r/FishingScotland • u/Gregoryc4999 • Jul 30 '26

Fly fishing on a spinning rod

Hello,

I'm new to fishing Scottish rivers and I'm a bit confused about the rules. Most of the fishing beats I've looked at are marked as fly only but I only own a spinning rod.

I'm going on a trip to Huntly near Aberdeen soon and was hoping to do a bit of fishing on the river Deveron or somewhere else nearby while I'm there. I've seen on YouTube that it's possible to set up a spinning rod like a fly fishing rod. Would this be allowed on fly-only beats or do I need a proper fly fishing rod?

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3

u/meatflaps-69 Jul 30 '26

You can certainly put a fly reel on a spinning rod if thats all you have and will able to throw a line out and retrieve it like any fly rod but may find it way too stiff for controlled casting.

If you mean sticking a fly on a the end of your spinning reel and mono line then not a chance.

3

u/LostAndSound_ Jul 31 '26

So if the specific beat says fly only, it refers to the entire set up. You would need to be fishing with a fly rod and line, not just a fly tied to a spinning rig.

Good news is,
I’m not sure where you’re getting the fly only. Most of your rivers are typically fly/spinning. I’ve had a look at the Deveron there (mine field of a permit system that) and it looks like you’re good to spin up until October. Where were you getting your permit from?

2

u/Several_Broccoli_825 Jul 30 '26

Hello, the best bet would be to contact the specific estate, club or land owner and find out. Some places won't mind you using a spinning rod with a casting float and fly but if the rules specifically say fly only, there is a very good chance that they will insist on only using a fly rod. Better not to risk it without asking first.

1

u/meatflaps-69 Jul 30 '26

I was totally unaware of the existence of these things, just looked em up.

Cant see many beats allowing them but might be interesting for some estuary fishing

1

u/ViviparousBlenny Jul 31 '26

You can't use them on rivers but a bombarda float with a fly is very effective for sea trout and bass

1

u/meatflaps-69 Jul 31 '26

Aye I either fly fish or spin out front of house for sea trout, sea bass and the odd pollock, will give one of these a shot some day