice job John! Can't wait for the next one

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@elitecallofdutysniper]

love that you tryed to fly fish for bass i've tried but failed but nice job

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Perfect Fishery for taking a newbie to, action on both types of fishing techniques. :) Brook Trout are so aggressive and fun to catch. :) Enjoyed

[@hardmanfishing]

I'm glad you enjoyed!!

[@e4t662]

I used some really small Euro Tackle helgramites with my fly rod the other day...what a blast catching 2 pound smallies on a 5 weight 9 foot.

[@hardmanfishing]

That's awesome!!

[@boxingstarcmbballer8797]

I love it when the fish do that to me . I try to let um go and they wanna stay . Meanwhile a minute before that they were freaking out in the net trying to get their gills messed up 😂. Almost always soon as you get the hook out they tend to relax. That’s why I always do same as you unhook asap and then worry about taking a picture while they chill in the net.

[@jimgollach6202]

Dosen't matter to me, I think flyfishing is more fun. Enjoyed watching. 👍

[@hardmanfishing]

Agreed!

[@trailsandtopwater]

Great video! I love brookies on the fly. Glad you are running a spinner with no treble hook and a pinched barb. It drives me nuts that most spin trout tackle is with a treble.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah that was my main concern with this video, wanted to make sure the little natives were healthy when released

[@PAwader]

Keep up the great work. I am a pretty decent fly fisherman in small creeks/streams, but I struggle using the fly rod in the bigger waters like the smaller rivers we have in PA. Because of that I always go to my spinning rod when wading the rivers.

[@frogsnacks]

Try a bigger rod, I use a 4wt in the creeks and a 7wt on bigger water. I can throw a wooly bugger almost 100ft with a 7wt with no false casting

[@strangogoodbeans5455]

@@frogsnackssecond this guy. Was just bouta say I hit the susquehanna often and produce with rock bass and smallies all over that thing on the fly rod, although I’m on a 5wt so not sure what if any difference that’s gonna make . All I know is that it’s fun as hell 😎😊

[@Richard-du7yj]

Break the river down into pieces and attack current seams and slack water on the sides of runs etc. . Don't let yourself be intimidated and give it a real shot and stop going to spinning gear . You will get it and be a better fisherman in the end. Remember, split the river into manageable pieces. Wish you the best. Tightlines my friend.

[@LGDeath]

Just ordered my first fly rod, you have been a great help with your videos. Boy am I getting pumped for learning something new. How long until I get bored with Ohio and make my way back to Bergoo is the question? The answer is always, West Virginia mountains are some of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

[@jessepritt12]

Could not agree more. Natives are a fly fishing sport. Love your videos

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree! Thanks for watching

[@scotthamilton9581]

As always another awesome video. I'm making a trip home to WV for Memorial Day weekend to do some trout fishing. Can't wait to have a fish on!

[@hardmanfishing]

Good luck out there!

[@brianazmy3156]

Out of my group of fishing friends I'm the only one that owns a fly rod and I can't understand why they aren't interested in this concept of fishing. When it rains us out they sit around grumbling and I laugh at them while I tie new flies. There's something about catching a fish on a lure made by your own hands that gives fishing more meaning and even better memories. I fish both fresh and salt water with flies. I do own and use spinning setups but prefer the fly. Some really nice brookies in your video. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@leeeng478]

They are good friends and they put up with your bad habits. Fly fishing is a huge PAIN. Fly fisherman where I come from cause all the problems. They convert waters to catch and release they think it is some form of art or Kung Fu! Flyfishing has become an agenda where San Francisco vegetarians catch and release trout and try to mandate this to the general public.

[@cymrickfalstad1097]

@@leeeng478 whats wrong with catch and release

[@gtoutdoorexcursions2938]

I think tying flies is what sets it way apart, you can make your own interpretation with whatever mats you have and give it a go, i guess you could make your own spinners, but nothing beats tying up some floaty thing yourself and giving it a go for the small natives.

[@Tommy-id4ff]

Good video. Well done.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you

[@avid.venture]

Fly all day for me. Doesn’t matter if I get less fish while doing so

[@leeeng478]

I really lik the fish hacheries in Colorado vs California they plant BIG fish in Colorado.

[@edwardcowan7012]

Coming from a tournament bass fishing background I am accustomed to using multiple techniques and carrying multiple rods tailored to specific techniques. I am fairly new to trout fishing and found spinning only limited my presentation options. I primarily blue line brook trout streams in the winter. I find that spinners and jerk baits catch the biggest fish but nymph and streamers are more productive. I would recommend using both. I’m more inclined to use my fly rod in smaller waters.

