Why is the reel handle on the right hand side?

[Lobster Monster]

Maybe I'm just retarded but I grew up on push button reels with the handle on the right side.  I then tried spinning reels with the handle on the left side and it felt perfectly right.  When I finally started using baitcaster,  it felt great using it as I did the pushbutton.

If I'm right handed, I should reel in right handed.  If the reel is flipped over, I'll reel with the other hand.

[RoLo]

It's really simple, if you're left-handed you're good to go.

If you're right-handed, ALWAYS order a "left-hand" casting reel.

If any company doesn't offer a left-hand reel, they lost my business.

Roger

[Raul]

Uhhh, there must be something in the air that has been resurrecting 2,3,4 YEARS OLD threads lately.

[dodgeguy]

The use of RH retrieve baitcasters is something that never made sense to me. I certainly don't want to work a lure, set a hook, and fight a fish with my weaker, less dexterous arm. It's kind of like a baseball player wearing a glove on his throwing hand. I'm right-handed and every baitcaster I've owned since I was 12 years old has been left-hand retrieve. A lot of pros are finally starting to make the switch to left-handers for alot of presentations, and it's about time.

it's very simple.i started fishing with spinning rods with left hand cranks.i am right handed.a spinning reel has the handle below the rod and it goes in a bigger circle than a baitcaster handle because it's bigger.when i went to choose a baitcaster i thought it would be good to get a lefty.turns out it stunk.the reason is the reel is on top of the rod and the crank males smaller circles.the end result is my left hasnd was traing to reel a spinning reel and could not reel a baitcaster smoothly.i wound up buying right handed reels and could now reel properly.switching hands comes easy and is no issue and happens before the bait ever touchs the water.

Probably the only logical reason I can think to reel with your "power hand" is if that's just the way you learned and don't want to make the switch. That's understandable, but it still doesn't explain why the same guys who use RH baitcasters will crank their spinning reel with their left hand. I guess we all have our own little habits that don't make sense to anyone else!

[Steve A.]

I am RH. I cast with my right arm and reel with my left hand. Never have to switch. Switching never made sense. Never loose contact with the bait.

[Koop]

closest I could find to a graveyard  

[Fishing Rhino]

Cranking the reel isn't the awkward part for me.

In fact, when I got my first spinning reel, cranking left handed was awkward.  Could never figure out any logical reason as to why regular reels were cranked with the right, and spinning with the left.

The thing that "bugs" me with a baitcaster is working the bait.  I do most of my fishing with a spinning reel, so I'm used to twitching, dragging, flicking, jerking and imparting any other "input" with my right hand.

When I use a baitcaster, imparting action to the bait feels very awkward.  Ditto for casting.  I cast using the same hand for either, but with the baitcaster, I then have to switch grips to reel.

I've been using the baitcaster a bit more and am developing a feel for working the bait with my left hand/arm.

Now, if I took the time to learn to cast left handed, I'd be good to go.

I've heard all manner of explanations as to why the difference, but none of them make any sense or logic to me.

[rubba bubba]

Uhhh, there must be something in the air that has been resurrecting 2,3,4 YEARS OLD threads lately.

People appear to be using the search function; isn't it marvelous?

[ShawnCorreia]

I'm left-handed, and I swear the person who invented the thing was left-handed too! I find it kind of comical to watch the pros on TV cast, then switch hands! I think this is one instance where the right handed world is struggling to do something that comes natural to a lefty! ;D

I only use rh retrieve baitcasters because my coordination is better with my right giving my retrieve a smoother ride. This is the most important factor in successfully fishing a spinnerbait. If you notice the pro's that you are laughing at on tv are starting to learn how to cast /pitch /flip left handed so they won't have to switch hands. Denny Brauer is a great example of this.

[Garry2Rs]

I realize that this thread is several years old, but I thought you might like to have the real reason Right Handed reels have the crank on the right side.

Before the 1950's there were almost no reels made with a free-spool function.  Therefore the reel handle spun backwards during the cast.

It therefore made sense to place the crank handle on the right side of the frame, for right handed casters.  In this position it was away from the body, during the cast, and less likely to be fouled by sleeves etc.

 

[VAfishin4me]

you really dug this thread up. interesting theory though.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

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.

x2 You took the words right out of my mouth.

[workhurts]

A quick search out on the internets reveals... no factual data.  Many sources speculate, but none have documentation to back it up.  It seems the reel was invented so long ago that no documentation survived if it existed.  The crank on the right to avoid clothing seems logical.  They were also used for trolling so, when sitting in a rod holder the "winch handle" on the right would make sense.  Most fishing gear was designed for commercial use first.  I use the right handed reel so I could switch hands to defer some fatigue.  FWIW.

[Dan:]

I realize that this thread is several years old, but I thought you might like to have the real reason Right Handed reels have the crank on the right side.

Before the 1950's there were almost no reels made with a free-spool function. Therefore the reel handle spun backwards during the cast.

It therefore made sense to place the crank handle on the right side of the frame, for right handed casters. In this position it was away from the body, during the cast, and less likely to be fouled by sleeves etc.

you really dug this thread up. interesting theory though.

I really hope that's true. It makes WAAAAY more sense than the "winch" idea to me.

[rodnreel11]

I'm one of the few lucky ones it seems  .  I am naturally left handed, but my strong arm is my right.  So I am able to cast with my strong arm and reel with my left, without any switching hands.  I have noticed a huge difference in performance this adds when flipping/pitching.  As soon as that bait hits the water I am ready for a strike!  I guess there are advantages of being an odd ball... ;D

[express86]

im left handed and it is so hard to find a left handed pole

[firefightn15]

Without a doubt, they are rare. 

[RoLo]

The first baitcasting reel was named after its inventor, Herman R. Baitcaster...he was a southpaw ;D

Roger

[Bassn Blvd]

The handles that spun backawards when cast were referred to as "knuckle busters." And yes, it hurt like a %#W^%$#@%#^% when you got hit.

[bigfruits]

i cant wait to meet a bass that my left hand cant "winch" in.

bottom line - if it feels comfortable, its on the correct side

[NBR]

I am right handed. I bait cast right handed but I palm the reel in my left hand during the retrieve so I must switch anyway. I cast spinning gear right handed and retrieve lefty. I believe I am more accurate casting right handed.

[DWG1984]

All my zebcos were righty as a kid. It contiunued to feel natural for me to use righty reels, i even switch my spinning reels to right hand retrive.