Spinning Rod - John Wilson Avon??

[Chalkie]

Hi everyone, I was into course fishing in another live pre wife & kids and still have all my old gear. I've tried a bit of boat fishing but it takes too much organizing and then you get let down by the weather so I fancy trying my hand at shore fishing starting with spinning. If I can help it I don't want to go out spending money on equipment I know nothing about and so my question is could I get away with using an old John Wilson Avon rod 11" 1¼lb TC and if so - what weight lures could this handle. I plan on going to the Lyme Regis area and having a few days fishing to see if it's for me. I like the idea that you can catch a few hours when possible and travel light. Also if anyone knows the area what sort of distance do you need to cast - I really know nothing about this but you've got to start somewhere. Thanks in advance for any help.

[redcap]

You can spin off the old stone pier maybe for a few mackies, (not good when there are too many grottles) but if you want a bit of sport find some quite spot where there are a rocks and weed and try spinning for a Bass, with your set up I would recommend you get a Mepps flying condon (Black or Red) from my experience these are a really good spinners and becuase they are weighted they are easy to cast, fish one hour before to one hour after high tide and no need to belt it out because the Bass quite often are only a few yards out. If you can't get a flying condom try a ball weight with a long trace and a hooked fresh sandeel or rubber artifical one,
Golden Cap just before dawn or dusk is a good place to try, but there are loads of places around Lyme.
Other anglers may disagree with me, but thats what works for me.

tightlines mate

[craigy boy]

id pay to watch someone fish for bass with a "flying condom" lol!

[Chalkie]

Thanks for the advice. I gave up on the idea of the Avon rod and and bought a proper spinning rod and now can't wait to give it a go. I don't expect to catch as I haven't got a clue what I'm doing but you never know and I'll enjoy it anyway.
Cheers Chris.

[fishbonkers]

Originally Posted by Chalkie

Thanks for the advice. I gave up on the idea of the Avon rod and and bought a proper spinning rod and now can't wait to give it a go. I don't expect to catch as I haven't got a clue what I'm doing but you never know and I'll enjoy it anyway.
Cheers Chris.

You were right to give up on using the Avon rod. Some people will tell you that you can use any old carp rod etc for spinning, but spinning puts a lot of stress on the joints, and Avon and carp rods just aren't designed for hundreds of casts per session. Carp rods are designed for sitting in rod rests most of the time, and Avon rods are designed for occasional light casting and a lot of trotting. Also many spinning rods today have cork handles, which, I for one, feel more comfortable with than foam, especially after a 3-hour session of plugging.

Hope this helps.