Lefty or Righty - Bass Ackwards!

plugsandaxes · 07-15-10, 12:07 PM

So, it probably doesn't make for much of a conversation, but...

I've always wondered why people choose their "strong" hand/arm for reeling. I'm a southpaw, but choose to use right-handed reels to free my left hand for the strength and for lure technique. It just seems more natural to me that way.

So, do you do the same? If not, why do you use your "weak" arm for working the rod when that's the arm doing 90% of the work? Just curious!

BigBassin144 · 07-15-10, 12:27 PM

While not completely about this topic, there's a lot of good info on fishing RH vs LH in this thread. http://www.bassfishin.com/bassfishin...ad.php?t=24599

BB

walkeraviator · 07-15-10, 12:39 PM

I just was taught this way... but now that you say strong hand vs weak hand, i have a theory... if you work the rod with yoru strong hand you may have the tendency to overwork or power the bait instead of working it lightly... what say you?

Jrob78 · 07-15-10, 12:58 PM

Posted by Kevin in the other thread.

Quote:

I'll add my thoughts here... since this topic gets me riled up quite a bit...

If you are buying your first baitcaster and you are right-handed, then you MUST buy a left-hand retrieve reel.

Having fished with nothing but left-hand retrieve reels my entire life, I know the importance of reeling with the left hand and having the power and coordination on the right. Knowing what I know having fished LH reels my whole life, if I slipped through a worm hole and traveled back in time and somehow found myself conditioned to RH reels, I would toss them aside and retrain myself to fish with LH reels.

I feel for the guys who got roped in early with the RH reel traditions back in the day. But I just want to make it known that left-hand retrieve reels should be the only reels 'new right-handed anglers' should be buying. It pains me to see a young kid or novice adult who is right-handed by a RH reel because they see all the pro's fishing RH reels... or worse yet, the salesman talks them into the RH reel (I've seen this and cringed!)

I think that sums it up pretty well. If I could make my muscles un-learn what they've been doing for 25 years I would. That is pretty unlikely and buying all new reels to replace all my righties isn't going to happen either.

Embrey · 07-15-10, 01:39 PM

im right handed...i have to cast with my right hand though. i switched to left last year. i had an idea that i could do better that way. it made sense until i tried it. but while fishing things like buzzbaits,spinnerbaits,i like to start the retrieve the instant it touches water or before. using a right handed reel,i can thumb the spool and start the retrieve while my left hand is going up to palm the reel. then i switch my right hand to reeling. it makes for a perfect retrieve. there is really no way to do that casting a left hand reel,i tried.i took them all back. im way happier using a right handed reel

rodnreel · 07-15-10, 01:41 PM

I guess I'm an exception to the rule. I consider myself to be left handed because I write, use scissors, and eat with my left hand. However, when it comes to sports, like baseball, basketball, and football, I do everything right handed. When I fish, it's natural for me to reel with my left hand and work/hold the rod with my right. I think that those just learning how to fish should force themselves to fish with left handed reels. It's the most effective way of doing it because you don't have to constantly keep switching hands.

AUFred · 07-15-10, 01:50 PM

I have fished with spincast, baitcast, spinning reels & flyrods so many years I never think about which hand is reeling and which hand is holding the rod. I do not own any left-handed baitcast reels but I can't see it would make a huge difference to me. I never gave it much thought.

nofearengineer · 07-15-10, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Embrey

im right handed...i have to cast with my right hand though. i switched to left last year. i had an idea that i could do better that way. it made sense until i tried it. but while fishing things like buzzbaits,spinnerbaits,i like to start the retrieve the instant it touches water or before. using a right handed reel,i can thumb the spool and start the retrieve while my left hand is going up to palm the reel. then i switch my right hand to reeling. it makes for a perfect retrieve. there is really no way to do that casting a left hand reel,i tried.i took them all back. im way happier using a right handed reel

Embrey, I do the exact same thing with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, and I use a left-retrieve reel. I simply use the rod to "drag" the spinnerbait a few inches while my cranking hand gets settled. I'm not sure I understand how a right-retrieve reel could be cranked any sooner in the cast than a left-retrieve.

cassidyta · 07-15-10, 02:15 PM

On baitcaster's I use both left and right retrieve. I learned a caster with a right hand retrieve and it just came natural. There really isn't a reason for owning both other than finding reels at a good price but them only coming in left or right. I don't even think about it any more when using them.
I do find that I am better at walking the dog if the rod is in my right hand.

For spinning reels however, I can not use a right handed retrieve to save me.

