Left Handed Baitcasting

[Fishhook12]

I am new to baitcasting, and I recenty bought a new baitcaster. I am used to the tradition spinning reels, so i figured a left handed baitcaster would be the best choice for new reel. But after trying it, it seems more awkward than anything. My question is how many of you use left handed bait casters? And does it work better for you?

[Diggy]

Im RH and prerfer LH baitcasting reels. Many people feel the same as I do, but many others don't. You have to either get used to it or see if you like RH retrieve better. Its def a slight change coming from spinning to either retrieve. 

[rippin-lips]

I prefer left handed and I'm right handed. I think it's due to using spinning rods with the handle on the left so it feels more natural to me. Secondly I like having my dominant hand control the rod/bait/fish ect. That just makes sense to me. Like taking a leak with your left hand. Just doesn't feel right haha.

[ww2farmer]

I have always used LH casting reels. 20 years ago the choices were slim, but they were around.

[hooah212002]

My next BC will probably be a lefty because I have heard, from people who catch in a day what I have caught my entire life, that the time spent switching hands after a cast is crucial and potential missed bites. Learning curve, shmearning curve.

[BubbaDirt]

All LH here.

[flyfisher]

LH retrieve here for everything for me which includes baitcasters, spinning and fly reels. Never made sense to me to switch hands like everyone else does. The option for ratios is somewhat limited but they are out there with the BPS pro qualifier having pretty much every ratio under the sun.

[Felix77]

All LH here too.

[nocluefisher]

Does anyone have both left and right handed reels in there arsenal?

[Doubled Over]

All left handed here, and i'm a righty.  No doubt it saves time casting.  I broke my left elbow and ever since then it pops whenever I move it past a certain point.  When I would use right handed reels and set the hook with my left arm it put a lot of stress on my elbow and didn't feel good. Using a lefty keeps most of the pressure on my right elbow.  Only problem is some reel companies only make reels with right hand retrieve in some models and gear ratios. 

[Ken Browning]

I'm left handed and prefer a RH retrieve. My rod stays in my left hand. Cast left, retrieve right. Is that a LH or a RH Bait casting reel? 

[I.rar]

Right handed left hand retrieve for me.

[rippin-lips]

I'm left handed and prefer a RH retrieve. My rod stays in my left hand. Cast left, retrieve right. Is that a LH or a RH Bait casting reel? 

That would be a RH reel. When looking down from the top at the spool the handle is on he right.

[jignfule]

RH but fish w/LH b/c  much more natural &  comfortable for me.

[mjseverson24]

I use all right handed reels, cast usually with the right, and switch over to the left durring the retreive. I have learned to do it very smoothly and efficiently, looking at it you would never know a switch happens unless you look for it. I dont believe I have ever missed a fish in the first 1/2 second while the rod is in both hands at once making the exchange. I have tought myself to be able to cast effectively with both hands so I can disect cover more efficiently. just personal reference but using a lefty baitcaster is kind of like watching a lefty golf something just aint right. lol

 

Mitch

[mtaag3]

I fish LH

[deep]

100% LH retrieve, spinning or casting.

[ClackerBuzz]

I went with lefty b/c of ur exact reasoning...but they feel natural to me. don't force it...take it back for a righty.

i wouldn't attribute 'lost fish' to righty or lefty (if bite detection is the issue..probably too much slack in the line).

[new2BC4bass]

Does anyone have both left and right handed reels in there arsenal?

 

Absolutely!  Doesn't take long to become second nature once you put in a little practice.

 

OP, what feels awkward to you?  I grew up with spinning reels, and cranking a b/c reel feels different than a spinning reel.  Not quite as smooth and effortless.  Can't quite put my finger on it, but the length and balance of the handle probably play a lot into the difference in feel while reeling....as does the location of the reel and the difference in how the rods are held  Try a right hand reel.  It may also feel awkward.  However, practice will soon have you feeling much more comfortable reeling regardless of the hand you choose to reel with.

[MarkH024]

I bc right and spinning retrieve right. The loss of time/feel on switch is hogwash. I've never had issues catching fish.

[Lazz]

I prefer left handed and I'm right handed. I think it's due to using spinning rods with the handle on the left so it feels more natural to me. Secondly I like having my dominant hand control the rod/bait/fish ect. That just makes sense to me. Like taking a leak with your left hand. Just doesn't feel right haha.

HAHAHA...

The rod in my dominant right hand is absolute...which is the reason righties using righty reels confuses the hell outta me....

There is NO way i could work the rod, IMO the harder/more important part, with my left hand...

Im righthanded....

[Fishwhittler]

I am right-hand dominant and prefer LH reels.  My left hand simply doesn't have the coordination to work soft plastics, topwaters, anything other than hold a crankbait rod.  I can use RH reels for crankbaits, but anything else and I need a lefty reel.  I'm trying to learn to work baits with my left hand so as to have more reel options, but it's a slow process.  I'll probably always prefer LH reels regardless.

 

 

[Ken Browning]

Thanks. I guess I should have known that but I wasn't sure.  

[.RM.]

I'm left handed and prefer a RH retrieve. My rod stays in my left hand. Cast left, retrieve right. Is that a LH or a RH Bait casting reel? 

Thats called "Power Hand Casting" left hand hard rod work done with the strong arm/hand, light work cranking done with the right.

Im right handed and use the right arm/hand for the rod work, and the light crank work for the left.  

[flyfisher]

I bc right and spinning retrieve right. The loss of time/feel on switch is hogwash. I've never had issues catching fish.

The real question is how would you know if you are missing if they hit during the switch.....

It seems that those fishing for a pretty long time use RH retrieve reels because there were more available back in the day and you get used to it and most likely they learned on older gear that was RH Retrieve too.

Whatever feels comfortable....go with it.