FibWi Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Hey everyone, I've been Bass fishing for a while and became accustomed to using spinning reels. I've decided to upgrade and I noticed an odd issue I was having while casting my friend's baitcaster (LH retrieve, which is most comfortable for me). I wanted to ask the question whether or not it would cause any issues when casting a baitcaster with the handle facing down rather than up. I attempted to cast it the correct way, but I found my casting ability to be extremely off since it wasn't what I was accustomed to. Is this something everyone has to deal with? Should I go ahead and get a LH retrive and learn to cast in a different way? Or vice versa? Thanks for taking the time to read my complicated question and I hope to hear from y'all soon. Quote
FibWi Posted January 2, 2012 Author Posted January 2, 2012 Just realized this was in the wrong section. My apologies. Quote
Packard Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 There isn't a problem with casting it that way. With practice you will become a better caster. Quote
flipin4bass Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Tackle Warehouse use to have a program where you could try a reel out and then either purchase it or return it depending on whether or not it was what you were looking for. I'm not sure if they still have this promotion, but you might give them a try. Quote
FibWi Posted January 2, 2012 Author Posted January 2, 2012 Thanks for the replies. I think I'll just go ahead and purchase the left hand retrieve, but cast it the unusual way. Unless there's something else I should be aware of... thank you! Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 Why not just learn how to cast properly instead of looking like a fool? It's not magic, casting a baitcaster just takes a little practice. Start with the proper settings: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/92295-how-to-set-up-a-baitcaster/ Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 If you are right handed the crank should be on the left side of the reel,the same applies for left handers the crank should be on the opposite side. This keeps you from having to switch hands after a cast, the more you practice with one the better you will get just don't forget how to use your spinner once you get good with the bait caster. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 If you are right handed the crank should be on the left side of the reel,the same applies for left handers the crank should be on the opposite side. This keeps you from having to switch hands after a cast, the more you practice with one the better you will get just don't forget how to use your spinner once you get good with the bait caster. I don't think so: 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. Like This George Welcome Sebastian Florida Quote
Red Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 When I first started baitcasting, I tried using right hand retrieve reels, because that is what was readily available. I am right handed and could just not get the hang of it. I like having the rod in my "good hand." I can work my bait better, get better, stronger hooksets, and more accurate casts. Additionally, I don't have to switch hands after the cast. Meanwhile, more stupid, uncoordinated left, hand, just has to turn the handle, that isn't as important of a job, IMO. Cliff Quote
Boogey Man Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Why not just learn how to cast properly instead of looking like a fool? It's not magic, casting a baitcaster just takes a little practice. Start with the proper settings: http://www.bassresou...p-a-baitcaster/ Where in the original post did he say he felt or looked like a "fool"? Anyway, get your buddy who let you try his reel to give you a few pointers. Or check out YouTube and search "how to cast a baitcasting reel". It does take some patience and practice but you can do it. I Quote
Intruder 150 Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 When I first started baitcasting, I tried using right hand retrieve reels, because that is what was readily available. I am right handed and could just not get the hang of it. I like having the rod in my "good hand." I can work my bait better, get better, stronger hooksets, and more accurate casts. Additionally, I don't have to switch hands after the cast. Meanwhile, more stupid, uncoordinated left, hand, just has to turn the handle, that isn't as important of a job, IMO. Cliff Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 I don't think so: 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. Like This George Welcome Sebastian Florida I have tried this in the past, for me being right handed, all of my casting is done with the right arm and then the rod would have to be changed over to the left to perform all of the various tasks and would leave my hook sets to be late or weak and my techniques inconsistant to say the least no matter how much they were practiced. I have to disagree here at least for me, you stated the bait caster is like a winch, which I feel also is true BUT I also feel you do not need a stronger hand to work the winch since the winch is the componant that is really providing 90% of the work. For me it is much much easier to keep all of my tasks in the right hand and crank with the left. As far as technicalities are concerned the crank can be put on either side for what ever reason you choose or whatever reason someone wants you to believe is true I just know for me it works best on the opposite side. Your statement about what or how the rods and reels are "supposed" to be used makes sence but is it not up to the fisherman to be able to fish with what him or her is most confident with? Quote
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 Hey everyone, I wanted to ask the question whether or not it would cause any issues when casting a baitcaster with the handle facing down rather than up. Well I would think the actual casting of a baitcaster upsidedown makes it difficult to thumb the spool. Quote
NBR Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 The reason to have the crank pointed up for a right handed caster is to have the correct wrist motion. If you are a righty caster and lefty cranker the handles should be down. When I started there were no left handed cranking bait caster so you either cast with the left hand and cranked righty or you cast righty and switched. Strange but I cast a spinning outfit righty and crank lefty but my mind won't let me do that with a bait caster. I like to lefthand palm my baitcaster during the retrieve so I cast righty and retrieve the same. I often switch the reel from my right hand to my left before the cast is complete so there is no delay. Just thinking about lefthanded cranking a baitcaster is awkward to me! Quote
