I started fly fishing in 2004 and for the first couple years that's all I did. I refused to pick up the spin rod. I don't regret that, I learned a lot about fly fishing in many different conditions. Even when I got skunked (which was often) I learned something. Now in the last year or so I have reconciled my fishing philosophy to making sure I use the right tool for the conditions. In the past few months now that the warm water fishing is over, I have pretty much settled into using the spin rods. Fishing in sub-freezing weather is hard enough as it is, using a fly rod can be downright unenjoyable. I can say that flyfishing has definitely made me a better spin fisher. I now approach it with a "flyfishing" mindset. I try to be more stealthy, match the hatch, read the water, control my drift to look more natural etc. All things a good fisherman should do regardless of what particular tool he has in his hands. Once spring returns and the ponds open up and the water warms I will once again pick up the long rod and chase the Bass, Crappie and Bluegills, but for now I am enjoying reconnecting with the spinning rod using skills that flyfishing taught me.
I would also add, that since I started spin fishing again I have upgraded my equipment. I currently fish 2 graphites, both St. Croix Premiers, a 5'6" UL and a 6'6" light, and two fiberglass, a 5'6" UL St. Croix Pro-Glass and a 6'6" Browning Silaflex medium. The Pro-Glass is a newer rod, though they no longer make them. It is a light weight "S" glass, beautiful blue color and bends all the way down to the handle. A perfect live bait panfish stick.
Tom.