Baitcast reels, right or left?

[nnienhius]

I have been fishing for years with spinning reels but recently started using baitcasters. I purchased some cheap baitcasters just to get the basics down before I made large purchase. I have decided to purchase some nice baitcasters this holiday season, probably the Shimano Curado (everyone seems to love them.) But the decision I need help with is if I should purchase a LH or RH model. Although I am right-handed, the baitcast reels feel a little awkward, probably because I have been using spinning reels for so long. Will I have any problems throwing a LH baitcaster with my right hand? And why are the baitcasters designed to be reeled by the casting hand anyways? It just seems unproductive and annoying to keep switching hands. All thoughts are appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Many right handed pros, including my favorite guide, use LH casting reels.

His explanation: "I don't have to switch anything when I cast. I have my retrieve started before the lure hits the water and I can fight fish with my right arm. I see no advantage at all of using a right handed reel."

It makes sense, but I still use right handed baitcasters.

 

[StrykeKing]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I've been using right handed baitcasters for alot of years, for some reason the left handed ones just feel awkward. After a while you don't even think about switching hands, just before the lure hits the water the switch is made and start the retrieve, no time lost. But then it's just personal preference, whatever is most comfortable to you is the way to go, there is no right or wrong.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I can go either way, but using a lefty is much easier and faster. I never have figured out why so many people like to switch hands. Get started with a left handed reel and you'll never go back. The guy I fish with the most is left handed and he uses a right hand reel for the same reason.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I am a righty, and use lefty reels for the same reason JB mentioned. Righty ones are so wrong. Makes it a pain in the neck to find a used one though.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Yep left hand all the way. It only makes sense. Just because the guys on TV use rightys don't mean you have to.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I've been using right handed baitcasters for alot of years, for some reason the left handed ones just feel awkward. After a while you don't even think about switching hands, just before the lure hits the water the switch is made and start the retrieve, no time lost. But then it's just personal preference, whatever is most comfortable to you is the way to go, there is no right or wrong.

Same thing for me ... cranking leftly with a baitcaster does not feel right ... same for my flyrod.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Yea, right handed for me also.
I just make the switch mid cast and no problem.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Right handed here, hard to deal with a left handed rig after fishing right handed for so long. I basically do the same SBN.

 

[muleteer1]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I use LH models for the simple reason that you don't have to change hands.
The only RH I have is for flipping, but it has a flipping switch that locks everything up. For what it's worth.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Because I'm known for "Lack of Tact", I won't try to have any!

It's a matter of balance!

Much time is spent by rod manufactures to balance the rods with the reels. That's why many of the very expensive rods have balance adjusters built into the rear of the rods. Just an inch of the way you hold the rod will make all the difference in the world on a long day on the water.

Todays baitcasters are designed to be Palmed, that is the rod and reel is held in the hand together. You don't hold the handle while retreiving. The handle is for casting.

There is no way that you can cast a modern day baitcaster with your right hand and reel correctly with your left hand without messing with the balance of the combination. Your right hand will just be too far back on the rod. Just because some pro's do it still doesn't make it right. That's why it's important to learn thing right the first time.

Casting with the right and reeling with the left is akin to holding a spinning reel upside down and reeling backwards!

SBN and I will continue to change hands in mid air.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Because I'm known for "Lack of Tact", I won't try to have any!

It's a matter of balance!

Much time is spent by rod manufactures to balance the rods with the reels. That's why many of the very expensive rods have balance adjusters built into the rear of the rods. Just an inch of the way you hold the rod will make all the difference in the world on a long day on the water.

Todays baitcasters are designed to be Palmed, that is the rod and reel is held in the hand together. You don't hold the handle while retreiving. The handle is for casting.

There is no way that you can cast a modern day baitcaster with your right hand and reel correctly with your left hand without messing with the balance of the combination. Your right hand will just be too far back on the rod. Just because some pro's do it still doesn't make it right. That's why it's important to learn thing right the first time.

Casting with the right and reeling with the left is akin to holding a spinning reel upside down and reeling backwards!

SBN and I will continue to change hands in mid air.

For those considering a lefty reel,, the above post is absolute BS. There is so much wrong with that post that I wont even begin to pick it apart.

 

[StrykeKing]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

For those considering a lefty reel,, the above post is absolute BS. There is so much wrong with that post that I wont even begin to pick it apart.

Being a custom rod builder myself I have to agree. Man, where to even start...........

 

[cam2]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I agree, I use left handed on my baitcast and right on my spinning. It's personal preference, not science!

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Go ahead, pick away. I can take it. I may need SBN to hold my hand through it though!

 

[sdilecce]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I had the same question when I got my first baitcaster. I ended up getting a left hander because switching hands didn't feel right. I've tried friends right hander reels, but they always feel awkward.

 

[guy74]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I use left hand reels, it's what I grew up using. I would say, get whatever you feel comfortable with.

 

[AnglersResource]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

It really does not matter which one you use as long as you are comfortable with it. If you are worried about the switching hand casting and reeling.. don;t be its not an issue at all. YOu will not even realize you are doing it after a while. But just try both and see which one feels right. Also you might want to look into the new abu garcia revo... very nice reels.

 

[pecheux]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

I realy dont know exactly why ... but somehow I like retreiving lefty with a spinning reel and right hand with a casting reel ... for me it just feels right doing it this way .. so I guess it's a matter of self preference ... like anything else ... lol

Cheers

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Baitcast reels, right or left?

Your going to cast with your right hand anyway. This gives you more power and better reel/thumb control. Why switch to cast. Been There-Done that. The ONLY advantage to a RH reel is that there is a greater selection (due to tradition).