Another Reel question

[Drewster116]

Okay I was just thinking about this. As most you may know already I'm getting my first Casting Reel. But the question I have now is should I get left handed or right handed? I'm right handed for like drawing and such but when it comes to fishing I've always used my left hand for reeling and my right to hold the rod but that's with a spinning reel. Is it any different with casting reels? or will it feel different and have any of you been through this before?   Thanks for you're support  

[Gatorbassman]

I use left hand spinning reels and right hand casting reels. It's a very common thing. Go to your tackle shop and put a casting reel on a rod and see what you think.

[bigbassdave]

Man, if you're comfortable reeling with your left hand, don't even think about getting a right-handed baitcaster - get a lefty. It will be so much more efficient - you never have to switch your rod from right to left.

[Bronzefly]

I use left hand spinning reels and right hand casting reels. It's a very common thing. Go to your tackle shop and put a casting reel on a rod and see what you think.

Same here and great advice!

[islandbass]

Okay I was just thinking about this. As most you may know already I'm getting my first Casting Reel. But the question I have now is should I get left handed or right handed? I'm right handed for like drawing and such but when it comes to fishing I've always used my left hand for reeling and my right to hold the rod but that's with a spinning reel. Is it any different with casting reels? or will it feel different and have any of you been through this before? Thanks for you're support

BigbassDave is spot on.

I would highly recommend that you choose a bc reel with the handle on the left. It will most likely feel comfortable. I made the "mistake" of buying a RH reel as my first baitcaster and it initially felt uncomfortable.

I say "mistake" because I think many people think along the lines of, "I am right hand dominant so I would probably do well with a right-handed reel." Seems like a reasonable assumption but unfortunately, that won't usually cut it. It is no longer a "mistake" because I am now able to fish with either type. I made myself learn to fish the "other" way.

A reel is designated as "right handed" because the handle is on the right side of the reel and vice versa. The hand dominance of the angler (eg, a right-handed angler) has nothing to do with the left or right hand designation of the reel.

However, that is the best first guess. I'd bet a floating rapala minnow that you will also conclude LH is better for you especially if you are so accustomed to using LH spinning reels.

The best way is to try both. For sure, one way will feel much better than the other.

[roadwarrior]

Some brands offer both left and right retrieve, your choices are many.

I prefer the traditional approach:

By George Welcome

"Why is the reel handle on the right hand side."

Let's get technical, as there are in fact reasons, not just some lame holdover from days past that put the handles where they are.

What will move the fish during retrieval is placed to the strong hand!

A baitcast is designed to be used as a winch, so it is the reel that retrieves the fish. Hence if you are right handed the handle is in your right hand.

A spinning reel is designed to pick up unloaded or loose line, not retrieve the fish. Hence it is the rod that does the retrieval, so it is the rod that is in your strong hand. If you are right handed then the pole goes to the right hand.

8-)