[@Obadiah50]

Man , I just love your work. It's about being out there. Living in this God Blessed wonderful world,.. with trout to boot.

[@hardmanfishing]

Agreed! Thanks for watching

[@Sauron124]

Your so lucky you have streams like this everywhere up there, I live in ga (not up north) so I have to drive a while to get to the food trout spots.

[@beritbutschy4807]

Hellll yes!

[@bushwhackersfly-fishing]

Fly rod = more fun, gear = more effective. Nice video!

[@Richard-du7yj]

Die hard trout fisherman should learn to fly fish. You learn so much more about the fish and connect with the experience in a different and exciting way. There are only a few times i wouldn't use a fly rod like floods or deep water lakes. Spin fishing is easy and fun but fly fishing is fulfilling and cerebral.

[@boxingstarcmbballer8797]

By the way the black and gold rooster is the best one ever made ! Absolutely slams the browns and brooks . Even caught a 23 inch rainbow on it this season

[@leeeng478]

NOPE! Cricket on a hook with a split shot!

[@naturalverities]

Fly fishing is simply more fun for me, but there are times when brookies just want a spinner. At such times I've caught them on the fly rod with a super tiny Colorado spinner. I'd be interested in trying lightweight plastic spinners for shallow streams, but they are impossible to find. Also have to try or tie some Joe's Flies with a leading spinner blade, possibly an improvement on a Pistol Pete. Some fun inventing to do this winter! BTW I HATE treble hooks too, consider them "going nuclear".

[@Flies_the_limit]

Regardless of which is "better" I honestly don't see having a spinner in my hands ever again. Fly is just too much fun in comparison. Nothing beats catching a nice trout on a fly half the size of a pink nail tied at home.

[@garretmcr]

I'm curious if you have heard of/ tried Tenkara fishing? its my prefered method for catching brooke trout. mostly because of its compact portable size, great for hiking/biking in.

[@ricosavage5671]

Going to dive into fly fishing next year, but have been exploring many streams with the spinning rod in the mean time. Love to see I'm not crazy going for native/wild trout with it! Something about small mountain streams I don't get from pond/lake/river fishing.

[@hardmanfishing]

Small mountain streams >> any ponds on earth

[@hereticwinter07]

It all really depends on the fish, technique, presentation, body of water, weather, and many other factors. No technique is ever going to be inherently superior to another in any and all settings. It really comes down to the fishermen and knowing what the best means of catching fish is going to be on a trip to trip basis.

[@leeeng478]

I agree as a bait fisherman and a spinner fishermen 2nd I fish these water completely different. I ceawl low behind a rock and never present myself. That is a clear advanatage of crickets the trout eats the bait and wild trout spook easy so they never see me. I can go top water and I can go low water deep holes. I have only been out fished by fly fishermen when it is Fly fishing only catch and release.

[@TheD510addict]

These types of fisheries are made for the enthusiast. I dont enjoy C & R thst much for trout. They are too fragile. So if Im trout fishing, its super light spin or BFS gear for eaters.

[@hardmanfishing]

Can't argue with that!!

[@timjones8184]

Black rooster tail, silver spinner blade. Deadly.

[@aa-rj7ns]

I think spinning gear is prob much better in slower more consistent currents but on a fly rod you can fish smaller spots and pockets and in trout fishing fly is prob more effective since it was litterally invented for trout i think

[@smalls-wn3oq]

What Luer were you using on the spin bait?

[@matiasaburto64]

how is the lure used on the spinning rod called? I'm trying to find something similar but I can only find spoon with 3 hooks :(

[@briljantje9583]

Spinners would possibly better to caught bigger fish. But, I am a flyfisher man and would never choose the spinner rod. Never ever.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah I noticed that a little bit, the spinner definitely moved the two biggest fish of the day!

[@user-ou1py6gb8g]

Where is this at?

[@somerandomguy706]

There have got to be some huge brook trout in that creek when the 9-10" fish have that distinct parr marks. I'd wager on a 14-15" fish lurking around

[@hardmanfishing]

I'd say you're probably not wrong, but the biggest I've caught was 11.5"

[@outofthehouseoutdoors9727]

I have always preferred spinning tackle for trout not a fly fisherman at heart but panther martins size 1 and 2

[@hardmanfishing]

Can’t go wrong with a panther martin!!

[@tristan_cain]

Yo can you tell me what your wearing for pants and shoes? Are those pants water proof?

[@Palehose1]

Wouldn't you want to do Spinner vs Nymph to make it more apples to apples since the spinner sinks?

