Left/right handed baitcasters?

M_A_C_K · 03-27-11, 11:59 PM

I'm thinking on getting a baitcaster, and I even though i am right handed I cast with my right hand so I think I would be best with a left hand retrieve. Just want to see some input from you guys on what you think on the subject?

cassidyta · 03-28-11, 12:34 AM

MACK,

I have both left and right models. I think that a lot of us have right hand retrieves because that was all they had when we were learning.
If it were upto me, I would say go with the left hand retrieve. There is no reason in bass fishing that I can think of where you need to cast and then switch hands to reel.

MO3N · 03-28-11, 01:14 AM

When I'm bass fishing I use left hand retrieve on every rod. It is easier to use my strong hand (right hand) to work the bait and my left to reel. plus when I'm casting I don't have to switch hands every single cast.

When I'm salmon fishing I use right hand retrieve......Don't know why guess its just what my dad always used so I use them too.

But I would say getting used to a left hand retrieve is the best way to go

boloson · 03-28-11, 01:36 AM

i never understood why right handed people would be comfortable with right hand retrieves on baitcasters. most jdm baicasters only comes in right handed retrieves which i couldn't understand since most Asians are righties. with that being said i guess it all comes down to preference & what is most comfortable to you.

i just got into baicasters myself & have a left side retriever & feel very comfortable. never really tried a right side retriever but i can get used to it if they only had it in that style.

keithdog · 03-28-11, 06:55 AM

I would have to admit if your right handed, then a left handed baitcaster would be best. That being said, I purchased a left handed reel to try since I'm right handed. After a year or so I sold it because I simply could not get used to reeling the reel left handed. Kinda like writing left handed. I can do it but it's very poorly done, haha. Anyways, give one a shot and try it. It's better if you have the coordination to do it.

Bender · 03-28-11, 07:12 AM

I had all righties for a few years and have been making the switch to lefties over the past couple of years. It's a lot of work but I think it is worth it. I suggest you find some friends that have both that you can try to see which feels more natural. Or at least try them in the store. If they both feel the same then I would go left.

shawn · 03-28-11, 08:47 AM

I've been thinking about making the switch to left hand retrieve. Lucky for me, my son is left handed so when I start him out on baitcasters, I can just let him have the two right hand retrieves I have now.

HarveysMinnow · 03-28-11, 09:16 AM

Whatever goes around comes around, or so it seems. This discussion has come to life at least twice since I've been a member, and that's still been less than a year.

I cast right handed and crank left handed with all my reels, but to paraphrase what Keith said, it has a lot to do with what you've become used to.

.

Lvitch · 03-28-11, 09:32 AM

Dosent matter, what ever you like. There are more right hand retrieve reels made though. The only left I have is on my flippin stick so I don't have to change hands. There's no right or wrong to it though.

Jrob78 · 03-28-11, 12:14 PM

I found the switch to lefty hard to make. I also had 7 or 8 right handed reels and only one lefty. If you are new to bait casters, I would recommend buying a lefty and learning on it, it makes so much more sense than a right handed person using a right handed reel.

cassidyta · 03-28-11, 12:28 PM

It is funny, I can pick up either baitcaster and not miss a beat. But on a spinning reel, I can not reel with my right hand to save me.

BigBassin144 · 03-28-11, 12:30 PM

If you're right handed, definitely get a LH baitcaster. not as many good models come in LH, but I find it's definitely worth it.

I'm RH and have always fished LH spinning reels. When I made the switch to baitcasters, I just stuck with the LH. There are many benefits to casting and working the rod with your dominant hand.

BB

Embrey · 03-28-11, 12:58 PM

i use a left spinning reel, but cant do it baitcasting. when i cast, i find it hard to get my hand up to where i usually palm it using a left hand. whereas with a right ,i cast and switch to my left hand into my palm smooth as silk. i dont see how anybody does it unless they hold the rod behind the reel all the time.

bowhunter63 · 03-28-11, 01:17 PM

Im righthanded but switched to left hand and wont go back.It was a little weird at first but i got used to it in a hurry.Try it i think you will like it.

M_A_C_K · 03-28-11, 03:37 PM

Yeah it makes more sense to go left hand retrieve for a right handed person... I'm just starting to narrow down my choices of what i want so i thought i'd get your guys opinions... and it seems the jury is out on getting the lefty like i thought

tomegun · 03-28-11, 10:26 PM

I can cast with either hand, but I can't retrieve right handed. I tried for awhile and didn't work for me. So, I sold my righties. If you are knew to baitcasters, the learning curve shouldn't all that hard.

