Another reel question

[ASD]

I don't know if this is a thing, but do right handed people use left handed baitcasters? I've been wondering/debating about getting a left handed baitcaster (eventhough I'm right handed), because I can control the rod much better, and set the hook more powerfully right handed, but reeling left handed is a little awkward to me, any thoughts? Thanks.

-Alex

[Yudo1]

I'm right handed and I use lefty reels exclusively.  I don't understand switching hands and I have more control of the rod with my right hand.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A number of people make the choice to hold the Rod with their dominant hand and reel with the other. 

[mojojojo]

just whatever feels best for you. I can't reel worth a crap left handed, it feels way too awkward and discombobulated to me. I hate spinning reels but in the rarity that I do use one I have to switch the handle to the right side. Me and spinning set ups don't mix

[MIbassyaker]

Other than hooking myself, nothing in fishing feels more wrong to me than holding the rod in my left hand. If I ever do it, it's ultra-temporary, for positioning or something.

This topic comes up occasionally. The responses have a noticeable pattern to them. People (right-handers at least) who say they tried a left handed caster and found it awkward tend to complain about difficulty reeling. People who say right handed casters are awkward tend to complain about difficulty holding or working the rod. In other words, the complaints are actually the same: they are about doing something with your non-dominant hand you don't have any practice with. I expect that's what most, if not all, the left vs. right preference boils down to -- familiarity and practice.

[EvanT123]

Spinning and casting reels all are on the right. Write with my left throw a baseball with my right. Played air hockey for the first time in a few years and used either hand. I wouldn't overthink it. Do what feels best for you. 

[edfitzvb]

Everything feels awkward at first. I learned to crank a spinning reel with my left hand years ago. That feels more comfortable to me. That being siad, I prefer the right handed reels I have. My son is left handed. he uses a right handed spinning reel and a left handed bait caster. Time makes both comfortable. Don't over-think it. Either way there is a learning curve.

[lmbfisherman]

I'm left handed, I usually use right handed bc reels.  For spinning I am more comfortable reeling with my left hand.  Not sure why, just feel comfortable that way.  I guess that is what others are getting at.  What feels best for you.

[Yudo1]

With spinning reels, which side do you put the handle?  Buy the same side bait caster.  I made the switch to casting reels several years ago and my first reel was a righty which felt very awkward so I sold it and went lefties and never looked back.  It's more efficient for me to cast and engage the gears without switching hands.  I work jerks baits and top waters much better with my right hand.  I was already used to cranking with my left so it was a no-brainer for me.

[BrianinMD]

It is 100% personal preference, do what feels right to you. There is no right or wrong way.

I am right handed, baitcasters are all right handed, on spinning I hold the rod in my right hand and reel with my left. Tried left handed baitcasters and it felt horrible. We are all different in what feels good, absolutely no need to do things that feel awkward just to fit someone elses "rules".

[CDMeyer]

If you feel more comfortable setting the hook right handed them I would take the time and practice that left hand reel.  The more you use it the more comfortable it will feel

 

[ASD]

Thanks for everyone's responses, I think I will try a left handed baitcaster. I'm somewhat ambidextrous, so I should be able to get comfortable reeling in left handed. Thanks again. -Alex

[Choporoz]

9 hours ago, EvanT123 said:

Spinning and casting reels all are on the right. Write with my left throw a baseball with my right. Played air hockey for the first time in a few years and used either hand. I wouldn't overthink it. Do what feels best for you. 

I could have written same....I've always said I'm 'left-handed', but 'right-armed'.....I throw, bat, golf, bowl, etc rightie...but write and eat with left hand.   All my reels, baitcasting and spinning, have handles on right side. 

[blckshirt98]

I'm right-handed and fished with spinning reels for a while with the handle on the left hand side . When I started using baitcasters I kept the handle on the left hand side because it felt "normal".  As an added bonus when you see LH baitcasters up for sale you usually have less competition to deal with!

[hawgenvy]

I cast with my dominant right hand and then switch the rod to my left for the retrieve so I can reel with my dominant right hand. But when I'm flipping I toss with my left so I'm ready to set the hook right away. I've been able to get into a really good pitching rhythm with the left hand pitch.

If I were younger I would try to get used to a left handed reel -- just makes sense.

[fissure_man]

To the anti-hand-switching crowd:

Do you palm your reel during the retrieve?  I like the idea of never switching hands, but as a right-hander using LH reels, I've found I need to compromise on a grip that works for both casting and retrieving, but isn't ideal for either.

I've settled on using both LH and RH for different techniques.  For flipping/pitching I'm using LH retrieve, because switching hands on rapid short casts gets tedious (I think I get more pitches per hour with LH).  For chuck and wind lures I like RH retrieve with a hand switch while the bait is still in the air.  With a normal cast (not flipping or pitching), switching hands causes no delay and lets you palm the reel however you want. 

Using both also spreads out the fatigue.  Ripping jerkbaits for smallies, my primary rig is a spinning rod (LH retrieve) but I also usually have a baitcaster rigged up (RH retrieve) so I can switch out for a bit when my right arm gets tired.

Mainly I'm just trying to justify more reel purchases

[junyer357]

I think its all personal preference. I switch hands still myself. Its just what im used to and havent felt its ever cost me a fish. I have a buddy who learned to reel left handed and prefers it. I also have a coworker who tourney fishes and taught and trained himself to cast left handed. He prefers it since there is no hand change as well as any reel option he wants. Only a limited number are made lefty it seems. 

[Yudo1]

13 hours ago, fissure_man said:

To the anti-hand-switching crowd:

Do you palm your reel during the retrieve?  I like the idea of never switching hands, but as a right-hander using LH reels, I've found I need to compromise on a grip that works for both casting and retrieving, but isn't ideal for either.

I've settled on using both LH and RH for different techniques.  For flipping/pitching I'm using LH retrieve, because switching hands on rapid short casts gets tedious (I think I get more pitches per hour with LH).  For chuck and wind lures I like RH retrieve with a hand switch while the bait is still in the air.  With a normal cast (not flipping or pitching), switching hands causes no delay and lets you palm the reel however you want. 

Using both also spreads out the fatigue.  Ripping jerkbaits for smallies, my primary rig is a spinning rod (LH retrieve) but I also usually have a baitcaster rigged up (RH retrieve) so I can switch out for a bit when my right arm gets tired.

Mainly I'm just trying to justify more reel purchases

After casting, I do adjust my hand forward to palm the reel with my index finger under the line at the line guide.  I do it without thinking anymore and it's second nature.  

[Poolshark]

On May 31, 2016 at 10:43 PM, ASD said:

I don't know if this is a thing, but do right handed people use left handed baitcasters? I've been wondering/debating about getting a left handed baitcaster (eventhough I'm right handed), because I can control the rod much better, and set the hook more powerfully right handed, but reeling left handed is a little awkward to me, any thoughts? Thanks.

-Alex

I used to use lefties exclusively. I have always felt more comfortable using my dominant hand to work the rod and set the hook and my non dominant hand to reel. Though a few years ago i went on a fishing trip and the only rods and reels available were righties. It initially felt difficult, but i got used to it after days of fishing. So now i have and use both without issue. Its really just practice and repetition. if you practice enough it will become second nature to you. 

[lo n slo]

On May 31, 2016 at 2:33 AM, EvanT123 said:

Spinning and casting reels all are on the right. Write with my left throw a baseball with my right. Played air hockey for the first time in a few years and used either hand. I wouldn't overthink it. Do what feels best for you. 

you sound like me