[@user-bt3bo7hl6f]

With a spin rig I can fish all types of flies an nearly all situations. With a fly rig I am limited.

[@tony52398]

What did you do to your thumb? That looks gnarly

[@hardmanfishing]

shut it in the car door like 5 months ago LOL

[@appleseeD552]

Ok, gotta BUNCH ta say on this vid....BUT I'll try to keep it short. Great vid as ALWAYS man. 🙂👍 Dude, the scenery around where you're at? BREATHTAKING!😮 Now, I watched your other vid on this subject and it definitely seemed to me that, in this situation, the hookups were ALMOST 50/50....maybe it's just me but I'm just sayin. 🤷‍♂️ Other than that I'd almost think, based on what you've shown here, that if the fish are more "down" and not lookin up as you said...the spinner MAY work SLIGHTLY better to get to where they may be hanging out. 🤔 With that said, the Fly fishing also seems to present another option for one to have, that could be a bit more effective, when goin for smaller holes that a spinner just wouldn't cut it. You tell me? Am I WAY OUT IN LEFTFIELD here or does this make sense?🤷‍♂️ Dunno.🤷‍♂️ Either way plz keep these comin my friend and as always Peace ✌😎

[@hardmanfishing]

you're right.. but I could've thrown a nymph on beneath the dry fly and caught fish underneath. I just really wanted to catch them on top 😂

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

you fish a "streamer" on your spin rod, why not fish one on your fly rod??

[@chrisw8141]

Im still relatively new to fly fishing. Mainly stillwaters and some bigger tidal rivers. I have not yet fished any kind stream this small, It looks like a lot of fun. What would be the best fly rod set up for these small streams?

[@hardmanfishing]

I'd go with something like a 3 wt honestly. Length wise I'd either go 8 foot 4 inch or 7 foot 6 inch just so it's easier to maneuver in this tight spaces. Usually the fish you're going to catch in these small mountain streams aren't going to be too big for you to handle on a lighter setup.

[@chrisw8141]

Thank you. Really appreciate the reply. What line would you recommend to start off with, a standard floating line? I've read good things about euro nymphing but I have never tried it, Would it work on these small streams/creeks?

[@user-ou1py6gb8g]

Where is this at? 19:48

[@larryhudson4511]

Catching fish is not what you're after on a small stream

[@Tommy-id4ff]

What wt fly rod you using?

[@hardmanfishing]

3 wt for this video

[@Tommy-id4ff]

@@hardmanfishing I just bought a 3wt. Can't wait to use it.

[@ryryk6977]

I’ll spin fish anything right rod right setup it’ll catch

[@hardmanfishing]

Same for fly theoretically, so this isn't an argument for either spin or fly imo

[@RashRaceway]

Nothing beats a zebco.

[@Dolbee49277]

Well this stream for a spinning rod isn’t even fair. Do fish the Manistee and throw Countdown 9s vs Streamers and you’ll see it all depends on the water.

[@jimmyhintz8850]

I would of done a hooper dropper.

[@hardmanfishing]

I should've but I really just wanted them to eat the dry... to my own detriment 😂

[@leeeng478]

Colorado plants big fish! They are planted to be eaten!

[@user-fl6nr7et8l]

but what if the spinning rod has live bait such as worms

[@hardmanfishing]

Well that’s not even in the same category… that’s live bait fishing

[@user-fl6nr7et8l]

@@hardmanfishing still would be interesting to see how it performs compared to artificial flies

[@shadygraves]

I've always heard: "If you want to be an artist, use a fly rod. If you want to catch fish, use a spinning rod." I'm a bass guy that loves trout fishing. I got really into fly tackle after my neck surgery. I bought brand new Orvis rods, Redington Rise III reels, spare spool, Simms waders and boots, all kinds of flies, leaders, boxes, nippers, hemostats, retractors, Gink, a vest, net, even an Orvis hat. The sad part is that I can no longer stand up. I have probably $3k worth of UNUSED fly gear that I need to sell. New fly gear at HALF PRICE, anyone?

[@kubaschraven8104]

What is your Instagram? Sorry for your neck.

[@leeeng478]

Fly fishing a waste of time and money! The only time a fly fisherman has ever out fished me was because it was mandated fly fishing catch and release by fish and game!

[@Kdash66]

Which is more fun, not better ;)

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah but that would be wayyyy to easy of a question to answer!!

[@svenjensen600]

What state is this?

[@hardmanfishing]

WV

[@chesterpielock8824]

It’s a philosophical question that can’t be answered here.

