Left or Right Level Line Reels

[ebry710]

I have used a fly and spinning reel all my life. I have decided to troll for bass. Now when I fly fish and use my spinning reel I cast with my right hand and reel with my left. In Level Line that is call a left handed reel. Left handed reels are apparently unusual in level lines. So when you use a level reel do you cast with your right then switch hands to reel in? Which did you buy?

 

[JB]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

I cast and reel with my right hand, switching while the lure is in the air.

My favorite (right handed) guide uses a "left handed" reel, claiming that he has more control if he doesn't have to switch hands. He makes sense.

 

[KewlBird]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

I cast with with my left but the spinning reels I have I cast with my right arm and nothing feels wrong about. If the crank was on the other side on either style of reel, I wouldn't know what to do .

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

I guess it is what your use to. I never thought of a left hand reel or right hand reel. In both fly and spin fishing the reel handle can be changed to accomplish both sides. Level reels are fixed. I guess I have to try them out.
My primary use for the level wind is for trolling, so casting isn't paramount. I don't think I will change over to a level line from my spinning reel to cast. I am too accurate with the spinning reel because it is second nature. I do not learn things fast, although my buddy will give me level wind lesson next week.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Well, you might find that it's disappointing to troll for bass. You would catch one every now and then but it won't be very often. Bass are not roamers in open water, they like to hide and ambush prey in cover. They only roam open water when the main forage are roamer such as blue back herring. In the spring, they will cruise around in the shallow but you can't troll there. The answer to your question would be whatever you're comfy with.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

I heard more people say trolling for bass is not productive. I have heard some people say you cover more ground trolling. For me there is a 1/2 mile 5 mph zone between the ramp and the full throttle zone (1 1/2 miles).

Trolling just seems appropriate. Plus Lake Sonoma is man made and is mostly deep gorges, so it is pretty deep in some areas. I expect to Rapala on the way to the fishing grounds.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Well, you might find that it's disappointing to troll for bass. You would catch one every now and then but it won't be very often. Bass are not roamers in open water, they like to hide and ambush prey in cover. They only roam open water when the main forage are roamer such as blue back herring. In the spring, they will cruise around in the shallow but you can't troll there. The answer to your question would be whatever you're comfy with.

What you say only applies to large mouth bass. Small mouth bass roam open water with a rocky bottom. I am so lucky to fish in new york. We have it all secont to maybe only Minnesota. Salmon (not land locked), trout, bass (largemouth and smallies), pike, musky, longnose gar, perch, walleye, sunfish, crappie, carp and so much more. have you ever caught one of these???

 

[bobo1]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

ebry710...I troll for trout in northern Calif lakes. I use a Penn 209 and/or an Okuma CL 452L reel with leaded line and a Luhr-Jensen Needlefish Pearl Bikini lure. I use the reel in the "up" position so that I'm reeling with my right hand...Bob

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

ebry710...I troll for trout in northern Calif lakes. I use a Penn 209 and/or an Okuma CL 452L reel with leaded line and a Luhr-Jensen Needlefish Pearl Bikini lure. I use the reel in the "up" position so that I'm reeling with my right hand...Bob

My friend is going to teach me the lead line setup. He agrees with you. He says it is best way to troll without downrigger in these deep channeled lakes.

Sounds like you switch hands, although trolling doesn't require quick hand changes.

How do you like the Okuma. I see many deals on them, but I've not heard of them. I will reach search the Luhr-Jensen Needlefish Pearl Bikini lure.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

I will research the Luhr-Jensen Needlefish Pearl Bikini lure.

I looked up Needle fish. What size and color do you use?

Since you use reels in their up and down position, what happens to the rod actions?

 

[bobo1]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Sorry for the delayed response. Got home from work awhile ago. The Luhr-Jensen website should have a listing( www.luhrjensen.com). The Pearl Bikini is a sort of translucent pearl color. I use either a #1 or #2 size. The part number is 1051-002-0083. They cost about $3.00.
The Okuma reel, which I got at Sportsman's Warehouse, goes for around $35. It easily holds 100 yards of leaded line. I'm kind of liking it better than my trusty old American made Penn 210.
As far as rod action, I'm not to concerned about that. My boat has 2 rod holders and I just troll around waiting for the hit. I also use a fish finder. That helps build excitement!
I'm not an expert fisherman, I just go to be out doors and enjoy God's creation. The leaded line (15 lb test) and pearl bikini seems to be a winning combination...Bob

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Bob, thank you for writing back. Don't worry about instant write back ..... I never stress on iboats. That is why I like it.

