Rh Or Lh Baitcast Reel?

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, I am new to baitcast reels but would like the wife to get me one for Christmas so i can try it out next season. It doesn't appear that you can switch the handle from left to right like you can on a spinning reel...is this a correct observation? If so I am right handed but when I fish I hold my pole with my right hand and reel with my left...does this mean I should get a LH baitcast reel? I'm sure this is a "stupid" question but hey, you don't know until you ask .

[new2BC4bass]

Correct.  Handles can't be switched on a b/c reel.  You should be more comfortable with a LH reel since that is what you are use to.  However, it isn't too hard for most to learn to reel with either hand.  You can still cast RH and switch hands after the cast to start reeling.  Lots do it that way.

[BrianinMD]

That is correct, you cannot switch it.

 

It is 100% personal preference, I am also right handed on spinning reels I hold the rod with my right hand and reel with my left. With baitcasters its the opposite I use a RH reel so I hold the rod in my left and reel with my right hand, and this is a very common way. But you best option is to hold different ones and see what feels right to you. Your comfort with its use is all that matters.

[BassinLou]

Okay, I am new to baitcast reels but would like the wife to get me one for Christmas so i can try it out next season. It doesn't appear that you can switch the handle from left to right like you can on a spinning reel...is this a correct observation? If so I am right handed but when I fish I hold my pole with my right hand and reel with my left...does this mean I should get a LH baitcast reel? I'm sure this is a "stupid" question but hey, you don't know until you ask .

 

Your question is a great one. To answer your first question, no you cannot change the side the handle is on. That's a spinning reel characteristic. As far as which reel you should get? I happen to be a natural lefty. So right handed reels are ideal for me by coincidence. My fighting arm or rod arm is my left arm, and my non-dominant hand handles the reel. This makes perfect sense to me, however others use their dominant hand to reel and non-dominant arm to handle the rod. Only you will find out  what should work for you. 

[fishballer06]

Your best bet is to go to a local store and try out a right and left handed baitcasting reel. Turn the handle and see what feels most natural. Many folks use a different hand to reel when switching from spinning to casting. Me however, I use all left handed reels. 

[kschultz76]

You'll catch more fish with left handed reels and chicks will dig you!

Just kidding, mostly it's a matter of preference. While I'm a right handed person I prefer left handed reels for spinning and baitcasting. It is far more comfortable and natural for me to work the rod with my dominant hand. And the bonus is I don't have to switch hands after the cast. Try some out in the store to see what "feels" good for you.

[Cgrinder]

Do what is comfortable. I am right hand dominant so I prefer to cast and use the rod with that hand, so I reel left-handed. Feels good.

[Brett's_daddy]

I also notice that a lot (if not all) people using a baitcast reel hold their poles reel side up instead of having the reel under the pole like with a spinning reel...is this personal preference too or is there a legit reason for doing it this way?

[blckshirt98]

If you use spinning reels where you hold the pole with your right hand and reel with the left hand, stick with that same configuration with baitcasting reels.  Baitcast reels are on top because that's just how they're all designed, and, it's kind of needed to thumb the line/spool to avoid backlashes.  You might notice the reel wanting to roll underneath the rod in the spinning reel position but that's just physics.  If you want the reel to stay put in the upright position look into acid wrap/spiral wrapped casting rods.

[Big Bait Fishing]

what ever hand you use to work the rod , reel with the other hand . i use left hand reels as i work the rod with my right hand .

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Bait cast reels are designed to mount to the top of the rod and should be fished in that position. Right or left hand cranking is personal preference but I'm right handed and prefer left cranking reels however I own and use both

[Big Bait Fishing]

I also notice that a lot (if not all) people using a baitcast reel hold their poles reel side up instead of having the reel under the pole like with a spinning reel...is this personal preference too or is there a legit reason for doing it this way?

i've never seen that , spinning reels maybe , but not baitcasters ..

 

You'd be reeling the oppisite direction !!!

[masterbass]

I recommend you start with a lefty since you have used spinning reels.  My first bc was a righty which didn't feel natural since I started with spinning reels.  I don't like the extra motion of switching hands after casting and I use my right hand to work the rod.

[Lendiesel22]

I am right handed and fish all LH baitcasters. My right arm has all the power no different than fishing spinning gear. My opinion is its more efficient...but 90% of anglers use RH. Makes 0 sense to me but at the end it all comes down to feel.

[bigfruits]

get a LH baitcaster if you reel with your left hand on spinning. I made the switch several years ago and I wish I had started fishing with a LH reel. I still have not heard a good reason for switching hands. I think most people do it because that's what they learned on and don't feel like retraining the brain.

[massrob]

I started with them this year and I've found that I can use both left and right. When I started it felt really weird righthanded because I was use to spinning reels now I almost feel more comfortable righthanded. I'm not sure what the right answer so you'll have to decide for yourself.

[bigbill]

I can use either one. I'm amberdexterious do to working under dashboards on cars. Changing light bulbs as a young mechanic.

[blckshirt98]

Whichever you get, you'll eventually get used to it. Everyone using opposite spinning/baitcaster retrieves seems to eventually get used to it.  Pros to using right-retrieve is more selection of reels as not all reels are made in both left and right retrieve SKUs.  Pros to using left-retrieve is that if you're looking to buy used or if you see a reel on sale/clearance, the competition pool to bid/buy the item is much much smaller

[new2BC4bass]

If you use spinning reels where you hold the pole with your right hand and reel with the left hand, stick with that same configuration with baitcasting reels.  Baitcast reels are on top because that's just how they're all designed, and, it's kind of needed to thumb the line/spool to avoid backlashes.  You might notice the reel wanting to roll underneath the rod in the spinning reel position but that's just physics.  If you want the reel to stay put in the upright position look into acid wrap/spiral wrapped casting rods.

 

 

Bit of an understatement.  Although it is possible to adjust the reel so it is hands free, most of us run spool tension and brakes a bit too loose for that.

[Dennis1972]

i am a lefty and the only thing i buy right handed is reels..haha.

[LunkerFisher]

I am a righty, and I use RH baitcast reels, and I also reel with my left hand on spinning reels.  I have recently tried switching the handle on my spinning reels for right handed retrieve, but have since switched back, since I am not a fan of switching hands and then also having to close the bail afterwards.  Since baitcast reels engage the spool with a turn of the handle, I often find myself switching hands around the same time the bait is hitting the water.  It is definitely nice on the wrists (when fishing topwater especially) to divvy up the workload of casting and working the rod.  Since my casting gear is usually in charge of the heavier baits, this comes in handy.  I would see a big benefit for using a left handed reel for pitching, or at least learning to pitch with my left hand.  I would definitely recommend that no matter which side you decide to crank that handle with, that you still practice casting with both right and left hands.  Ambidextrous casting will help you reach those tight spots if need be.  One added benefit too is that not all reel variations are also offered in left handed retrieve, so learning righty will also allow you more options in finding the perfect reel.