BasskingKeith Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Handle facing down rather than up? Not going to work if it's what I am thinking. You won't be able to control the cast and the line, since it's upside down and you can't stop/slow it down with your thumb. Therefore, you'll get rat's nest and all that. It just takes some getting used to, that's all. Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 Well I would think the actual casting of a baitcaster upsidedown makes it difficult to thumb the spool. He did not say anything about having it upside down did he? The question is should the handle be up or down when casting a bait caster? Quote
B@ssCrzy Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Buy a baitcaster that has the handle on the same side as your spinning reel. IMO no need to waste time learning a new way to hold your rod and reel when that time could be spent fishing comfortably from the beginning. Quote
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 He did not say anything about having it upside down did he? The question is should the handle be up or down when casting a bait caster? IDK I took it as meaning this handle up to reel correctly Handle down to reel with left hand puts reel upsidedown Ive seen people reel spinning reels with the reel on top of the rod. Quote
FibWi Posted January 2, 2012 Author Posted January 2, 2012 Thank you for all your replies, they gave me a lot more insight. It's just that both of them have something very uncomfortable with them, whether it is retrieving or casting. It's leading me to be unsure which to use. I retrieve with my left hand on a spinning reel, and that has been the most comfortable for me. Which led me to ask if it would be an issue if I casted right handed with a left hand reel. Sorry for the confusion. Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 Thank you for all your replies, they gave me a lot more insight. It's just that both of them have something very uncomfortable with them, whether it is retrieving or casting. It's leading me to be unsure which to use. I retrieve with my left hand on a spinning reel, and that has been the most comfortable for me. Which led me to ask if it would be an issue if I casted right handed with a left hand reel. Sorry for the confusion. See if your friend will loan you one, try it out, if you don't like it then you know it is not for you, just do yourself a favor and give it a fair chance I can promise you this that in the begining you will absolutely get frustrated, after you learn from it for a while you wont want to put it down. Good luck and be safe!!! Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted January 2, 2012 Super User Posted January 2, 2012 IDK I took it as meaning this handle up to reel correctly Handle down to reel with left hand puts reel upsidedown Ive seen people reel spinning reels with the reel on top of the rod. No he is refering to the crank handle being up or down not the reel itself. But I understand why you were thinking like that now, thanx for the pics... nice set up by the way. I have seen people with the spinners on top too but when talking to them they did not know any better, some were raised with this method and were very confident using them in that manner...go figure but it works for them so how can you argue with that? Quote
NBR Posted January 2, 2012 Posted January 2, 2012 Like I said handle up for right handed casting with a right hand craqnk reel and if you cast the same rig left handewd handle down. Quote
weezy109 Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Funny story along these lines, I was fishing with a friend of mine for the first time and he apparently had just got his first baitcaster. I was runnin the trolling motor just flippin around pretty close to the bank makin little soft pitches and things. Now I have been fishing for so long I have no memories of my first fishing trips, apparently i went as soon as i could walk, so casting is something effortless to me and i take it for granted. Newho im mindin my own buisness like i said and i suddenly became aware of this massive whoosh sound. I turn and he is making these monster KVD whip casts to the bank not more than 20 yards in front of us. I said what is wrong with your reel? He grins a little and hands it to me and i swear he had the spool locked down so tight it was almost like pullin on a weak drag when in free spool. Obviously he did this to prevent backlashes and in hindsight that was clever. It was hilarious though and he was worn out about an hour in hahaha Quote
Hyrule Bass Posted January 3, 2012 Posted January 3, 2012 Thank you for all your replies, they gave me a lot more insight. It's just that both of them have something very uncomfortable with them, whether it is retrieving or casting. It's leading me to be unsure which to use. I retrieve with my left hand on a spinning reel, and that has been the most comfortable for me. Which led me to ask if it would be an issue if I casted right handed with a left hand reel. Sorry for the confusion. to actually answer your question, it would not be a problem to cast a left handed reel with your right hand. its actually a benefit if you ask me. i got my first two baitcasters last year(2011), both of them i made sure to get a left handed retrieve and im a right handed person. for me its natural to hold the rod in my right/power hand and turn the reel handle with my left hand. i cast right handed. you dont have to turn the reel upside down or anything odd like that, and i dont have to switch hands after i cast. with that said, you could actually cast it left handed too if you wanted, just depends on what youre comfortable with. the only difference from a spinning reel that you reel with your left hand and a baitcaster that you reel with your left hand is the spinning reel is gonna be face down and the baitcaster is gonna face up... Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 3, 2012 Super User Posted January 3, 2012 I cast "right handed" with both left and right hand retrieve. I've been told I look foolish, but not for fishing, LOL. The first 20 seconds shows a right handed cast with a right handed reel. Quote
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