I am looking forward to trolling for that reason. I have the depth finder on the way and will install it before my next trip in 2 weeks. I will have my sinking line and will have both a left and a right level line set up by then. I will also throw a few needlefish in my box. Lake Sonoma here I come.

 

[bobo1]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

ebry710...With the leaded line, the color changes every 10 yards. And for every color of line out, the rule of thumb is about 6-8' in depth. I like to fish at a small lake in the Sierra's, Gold Lake, near Grayeagle. I went out twice in October, trolled out about 3 to 4 colors, and we had our limit in no time. I do catch and release, so we stayed out awhile. It was like eating potato chips...one right after another! I have a 14' Lowe with a 9.9 Honda. Where is Sonoma Lake? I used to live in Marin (not at San Quentin!) and have been to Infineon Raceway a few times...Bob

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Lake Sonoma is outside of Healdsburg. It is was built as part of flood control project 25 or so years ago.

I take it Gold lake is near Plumas Eureka. Beautiful country.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

I have both a left and right Level line. I have not use them yet, but I have practice with them and frankly I can easily reel both. I have a strong feeling I have over thought this situation.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Reeling in a baitcaster (or conventional) reel isn't the hard part....

it's casting the reel

And no that wasn't my backlash, some of mine would put that one to shame

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

When I was a kid, we used level wind. That picture is the symbol of why I am a master at a spinning reel. When it comes to casting, the level line will not replace my spinning reel. I solute anyone who casts with a level wind and always remember to thumb the spool just before it hits the water, I not that guy.

On the other hand, I plan to use my level line in conjunction with lead core and just release it slowing into the water (we'll see how long that lasts). I have needle fish and rapalas in my box. Next Saturday will be my first attempt to put this forum to the test.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Reeling in a baitcaster (or conventional) reel isn't the hard part....

it's casting the reel

And no that wasn't my backlash, some of mine would put that one to shame

Ok I used my ABU Garcia level line reels. It doesn't matter what side, you just reel them it.

But I did see a lot of bird nesting. Trying to drag the spoil correctly seems to be a learned art.

 

[KewlBird]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

Reeling in a baitcaster (or conventional) reel isn't the hard part....



it's casting the reel

And no that wasn't my backlash, some of mine would put that one to shame

That's too funny. I do get some backlash every once in a great while myself. They do sell baitcasting reels with the magnetic cast control, which may eliminate that. Here's one from Abu http://www.abugarcia.com/prod.php?k...om-/dimg/f076775a28e5b93a2ea68ec3c565ee92.jpg

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Left or Right Level Line Reels

But I did see a lot of bird nesting. Trying to drag the spoil correctly seems to be a learned art.

Where you releasing line as you motored or casting?

If peeling line off the reel while you motor, set the spool tension with just a hair of resistance. This should keep the line tight on the spool and keep it from over running. If you are pulling on the rod to strip the line off, keep a light touch on the spool to keep it from over running. I normally set the rod in the rod holder and strip line off while motoring. But,,, if the spectra/mono (or lead core/mono) knot gets hung in the rod tip tip and creates a bunch of tension on the line, it will "POP" out and create a nice backlash for you

Casting a conventional reel has it's challenges too, learning how much and when to feather the spool takes practice. I noticed you mentioned stopping the spool when the lure touches down, but you also have to ever so lightly brake the spool during the cast,,,, if needed,,,, and the right amount of pressure. Doesn't take much pressure at the right time to stop an over run.

You can also put thick oil in the spool bearings to slow down the spool and help prevent backlashes. I go the other direction for my casting reels and wash the spool bearings, then lube them with a product called Rocket Fuel, with a name like that you can only imagine how easy it is to get a backlash