Casting Reel

[Dash Riprock]

On 4/30/2022 at 12:46 PM, Robert C. Gates said:

I'm right handed and have been using spinning gear in the past with the reel handle on the left. I'm thinking about getting a left handed casting reel and wonder if there would be any diadvantage to this. I notice that most of those I see in the YouTube videos use right handed reels. 

A lot of guys here seem to do this and the logic makes intuitive sense. I tried but I struggle with it. It seems "unnatural" to me even though, like you, I also set up spinning reels left handed.

 

It's hard to explain - I feel like I can't make a smooth rotation of the handle with my left hand, like I'm jerking it or something. It makes no sense because I don't have that same problem with spinning reels, so I guess it's just an ingrained mental thing at this point. 

 

Maybe go to one of the stores that has sample reels set up on the display handles and find a lefty to crank? 

[Kev-mo]

31 minutes ago, Dash Riprock said:

A lot of guys here seem to do this and the logic makes intuitive sense. I tried but I struggle with it. It seems "unnatural" to me even though, like you, I also set up spinning reels left handed.

 

It's hard to explain - I feel like I can't make a smooth rotation of the handle with my left hand, like I'm jerking it or something. It makes no sense because I don't have that same problem with spinning reels, so I guess it's just an ingrained mental thing at this point. 

 

Maybe go to one of the stores that has sample reels set up on the display handles and find a lefty to crank? 

Yeah it's just muscle memory. Use only a 'lefty' bc for a whole weekend.  Your brain will eventually get it, mine did, lol

[Tatulatard]

2 hours ago, Dash Riprock said:

A lot of guys here seem to do this and the logic makes intuitive sense. I tried but I struggle with it. It seems "unnatural" to me even though, like you, I also set up spinning reels left handed.

 

It's hard to explain - I feel like I can't make a smooth rotation of the handle with my left hand, like I'm jerking it or something. It makes no sense because I don't have that same problem with spinning reels, so I guess it's just an ingrained mental thing at this point. 

 

Maybe go to one of the stores that has sample reels set up on the display handles and find a lefty to crank? 

You just have to retrain your left hand but it can be really hard.  I tried a left hand reel too but have the same problem as you.  I think it is because spinning reels are a little different from a baitcaster.  I notice I make more of an oval shaped rotation with my hand and also my forearm moves when cranking and the two somehow make a circle rotation of the handle with a spinning reel.  With casting reels my forearm stays put and only my hand rotates but it rotates in a circle.  Because the left one was trained by a spinning reel and using my forearm and wrist to rotate it fails miserably when just making circles with the hand and makes ovals instead which make a jerky motion on the handle.  If I kept at it I could retrain but I have to change up grips when palming after casting anyways so I might as well just change up hands in the process since I don't see the benefit.

[BrianMDTX]

I have left and right-hand baitcasters. I use both equally well.