[@hardmanfishing]

I don't disagree. I just think it's a fun exercise to put myself through every now and again because I always learn something.

[@jeremylamovsky3669]

Brooke trout are opportunistic but rainbows aren't? If you consider steelhead to be the exact same just lake run, theyre every bit opportunistic as a fish gets. Ive caught them on nymphs to streamers, egg sacks to minnows to nightcrawlers, jerk baits, spoons, spinners, anything a walleye eats. Conditions dictate which ones best. Cant definitively say ones best... especially when you can use flies with a spinning rod. Every fly ive caught one on with a flyrod ive done with a spinning lol

[@hardmanfishing]

Brookies are more opportunistic because of where they live. Brookies live in small, freestone streams where you eat what you can get. Rainbow trout (where I'm from) typically live in bigger water with much more abundant food sources. I'm not saying you can't Catch a rainbow trout on anything (every trout will hit something at some point in time) BUT brook trout are much more likely to feed on whatever they can get their mouths on. Most people don't say "yep caught 50+rainbow trout today" but hearing someone say "yep I caught 50+ native brookies today" isn't unusual. So I'm not saying rainbow trout aren't opportunistic, but that brook trout are more so.

[@caguas97]

"Fish of the Day" = Carp Diem?

[@Stantonpowaski1234]

What I use for brook trout is you take a minnow and thread a needle through it with a loop knot and then the line is through the minnow you put a double hook in the bot and slide the hook through the minnow. Most effective way to catch trout!

[@bucac1213]

Bait finesse is better

[@bjnelson9490]

I've been guiding for over 30 years. I'll take people however they choose. I ALWAYS have a spinning rod handy. It will ALWAYS save the day. I've compared them coast to coast and in Canada. Simple logistics, no way to get your fly, lure, bait whatever in front of the fish as often or consistently with a fly rod as u will with a spinning outfit. I fly fish as well but the BEST spin fisherman will catch around 2 to 1 or at a minimum 3 to 2 of the best fly guy. However, the Average fly Rodder is typically better than the avg spin fisherman. But again, the truly master Spin fisherman will rule the day numbers wise. I've been at it too long to not know otherwise. At the end of the day we're all fisherman and so long as we're going about it in a legal manner it doesn't matter. Should u ever want to put the two to the test look me up. I'll go with u to one of your home waters then u can come to Western NC to one of mine. Good video per the norm, I enjoy your stuff.

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree for the most part. I think spin fishing has a much lower barrier to entry which is why it has such a bad rep. You can also just naturally keep your lure in the water for more time because of the lack of false casts. But I don't know that an expert spin fisherman would out fish an expert fly fisherman 2-1. I guess there would be a lot of variables but I think it would be close. I'd be willing to bet a spin fisherman would beat a fly fishermen on big water but a fly fisherman would be a spin fisherman on small water.

[@bjnelson9490]

@@hardmanfishing lots of variables of course. My barometer with the ratios is based on personal experience against other guides. When they match up with me and the spin tackle those are typical catch ratios. I'll carry 2 poles at all times, even wading. I'll just set the spare on bank or hang in a tree. Keep one rigged with Trout Magnet set up and another with spinner or other small lures. Much easier to hit and run with spin tackle so opens you up to bigger numbers l love both though.

[@JustGoneFishing]

Spinning is much more efficient. Fly fishing is so much more fun.

[@aedanbok8553]

Faxx

[@jackcobb70]

Fly fish.

[@BoneManiacs]

what spiner ar you useing

[@jmebig3044]

The only people who think the fly rod is better are people that primarily fish with the fly. Under normal circumstances, the spinning rod will always outperform a fly rod with a few exceptions. Fly guys think it’s the other way around, but it actually isn’t. The problem fly guys have is they typically aren’t willing to maximize a spin setup’s capability by fishing all possible methods and yea that includes bait fishing.

[@hardmanfishing]

If you include bait fishing then I can see the argument, but take away bait fishing and it’s a different conversation. Bait fishing isn’t part of the conversation though because that’s more of a live bait vs artificial debate than it is about the gear.

[@jmebig3044]

@@hardmanfishing right, but it’s also much much much easier to bait fish on a spin setup which makes it superior overall.

[@crisking8770]

Im not going to watch because he picked a stream that favors flies

[@leeeng478]

I can see why these guys are sick. They catch the fish and they never eat them so they are having growth pains for the big mangina he is developing.

[@Respect.The.Grind..]

You’ll catch more fish with a fly rod. It’s simply just more effective

[@user-ou1py6gb8g]

Where is this at? 19:48