Left handed? Right Handed? or Both?

[SeanW]

   So what do you fish. Personally I fish left and right handed bait casters. Its based on technique as to which one I use. But in light of what is going on with Takahiro Omori it made me think.

   If you dont fish with both I can tell you it makes a major difference in my fishing. For flipping and pitching I dont have to switch hands, so Im ready immediately. I actually incorporated this because of tendinitis. Good new is Ive had no problem since.

[lynyrdsky1]

So what do you fish. Personally I fish left and right handed bait casters. Its based on technique as to which one I use. But in light of what is going on with Takahiro Omori it made me think.

If you dont fish with both I can tell you it makes a major difference in my fishing. For flipping and pitching I dont have to switch hands, so Im ready immediately. I actually incorporated this because of tendinitis. Good new is Ive had no problem since.

Im left handed, but for flipping in pitching I go right so I don't have to switch. Everything else I use my left handed reel.

[J Francho]

I use all three.

[SeanW]

I use all three.

Alright wise guy.

[GrundleLove]

Left all the way. I seriously cant see how people use casting rods with right hand retrieves. Blows my mind

[Nibbles]

I only own 2 lefties, and they're both mounted on combos that I very frequently pitch with. 

[Lucky Craft Man]

I'm left handed and reel with my right hand.  So whether I am fishing with a baitcasting set-up, spinning set-up, or fly fishing, the rod never leaves my left hand.  Not sure if there is ever an advantage to having to switch the rod over to another hand after the cast.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I use both.

[tholmes]

I'm left handed and reel with my right hand. So whether I am fishing with a baitcasting set-up, spinning set-up, or fly fishing, the rod never leaves my left hand. Not sure if there is ever an advantage to having to switch the rod over to another hand after the cast.

X2^

Tom

[.RM.]

Been cranking lefty since the 80's

I use my power right hand to handle the rod work, and, my left hand for the crank.

Tight Lines & Quick Hook Sets!

[Chris at Tech]

So what's going on with Takahiro?  Just curious how that impacts a reel preference

If you're comfortable doing it flipping and pitching, why not just do all casting in same hand?

[FishinTN]

Both.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I'm left handed and reel with my right hand. So whether I am fishing with a baitcasting set-up, spinning set-up, or fly fishing, the rod never leaves my left hand. Not sure if there is ever an advantage to having to switch the rod over to another hand after the cast.

X2^

Tom

x3

[Skeet22]

100% comfortable with both. I do prefer left hand for punching/flipping so I dont have to change hands.

[K_Mac]

I am right handed and use only left handed reels. Like .RM. (and many others) I like having the rod in my power hand. If I could use both I would to reduce fatigue, but do not have the ability and/or patience to learn to use RH reels. Use what you like. That is the only "right" answer IMO.

[J Francho]

I am right handed, but my left arm is stronger than my right.  20 years of playing drums...

Anyway, I use both.  Mostly LH for jigs and weighted plastics, and RH for moving baits.  I can change up for either, but that is my preference.  I don't see why it matters, and anyone that says the switching hands is wasting time hasn't seen me cast.  There's no switching.

[K_Mac]

Here is a link to Omiro's explanation of what is going on with his hand:

http://takahiroomori.com/2011/01/the-doctor-says/

[GTrombly]

Left only so I don't have to switch.

[Alpster]

This is one of those "we have beaten this one to death" threads. Righthanders who reel with their left are fanatics about it. Those of us who change hands are too. I have read many, many posts about how much time it takes to change hands, but in 45+ years of fishing, I have never come close to missing a hookset or had any other problem changing hands on the cast. My bait rarely hits the water that I don't already have the spool engaged and I I have fished with countless others who do the same thing. JMHE

K-Mac - in the article he states that he is going lefty because he has severe tendonitis and he may go back to cranking righty if he can't get used to it. Just sayin..

Ronnie

[guitarkid]

I use both, but my only right handed reel is going to be replaced soon.

   -gk

[K_Mac]

This is one of those "we have beaten this one to death" threads. Righthanders who reel with their left are fanatics about it. Those of us who change hands are too. I have read many, many posts about how much time it takes to change hands, but in 45+ years of fishing, I have never come close to missing a hookset or had any other problem changing hands on the cast. My bait rarely hits the water that I don't already have the spool engaged and I I have fished with countless others who do the same thing. JMHE

K-Mac - in the article he states that he is going lefty because he has severe tendonitis and he may go back to cranking righty if he can't get used to it. Just sayin..

Ronnie

Alpster you will get no argument from me that RH is wrong or that it is less effective. I would not tell one of the pros (or anyone else) using RH reels they were doing it wrong. It just doesn't work for me. I am not crusading for LH, just saying it is my choice. 8-)

[Hot Rod]

I tried a left-handed baitcaster in order to save time and bites by not switching hands after each cast but didn't like having the rod in my right hand even though I'm right handed.  Even though that is how I fish spinning gear.

So I took the time to learn how to pitch/flip/cast left handed.   It is amazing how many more presentations I can make.  As a bonus it does help alleviate tendonitis/soarness by using both hands to cast instead of just one over a long tournament/practice  :)weekend.

[Alpster]

This is one of those "we have beaten this one to death" threads. Righthanders who reel with their left are fanatics about it. Those of us who change hands are too. I have read many, many posts about how much time it takes to change hands, but in 45+ years of fishing, I have never come close to missing a hookset or had any other problem changing hands on the cast. My bait rarely hits the water that I don't already have the spool engaged and I I have fished with countless others who do the same thing. JMHE

K-Mac - in the article he states that he is going lefty because he has severe tendonitis and he may go back to cranking righty if he can't get used to it. Just sayin..

Ronnie

Alpster you will get no argument from me that RH is wrong or that it is less effective. I would not tell one of the pros (or anyone else) using RH reels they were doing it wrong. It just doesn't work for me. I am not crusading for LH, just saying it is my choice. 8-)

I hope you didn't think I was picking on you K-Mac. I know you aren't crusading. LOL I actually shot too soon. I thought this was an old tread brought back to life. It's what I get for clicking on the last post link, instead of the top of the thread. SORRY!!!

Ronnie

[bigfruits]

i am right handed and used right handed reels until a few yrs ago. switched all my reels to lefties and not looking back.

its partly because i dont like switching hands but mainly because i have better feel and control over the bait by moving the rod with my right hand.

[K_Mac]

Alpster my friend you would be maybe the last person on this forum I would think meant anything negative. Your always positive and friendly spirit is above reproach. 8-)

BTW Omori did say he thinks LH is the right way...I'm just saying... ;D