Anyone try using a spinning rod for cod/haddock jigging? I dont mind using my cod rod with a newell on in but it seems like a spinning rod would be fun. The only drawback i can see to spinning reels is letting line out to maintain the bottom, its a flick of a switch with a conventional reel. I party boat fish a couple times a year that is about it. Any suggestions on a rod for jiggin 10-16 oz jigs that wont break the bank, im thinking in the 7.5 to 8' range.

stick to conventional. it's easier to fish bottom with a flick of a switch like you said.
that opening/closing of the bail kills the action your looking for. up-down...up-down..up-down....
you want the jig slamming into the bottom and then instantly raising up, thats where you'll get the most hits.
plus you wont look like a googan
8' is a little long unless your on the bow of a 60 foot party boat that wont allow braid. make sure it's a light rod if your going to be jigging an 8 footer all day :musc:

Thanks for the advice. Looks like i will continue using the newell. I enjoy using it, but using a spiining outfit sounded like fun, but if it isnt gunna work im glad i saved the money.

I just use the same two setups that I now have for small tuna for jigging in general. One is a saragosa 18000 on a 6'6" Tsunami rod and the other is a spheros 18000 on a 7' St Croix rod. Both have hollow core braid and a heavy leader so it works for me. I have always been partial to spinning reels though and don't specifically make trips to target cod.

Don't spend a lot as they will probably end up shutting cod down in the coming year or so. The fishery is an utter disaster thanks due to the "managing" by the fisheries "experts"