You’re out on Reindeer Lake, breathing in the fresh northern air. The water is calm, the sun is shining, and you’re ready to fish. But here’s the big question: do you spin cast or troll?
At Arctic Lodges, we’ve seen anglers try both. Some love the action of spin casting, while others like the slow, steady pace of trolling. Both work – it just depends on what you enjoy. Let’s go over the basics.
Spin Casting
Spin casting is all about being active. You cast your lure, reel it in, and repeat. You’re in control of how your lure moves, and when a fish hits, you feel it right away.
Gear You Need: A spinning rod and reel, some line, and a few lures. We usually suggest a medium-heavy rod for the lake trout, northern pike, and arctic grayling in Reindeer Lake.
Pros:
- Exciting – fish hit while you’re reeling.
- You control where the lure goes.
- Works from shore or boat.
- Great for targeting specific spots.
Cons:
- Can get tiring after a while.
- Takes some practice.
- You don’t cover as much water.
Trolling
Trolling is more relaxed. You let the boat move while your line trails behind. Your lure does the work under the surface, and you get to enjoy the scenery.
Gear You Need: A rod, reel, and lure. You can keep it simple or use extras like rod holders and downriggers.
Pros:
- Covers a lot of water.
- Easy to learn.
- Great for finding fish in new spots.
- Works well for big lake trout.
Cons:
- Not as hands-on.
- You need a boat.
- Risk of snagging on underwater rocks or logs.
Quick Comparison
Spin Casting vs. Trolling
| Feature | Spin Casting | Trolling |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Level | High | Low |
| Water Covered | Less | More |
| Skill Needed | More | Less |
| Gear | Simple | Can be more gear |
| Best For | Targeting spots | Exploring water |
Our Take at Arctic Lodges
The best choice? Both.
Some days, casting into the bays brings in big pike. Other days, trolling the deep water finds the lake trout. Many of our guests switch back and forth depending on the time of day and where the fish are.
One of our favorite stories is of a father and son who fished with us. Dad loved trolling, the son loved casting. At first, they argued about which was better. By the end of the week, they were both using both methods – and catching more fish than ever.
Come Fish Reindeer Lake
No matter which style you prefer, Reindeer Lake has it all. With plenty of trophy-sized trout, pike, and grayling, you’ll have a chance to try both spin casting and trolling. And our guides are here to help you every step of the way.
So why choose? Book your trip to Arctic Lodges and try both. You’ll find your favorite – and you might surprise yourself.
FAQs
- Which catches more fish: spin casting or trolling?
Both work! Spin casting is better when fish are holding near structure, while trolling shines when you need to cover more water. Many anglers switch between the two depending on conditions. - Is spin casting harder than trolling?
Spin casting takes a little more practice since you’re casting and retrieving. Trolling is easier for beginners—you let the boat do most of the work. - Can I spin cast and troll in the same day?
Definitely. Many of our guests start the morning casting for pike in the bays, then switch to trolling for lake trout in deeper water later on. - Do I need different gear for spin casting and trolling?
Yes, but the basics are simple. Spin casting only needs a rod, reel, and lures. Trolling can be just as simple, but some anglers add extras like rod holders or downriggers to cover more depth. - Which method is more exciting?
If you love action and feeling every strike, spin casting is more thrilling. If you prefer a relaxed pace and exploring more of Reindeer Lake, trolling is the way to go. - What do your guides recommend?
Our guides suggest trying both. Conditions change, and fish behave differently day to day. Mixing spin casting with trolling gives you the best chance to land a trophy fish.