Philosophical question really. For the Pike and Bass anglers here (as well as Trout and others) we could just as easily choose a light-med spinning rod and lures as our fly outfit. In technical terms the pro's seem to me to be:

Fly +
potentially better and/or slower presentation, the joy of casting a fly line , usually lighter rods making smaller fish better sport, easier/cheaper to make lures (so less £££ danger casting into snags), fly/crab/shrimp patterns feasible if appropriate, more effective(???)

Lure +
easier casting distance/into wind, no problems with limited backcast, easier to fish really deep, no tangly fly line around or feet/in bushes, really big lures easier rather than harder to cast, less tiring when using big lures/in wind/at distance

What do others think? My preference is the fly but the lure +'s can't be ignored sometimes (particularly backcast - am thinking about switch or spey rods for some circumstances)

What are the thoughts of others?

Bit hard to fish dry fly with a spinning rod though eh?

For "lure" fishing- as in a fly lure or metal lure - then its its probably a tough call in terms of fish catching ability, more just a question of what method is personally preferred (and allowed)

__________________

Here on the upper Rogue River we have a 'fly only' fishing season. That said, you can use a spinning rod, casting float and up to three flies for 'bait.' (You can't add additional weight below the float, but the flies can be heavily weighted in their construction.)

A few of our locals use this set up and it's damned effective. Effectively what they're doing is a dead drift nymphing technique. They'll hook far more Summer Run Steelhead than the guy 'swinging' fly(s) off a fly rod.

fae

__________________
"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a
living are now outnumbered by those who vote for a living." -- Anonymous

I fly fish because I enjoy it, if I had to catch fish or starve I would almost always choose a different method. So for me, it's just down to which method I fancy on a given day.

I'm almost ashamed to admit it but I've just bought a spinning rod for fishing on Scout Dyke, Penistone, South Yorks. - an any method fishery.

I still intend to fly-fish 99·9% of the time but I thought it might be useful if it was too windy to fish with my #5 rod, or when the trout are down and just aren't showing. The reservoir also has a huge head of perch. Having sampled a perch I thought, should I catch one of a reasonable size, it would make an excellent meal

My confession hasn't eased my conscience, I still feel like a mortal sinner.

__________________
*
How poor a thing, sometimes I find,
Will captivate a greedy mind - Isaac Walton.

~~*~~~~~
*****©(

Sorry, but what is the purpose of your question on a FLY FISHING FORUM.For folk who have chosen their method of fishing

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Absolutely no need to feel ashamed mate; successful spinning is every bit an art form as flyfishing. Fishers for Salmon and Sea Trout use all sorts of techniques; spinning, worming, netting and dynamiting.

In answer to @3lbgrayling, the purpose is exactly what I said - to find out people's reasons & rationale for that decision.

Are you offended by me asking this? I can't see any reason why you should be. I am here because I prefer fly fishing too (as I said in my post).

I thought it was a fair question - essentially its the old "why fly fish when most times its not the most effective method of catching fish"? Sometimes it is, but most times its not. However, its a nice way to fish in itself and on most trout fisheries is the only legal way. Its part of the equation about there being more to fishing than catching fish. Nothing wrong with spinning though say that, perfectly valid and enjoyable method for all sorts of fish where allowed. I don't spin for trout myself, but I do for pike.

__________________

I fish both both fly and spinner for mainly coarse fish, though I much prefer to fly fish. Sometimes it can be difficult to fish the fly due to wind, very coloured water and freezing cold conditions which is tough on the hands.
I have walked long distances with the light spinning rod and found new places to fish, which I have often come back and fly fished after getting follows off a few perch. It is a good method for locating fish and finding what depth they are at.
Spinning can get a bit boring after a time, and I find fly fishing more absorbing and interesting but then thats just my opinion.
You used to be able to buy a good quality fly/spinning rod so you could have the best of both. Not sure if you can buy them anymore, are they any good? Would like to hear from anyone who has used one.