DaveW731 · 07-15-10, 02:21 PM

I'm right handed, VERY comfortable with a baitcast setup with handles on the right side. I find left handed baitcast reels very awkward. All of my spinning reels have the handle on the left side, which I am also very comfortable with and find right handed spinning reels very awkward. Go figure.

plugsandaxes · 07-15-10, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

I just was taught this way... but now that you say strong hand vs weak hand, i have a theory... if you work the rod with yoru strong hand you may have the tendency to overwork or power the bait instead of working it lightly... what say you?

Good point. Although, I always think to myself that I work baits too slowly and lightly, if anything. Who knows. I'm ambidextrous, though, so I may have to give it a few tries the other way.

I do tend to do things "right-handed" or with right-handed gear in many cases, I guess. In high school, I used to bat right and left, but way more comfortable as right. To me, it made sense the same way fishing does...left arm leads for power and control, while the right is for a follow through. Same with kicking with my right leg - it felt more natural since it was my left arm pivoting in towards my right leg for balance. Anyway, whatever! lol.

Great to see peoples' thoughts here. I was bored while trying to wake up this morning and it crossed my mind to post about this.

Dave63 · 07-15-10, 06:52 PM

Casting rod, I cast right and switch the rod to the left and reel right handed. Spinning rod I cast right and reel left, same with the fly rod.

Jim80 · 07-15-10, 07:06 PM

Hey man I am a lefty only in the fact that I write with that hand, my right hand/arm is the stronger side of my body by far. I still reel right handed for some reason reeling with my left hand just feels funny . though I feel I have more control of the rod with it in my left hand .

Jim

Rebbasser · 07-15-10, 07:58 PM

I cast right and reel right with a baitcaster and switch hands, usually when the bait is still in the air. Been doing it so long it is automatic.

I do crank a spinning rod with my left hand

Jrob78 · 07-15-10, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

I cast right and reel right with a baitcaster and switch hands, usually when the bait is still in the air. Been doing it so long it is automatic.

I do crank a spinning rod with my left hand

Me too.....

Embrey · 07-16-10, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

Embrey, I do the exact same thing with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, and I use a left-retrieve reel. I simply use the rod to "drag" the spinnerbait a few inches while my cranking hand gets settled. I'm not sure I understand how a right-retrieve reel could be cranked any sooner in the cast than a left-retrieve.

thats what im saying...but you have to move your hand from casting pos to the reeling pos,,and it doesnt work so well in the same hand...to me

bassboogieman · 07-16-10, 05:39 AM

I don't know the percentage of people (fisherpeople in this instance) that are right hand dominant vs. left hand. But I believe the majority are right handed. Reel manufacturer's produce a majority of right handed reels - some models within a brand are ONLY available in right handed configurations. Why is that? Can't be because the majority of fishermen (women) are left handed. There must be some logic behind it, I'm sure they didn't conspire to make everyone fish right handed. I'm right handed and fish with right handed reels, leftys feel awkward - if we're talking baitcasters anyway. So if I'm confortable fishing rightys - why should I "retrain" myself? Will it make me a better fisherman? I doubt that has any more impact improving my fishing that using "expensive" equipment (remember that thread). It boils down to the old argument - my way is best, I don't buy in to that. I'm open to suggestions, but to tell me I should "retrain" myself because I'm doing it wrong, is going a bit far.

BassMoJo · 07-16-10, 08:27 AM

I never really thought about it but I fish my baitcasters RH'ed and my spinning set ups LH'ed. Now it feels natural on the spinning rod but I couldnt imagen LH on a baitcasters it would just feel weird

3dkicker · 07-16-10, 09:11 AM

Mojo -come over to the dark side!

Darth Vader: If he could be turned, he will become a powerful ally.
Emperor: Yes. He would be a great asset. Can it be done?
Darth Vader: He will join us or die, my master.

I've been using both left and right. Left handed for all flipping and pitching. I use my dominant hand (right) to control the fish and bring them out of heavy cover. I also use them for spinnerbait, chatterbait, and buzzbait to begin the retrieve without switching hands.
Right handed retrieve I use for crankbaits and topwater. A slower sweeping hook set works well for both of these lures. Plus I'm not looking at an immediate hook set with these lures.
Plus I have shoulder issues, torn rotator cuff, and after 8-9 hours my right arm gets tired so switching up during the day helps.

nofearengineer · 07-16-10, 11:44 AM

I will say while I obviously fall very squarely into the "left-handed crank" crowd, I am plenty happy to accomodate the retarded guys who crank right.

