Need Reel Advice

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, so I bought an Abu Garcia Promax bait cast combo over the weekend, got it used (just twice) for $50 so the thing is practically new. My dilemma is that even though I am right handed I cast and hold my rod with my right hand and reel with my left, the Promax reel is a RH only reel...it's very nice with 8 bearings and a 7.1:1 ratio...should I try and learn to reel right handed and keep this reel or should I try to find someone in a similar situation only reverse and swap for a comparable LH reel?

[poisonokie]

Ah, the can of worms this will open...

 

In my experience as a right hander, it's much better to retrieve with my left. The reel palms more comfortably, I have more control over the bait, I get stronger, faster hook sets, and can control the fish with more authority.

 

I would definitely land fewer fish if I tried doing all the hard work with my weak hand. I've tried doing it the other way and couldn't stand it, so in answer to your question, I would absolutely seek out a LH reel.

[BobP]

Actually, a lot of guys wish they had your problem.  Most right handers cast with that hand and then have to switch the rod to their left hand while cranking with the right - less than ideal if a bass bites the lure as soon as it touches down.  Not all reels come in both left and right hand versions but in the long run it will benefit you to buy only left handed reels if that is most comfortable to you.

[poisonokie]

for sure. I tried using a low ratio cranking reel that only came in rh and hated it. Did not feel natural at all. Just got a long handle for a 6.3 reel and called it good.

[Jrob78]

In my experience, go with whatever is the most comfortable to you.   I tried switching to left handed reels and couldn't do it.  I honestly don't believe one way is faster or better than the other.  Pick the one you like the best and run with it.

[NotnatsSamoht]

Sell it and use the money towards the new Pro Max 3, it comes in left retrieve.

[MidwestF1sh]

I always wondered why the majority or baitcasters have the handle on the wrong side....

I'd recommend just getting a left handed reel. It sounds like you like the combo tho so if you can get used to it do it.

[WPCfishing]

Here's the best reel advice I can give you. Learn your reels inside and out so you can do your own services. I've had one of my reels to two different techs and they both did a lousy job and I paid for it. I just finished putting one of my reels back together properly. It works as it should now. Now, That's reel advice!

[kickerfish1]

Here's the best reel advice I can give you. Learn your reels inside and out so you can do your own services. I've had one of my reels to two different techs and they both did a lousy job and I paid for it. I just finished putting one of my reels back together properly. It works as it should now. Now, That's reel advice!

Wow, where did you send them?

[Josh Smith]

Originally, baitcasters were meant to be cast while on top then flipped over to the bottom for reeling.

This is why the handle is on the right side.

Josh

[new2BC4bass]

Here's the best reel advice I can give you. Learn your reels inside and out so you can do your own services. I've had one of my reels to two different techs and they both did a lousy job and I paid for it. I just finished putting one of my reels back together properly. It works as it should now. Now, That's reel advice!

 

Good advice.................if you don't mind tinkering.  I don't.  It would definitely be much cheaper if I did.  I've used 3 different services, and gotten excellent results from each.  I don't know how to respond to the problems you've had.  I am sorry that your experiences were anything other than fantastic.

[WPCfishing]

Good advice.................if you don't mind tinkering.  I don't.  It would definitely be much cheaper if I did.  I've used 3 different services, and gotten excellent results from each.  I don't know how to respond to the problems you've had.  I am sorry that your experiences were anything other than fantastic.

 

These reels are so simple.. They don't require much at all. If you can do Lego's you can service a reel. 

[WPCfishing]

Wow, where did you send them?

 

First time out of state, Took four weeks to get them back. One of them was all screwed up and the work I asked for wasn't done. I got a bunch of verbal gymnastics... Last week One went in the drink, I took it to a local guy for a cleaning and upgraded drag washers. Got it back the next day with an excuse, The Gears in this reel are worn so its not working at 100%. Oh ok... another idiot.... The reel was purchased three months ago. I use it on my spinner bait rod. I primarily throw Jigs.... 

 

OP, I cast with my right and reel with my left. No changing hands.. It's natural for me to cast that way.

[new2BC4bass]

These reels are so simple.. They don't require much at all. If you can do Lego's you can service a reel. 

 

Never had a set of Legos.  Don't think they had been invented yet.

 

Also you need a place to work.  I don't have one.  My wife is very particular what I put on the kitchen table. 

[WPCfishing]

Never had a set of Legos.  Don't think they had been invented yet.

 

Also you need a place to work.  I don't have one.  My wife is very particular what I put on the kitchen table. 

 

lol, you old fart!

[kickerfish1]

That is too bad though I can understand long turnaround times. Of the services I have used to clean my reels only one got them back to me within a week an a half but most were 4-8 weeks.

[buzzed bait]

I used the RH retrieve for a while as it seemed that was all the stores carried around me locally.  One day, a friend let me try out his lefty reel and i made an immediate decision to switch my fleet over to LH and have never looked back.  I would suggest trying to find someone with a LH baitcaster and see if they might let you toss it around a few times just to see if you even like the feel.  I would do that before selling the reel you have.

[WPCfishing]

That is too bad though I can understand long turnaround times. Of the services I have used to clean my reels only one got them back to me within a week an a half but most were 4-8 weeks.

 

It takes about 45 minutes to thoroughly clean and lube a reel. 

[poisonokie]

It takes about 45 minutes to thoroughly clean and lube a reel. 

 

And there's probably a YouTube video of whatever reel you have being torn down for one reason or another.

[kickerfish1]

It takes about 45 minutes to thoroughly clean and lube a reel. 

 

No doubt. However consider the amount of reels the techs have in the shop ahead of your reels. Also consider the fact that reel service isn't their primary job but more or less a side job. If a guy has 5 customers with reels in the shop it isn't hard to see the delay. Not everyone is sending 2-3 reels in for service. I have sent 12 in at times and know guys that would send in close to 50. Fall and early winter is the worst as they are hit the hardest at this time.

 

Also 45 minutes isn't sufficient to fully disassemble, clean, inspect parts, flush the bearings, wait for them to dry, and re-lube / re-grease, and then assemble the reel. It all depends on how thorough you are and how much of a perfectionist you are. I firmly believe to do it right it is closer to a 2 hour project per reel.

 

If you think 45 minutes is sufficient for yours than so be it. Maybe for a "quick clean" but not a deep clean.