Baitcaster/Spinning Reel

[papajoe222]

We've had threads on this topic before, but I thought it might spark some debate, or have you questioning yourself.

Which way do you crank your baitcaster and spinning reels? Both left handed, both right handed, or (like me) different hands for each.  I was reminded of this quirk, if you will, I have of reeling a spinning reel with my left hand, but looking like an uncoordinated ballerina when I try a left handed  baitcaster.  I need surgery on my left hand and can no longer hold my casting gear for any length of time.  I switched to spinning gear (aarrrrggg!) and will likely finish out the season with it and get the surgery done in November. 

For s#!+s and giggles, I switched the handle over to right handed retrieve and the result resembled an uncoordinated ballerina with Parkinson Disease.  I can pat my head and rub circles on my stomach (you know you're gonna try this), but for the life of me I can't use a LH baitcaster or a RH spinning reel.  I think the man up stairs has a weird sense of humor and needs a good laugh now and then so he wires some of us this way. 

[MN Fisher]

Cast with my left, reel with my right...no matter if it's a BC or Spinner.

[JediAmoeba]

I also reel with my right hand on spinning gear and casting gear.  Reeling with my left hand is weird.  

 

I also cast with my right hand and then switch the rod into my left so I can reel.  

[Koz]

Left hand retrieve on spinning gear and right hand retrieve on baitcasters.

 

My son learned how to use a baitcaster with my RH retrieve gear but when it was time for his own reel he thought he'd be smart and get a LH retrieve baitcaster. He hates it. I tried it for a few casts and didn't like it, but I suppose if I used it for an hour it would be OK.

 

I will say that when I first started using a baitcaster not only did I find it awkward to crank with the right hand, but when I hooked into a decent sized bass I felt like the bass would rip the rod out of my left hand. But after an hour it was no big deal.

[Goldstar225]

I had been using a RH baitcaster swapping hands after the cast for 35 years while at the same time using LH spinning rods.  Finally got to thinking it made no sense to me.  I bought a LH baitcaster just to try it out.  Adapted easily so I changed to all LH baitcasters.

[Yumeya]

I reel with my left hand with both spinning and baitcaster reels.

 

Holding any rod with my left had feels un-natural.

[Mike L]

Casting right

Don't use spinning gear at all 

The ones I have I save for the grandkids. 

 

They are all left reeling and have no intention of changing them. 

I taught my older grandkids to reel right when they starting useing casting gear because that's all I had. 

 

They're all good with the setups and do just fine. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[A-Jay]

Reel right with revolving spool gear - reel left with spinning gear.

I cast two handed with a both and can cast either left or right side with casting gear.

So I don't always 'switch hands' after the cast.

 

A few years back I tried going with left handed casting reel.

I'm a total Gumby - couldn't do it

A-Jay

 

[Log Catcher]

I am the same as @JediAmoeba. I have to cast right handed, switch the rod to my left hand and reel casting and spinning gear with my right hand. I have tried casting left handed but it was not a pretty sight.

[new2BC4bass]

Spinning reel...LH only.  Baitcast reel....either hand.

[Khoa Vu]

casts right, reels left with both casting and spinning outfits. KISS.

[LonnieP]

With baitcasters I cast with right, switch hands, then reel with right. I don't use spinning gear. Been doing it this way for close to 40 years and don't see it changing.