When I bought my 4 downrigger rods and reels, I bought two lefty and two righty. My reasoning is, most of the people I fish with still use righty, and I will probably never have more than 2 rods out if I am fishing by myself. (heck, I'm only allowed 3 by law). Fishing is more about the company than the hardware. I know you probably never thought you'd hear me say that!

bassboogieman · 07-16-10, 12:24 PM

Ok, I'm retarded now? Wonderful, but what about all the left handed guys that crank right? They can't be retarded . . . . . if they aren't retarded . . . . . than that makes righty's that crank lefty, wait that makes lefty's that crank lefty, crap. I'm so confused.

BigBassin144 · 07-16-10, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboogieman

Ok, I'm retarded now? Wonderful, but what about all the left handed guys that crank right? They can't be retarded . . . . . if they aren't retarded . . . . . than that makes righty's that crank lefty, wait that makes lefty's that crank lefty, crap. I'm so confused.

Yeah, you lost me too...

BB

plugsandaxes · 07-16-10, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim80

Hey man I am a lefty only in the fact that I write with that hand, my right hand/arm is the stronger side of my body by far. I still reel right handed for some reason reeling with my left hand just feels funny . though I feel I have more control of the rod with it in my left hand .

Jim

That is weird that you feel a bit more coordinated on your left, but more powerful on your right, man. Pretty cool, though. I think you're the first person I've come across in that situation. I wonder how much of the "power" portion of it (on your right side) was conditioned that way. ie: through work you've done in life, etc. Did you always feel stronger on your right?

geezer1 · 07-16-10, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

I am plenty happy to accomodate the retarded guys who crank right.

Even if you wear fresh lipstick, I'm still not going to let you "accomodate" me.

AUFred · 07-16-10, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nofearengineer

I will say while I obviously fall very squarely into the "left-handed crank" crowd, I am plenty happy to accomodate the retarded guys who crank right.

When I bought my 4 downrigger rods and reels, I bought two lefty and two righty. My reasoning is, most of the people I fish with still use righty, and I will probably never have more than 2 rods out if I am fishing by myself. (heck, I'm only allowed 3 by law). Fishing is more about the company than the hardware. I know you probably never thought you'd hear me say that!

i'm a happy retard.

07-15-10, 12:07 PM	#1
plugsandaxes BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 21	Lefty or Righty - Bass Ackwards! So, it probably doesn't make for much of a conversation, but... I've always wondered why people choose their "strong" hand/arm for reeling. I'm a southpaw, but choose to use right-handed reels to free my left hand for the strength and for lure technique. It just seems more natural to me that way. So, do you do the same? If not, why do you use your "weak" arm for working the rod when that's the arm doing 90% of the work? Just curious!

07-15-10, 12:27 PM	#2
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	While not completely about this topic, there's a lot of good info on fishing RH vs LH in this thread. http://www.bassfishin.com/bassfishin...ad.php?t=24599 BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

07-15-10, 01:41 PM	#6
rodnreel BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Jamestown, OH Posts: 310	I guess I'm an exception to the rule. I consider myself to be left handed because I write, use scissors, and eat with my left hand. However, when it comes to sports, like baseball, basketball, and football, I do everything right handed. When I fish, it's natural for me to reel with my left hand and work/hold the rod with my right. I think that those just learning how to fish should force themselves to fish with left handed reels. It's the most effective way of doing it because you don't have to constantly keep switching hands. __________________ "If you become a jack of all bass fishing trades but a master of none, you're setting yourself up for mediocrity." - Denny Brauer

07-15-10, 02:15 PM	#9
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	On baitcaster's I use both left and right retrieve. I learned a caster with a right hand retrieve and it just came natural. There really isn't a reason for owning both other than finding reels at a good price but them only coming in left or right. I don't even think about it any more when using them. I do find that I am better at walking the dog if the rod is in my right hand. For spinning reels however, I can not use a right handed retrieve to save me. __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

07-15-10, 02:21 PM	#10
DaveW731 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lansing, Michigan Posts: 229	Just habit, I guess. I'm right handed, VERY comfortable with a baitcast setup with handles on the right side. I find left handed baitcast reels very awkward. All of my spinning reels have the handle on the left side, which I am also very comfortable with and find right handed spinning reels very awkward. Go figure.

07-15-10, 12:39 PM	#3
walkeraviator BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,119	I just was taught this way... but now that you say strong hand vs weak hand, i have a theory... if you work the rod with yoru strong hand you may have the tendency to overwork or power the bait instead of working it lightly... what say you?

