About Us
Real testing. Honest reviews. 20+ years of expertise.
Hi, I’m Muhammad Zubair
For over 20 years, I’ve been obsessed with one thing: finding fishing gear that actually works. Not gear that looks good in marketing photos, but equipment that performs when it matters—on the water, in real conditions, with real fish on the line.
SpinningPole was born from frustration. I was tired of reading reviews that felt like rewritten press releases, watching videos that were obviously sponsored, and buying gear that fell apart after a few trips. So I started doing my own testing—real, methodical, long-term testing.
What started as notes in a fishing journal became a blog, then a resource that thousands of anglers now trust. Every review on this site comes from months of field testing, documented performance data, and honest assessments—regardless of affiliate relationships or manufacturer expectations.
Our Story
How It Started
My fishing journey began in the lakes and rivers of Pakistan as a kid, armed with a basic rod and endless curiosity. What gear worked? Why did some rods feel better than others? Why did certain lines cast farther? These questions drove me to experiment constantly.
Over two decades, fishing took me from freshwater bass in America to saltwater giants in the Arabian Gulf. Each environment taught me something new about what separates good gear from great gear, and marketing hype from genuine quality.
What We Do Differently
Unlike most review sites that test products for a few days or simply regurgitate manufacturer specs, we use gear for months before forming opinions. A rod might feel great on the first cast, but how does it perform after 50 fishing trips? Does that reel still feel smooth after exposure to saltwater? Will that line maintain its strength after a season in the sun?
We buy most products ourselves (yes, with our own money), test them in real fishing conditions, document performance metrics, and only then write reviews. When manufacturers do send products, we maintain the same rigorous standards and editorial independence—we’ll recommend it only if it truly performs.
Why Dubai?
Based in Dubai, UAE, we test gear in some of the harshest conditions on earth. Extreme heat, intense UV exposure, saltwater corrosion—if equipment can survive here, it can survive anywhere. This brutal testing ground helps us identify quality issues that might not surface in milder climates.
Our location also gives us access to diverse fishing environments: from calm Arabian Gulf waters to deep sea fishing, from shore fishing in extreme heat to boat fishing in challenging conditions. This variety ensures our reviews cover real-world scenarios you’ll actually face.
Beyond Reviews
SpinningPole is more than product reviews. We’re building a resource that helps anglers make informed decisions at every step—from choosing your first combo to upgrading to professional-grade equipment. Our buying guides explain the science behind gear choices, our comparisons highlight meaningful differences between similar products, and our tools (like the Rod Finder) provide personalized recommendations.
We’re here to cut through marketing noise and give you straight answers backed by data and experience.
Our Testing Process
Initial Assessment
Unboxing, first impressions, build quality inspection, and comparison to manufacturer specifications. We document everything before the first cast.
Short-Term Testing
First 10-15 fishing trips across various conditions. Testing casting distance, sensitivity, comfort, and basic performance metrics.
Long-Term Evaluation
3-6 months of regular use. Monitoring durability, consistent performance, wear patterns, and any degradation over time.
Stress Testing
Pushing equipment to its limits. Testing maximum drag, heavy fish scenarios, saltwater exposure, and extreme conditions.
Comparison Analysis
Side-by-side testing with competing products in the same price range. Identifying real-world performance differences.
Final Review
Comprehensive write-up with detailed pros/cons, real performance data, ideal use cases, and honest value assessment.
In The Field
Our Core Values
Honesty First
We recommend only products we’d actually use ourselves. If something doesn’t perform well, we say so—regardless of affiliate potential or manufacturer relationships.
Data-Driven
Every recommendation is backed by documented testing data, real performance metrics, and months of field use. No guesswork, no hunches—just facts.
Time-Tested
We don’t rush reviews. Products are tested for 3-6 months minimum, ensuring we catch issues that only appear with extended use and varied conditions.
Value-Focused
Price matters. We consider performance at every budget level and identify the best value—not just the most expensive or cheapest options.
Educational
We explain why certain gear works better, helping you understand the principles so you can make informed decisions beyond our specific recommendations.
Community-Driven
Reader feedback shapes our testing priorities. If you want to see a specific product reviewed or have questions about gear, we listen and respond.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Gear?
Explore our comprehensive reviews, use our gear recommendation tools, or reach out with questions. We’re here to help you make the right choice.