07-15-10, 01:39 PM	#5
Embrey BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 505	im right handed...i have to cast with my right hand though. i switched to left last year. i had an idea that i could do better that way. it made sense until i tried it. but while fishing things like buzzbaits,spinnerbaits,i like to start the retrieve the instant it touches water or before. using a right handed reel,i can thumb the spool and start the retrieve while my left hand is going up to palm the reel. then i switch my right hand to reeling. it makes for a perfect retrieve. there is really no way to do that casting a left hand reel,i tried.i took them all back. im way happier using a right handed reel

07-15-10, 01:50 PM	#7
AUFred BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Prattville, Alabama Posts: 801	I have fished with spincast, baitcast, spinning reels & flyrods so many years I never think about which hand is reeling and which hand is holding the rod. I do not own any left-handed baitcast reels but I can't see it would make a huge difference to me. I never gave it much thought.

07-15-10, 06:52 PM	#12
Dave63 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Farmersburg, IN Posts: 341	Casting rod, I cast right and switch the rod to the left and reel right handed. Spinning rod I cast right and reel left, same with the fly rod.

07-15-10, 07:06 PM	#13
Jim80 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Thomaston CT Posts: 3,862	Hey man I am a lefty only in the fact that I write with that hand, my right hand/arm is the stronger side of my body by far. I still reel right handed for some reason reeling with my left hand just feels funny . though I feel I have more control of the rod with it in my left hand . Jim __________________ In memory of Zooker 1/11/73-7/2/2010. You will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

07-15-10, 07:58 PM	#14
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,141	I cast right and reel right with a baitcaster and switch hands, usually when the bait is still in the air. Been doing it so long it is automatic. I do crank a spinning rod with my left hand __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3

07-16-10, 05:39 AM	#17
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	I don't know the percentage of people (fisherpeople in this instance) that are right hand dominant vs. left hand. But I believe the majority are right handed. Reel manufacturer's produce a majority of right handed reels - some models within a brand are ONLY available in right handed configurations. Why is that? Can't be because the majority of fishermen (women) are left handed. There must be some logic behind it, I'm sure they didn't conspire to make everyone fish right handed. I'm right handed and fish with right handed reels, leftys feel awkward - if we're talking baitcasters anyway. So if I'm confortable fishing rightys - why should I "retrain" myself? Will it make me a better fisherman? I doubt that has any more impact improving my fishing that using "expensive" equipment (remember that thread). It boils down to the old argument - my way is best, I don't buy in to that. I'm open to suggestions, but to tell me I should "retrain" myself because I'm doing it wrong, is going a bit far.

07-16-10, 08:27 AM	#18
BassMoJo BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hampstead, MD Posts: 801	I never really thought about it but I fish my baitcasters RH'ed and my spinning set ups LH'ed. Now it feels natural on the spinning rod but I couldnt imagen LH on a baitcasters it would just feel weird __________________ This is my Signature there are many like it, but this one is mine.

07-16-10, 09:11 AM	#19
3dkicker BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Spotsylvania, VA Posts: 4,483	Mojo -come over to the dark side! Darth Vader: If he could be turned, he will become a powerful ally. Emperor: Yes. He would be a great asset. Can it be done? Darth Vader: He will join us or die, my master. I've been using both left and right. Left handed for all flipping and pitching. I use my dominant hand (right) to control the fish and bring them out of heavy cover. I also use them for spinnerbait, chatterbait, and buzzbait to begin the retrieve without switching hands. Right handed retrieve I use for crankbaits and topwater. A slower sweeping hook set works well for both of these lures. Plus I'm not looking at an immediate hook set with these lures. Plus I have shoulder issues, torn rotator cuff, and after 8-9 hours my right arm gets tired so switching up during the day helps. __________________ Smitty www.smittystubes.com

07-16-10, 11:44 AM	#20
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	I will say while I obviously fall very squarely into the "left-handed crank" crowd, I am plenty happy to accomodate the retarded guys who crank right. When I bought my 4 downrigger rods and reels, I bought two lefty and two righty. My reasoning is, most of the people I fish with still use righty, and I will probably never have more than 2 rods out if I am fishing by myself. (heck, I'm only allowed 3 by law). Fishing is more about the company than the hardware. I know you probably never thought you'd hear me say that! __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

07-16-10, 12:24 PM	#21
bassboogieman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Parkesburg, Pa. Posts: 3,762	Ok, I'm retarded now? Wonderful, but what about all the left handed guys that crank right? They can't be retarded . . . . . if they aren't retarded . . . . . than that makes righty's that crank lefty, wait that makes lefty's that crank lefty, crap. I'm so confused.

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