Tavery5 · 03-28-11, 11:36 PM

I have tried but just can't get use to using a L/H casting reel, might not be the most efficient but it is def. the most comfortable for me.

bassboogieman · 03-29-11, 07:41 AM

Quote:

I have tried but just can't get use to using a L/H casting reel, might not be the most efficient but it is def. the most comfortable for me.

DITTO!

Quote:

They come to snuff the Rooster...

The chicken choker is on the way?

bamabassman · 03-29-11, 05:06 PM

i am left handed. always threw with the left and reeled with my right. never had a problem. my brother is right handed, throws with his right, retrieves with his right. looks awkward to me, but he has always done this and so it is naturel for him.

bassinbob · 03-29-11, 05:20 PM

I bought a left hand reel to try last year. No argument from me but I'll stick with right hand reels. Seems my right thumb works better than my left one.

M_A_C_K · 03-29-11, 05:23 PM

i was just watching a pro on youtube talking about how many times he has missed a strike for having to switch hands untill he bought a lefty. makes sense

Backwater Charlie · 03-29-11, 05:30 PM

I'm right handed and use right-hand Baitcasters and left-hand Spinning reels. Just what I'm used to and I do fine.

Bassboss · 03-29-11, 07:46 PM

Get the left hand reel man, definitely the better choice! Easier to cast, reel, and work a lure... not to mention set the hook.

BBD · 03-29-11, 11:38 PM

This thread is crazy because I didn't realize how many others use left handed bait casters.

All my reels no matter spinning or bait casters are left hand retrieve. I'm right handed.

M_A_C_K · 03-30-11, 12:10 AM

Yeah someone was telling me he gets alot of crap from fisherman for useing a left hand retrieve since he's right handed... it seems common, hmmm.

03-27-11, 11:59 PM	#1
M_A_C_K BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ludington, Michigan Posts: 280	Left/right handed baitcasters? I'm thinking on getting a baitcaster, and I even though i am right handed I cast with my right hand so I think I would be best with a left hand retrieve. Just want to see some input from you guys on what you think on the subject?

03-28-11, 12:34 AM	#2
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	MACK, I have both left and right models. I think that a lot of us have right hand retrieves because that was all they had when we were learning. If it were upto me, I would say go with the left hand retrieve. There is no reason in bass fishing that I can think of where you need to cast and then switch hands to reel. __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

03-28-11, 06:55 AM	#5
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	I would have to admit if your right handed, then a left handed baitcaster would be best. That being said, I purchased a left handed reel to try since I'm right handed. After a year or so I sold it because I simply could not get used to reeling the reel left handed. Kinda like writing left handed. I can do it but it's very poorly done, haha. Anyways, give one a shot and try it. It's better if you have the coordination to do it. __________________ Just one more cast, and then some!

03-28-11, 09:16 AM	#8
HarveysMinnow BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central NC Posts: 224	Whatever goes around comes around, or so it seems. This discussion has come to life at least twice since I've been a member, and that's still been less than a year. I cast right handed and crank left handed with all my reels, but to paraphrase what Keith said, it has a lot to do with what you've become used to. . __________________ It's time for less talk and more fishing!

03-28-11, 09:32 AM	#9
Lvitch BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 180	Dosent matter, what ever you like. There are more right hand retrieve reels made though. The only left I have is on my flippin stick so I don't have to change hands. There's no right or wrong to it though. __________________ Big gals always make us smile!

03-28-11, 01:14 AM	#3
MO3N BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: pullman, wa Posts: 113	When I'm bass fishing I use left hand retrieve on every rod. It is easier to use my strong hand (right hand) to work the bait and my left to reel. plus when I'm casting I don't have to switch hands every single cast. When I'm salmon fishing I use right hand retrieve......Don't know why guess its just what my dad always used so I use them too. But I would say getting used to a left hand retrieve is the best way to go

03-28-11, 01:36 AM	#4
boloson BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 303	i never understood why right handed people would be comfortable with right hand retrieves on baitcasters. most jdm baicasters only comes in right handed retrieves which i couldn't understand since most Asians are righties. with that being said i guess it all comes down to preference & what is most comfortable to you. i just got into baicasters myself & have a left side retriever & feel very comfortable. never really tried a right side retriever but i can get used to it if they only had it in that style.

03-28-11, 07:12 AM	#6
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	I had all righties for a few years and have been making the switch to lefties over the past couple of years. It's a lot of work but I think it is worth it. I suggest you find some friends that have both that you can try to see which feels more natural. Or at least try them in the store. If they both feel the same then I would go left.

03-28-11, 08:47 AM	#7
shawn BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fortville, IN Posts: 38	I've been thinking about making the switch to left hand retrieve. Lucky for me, my son is left handed so when I start him out on baitcasters, I can just let him have the two right hand retrieves I have now.

03-28-11, 12:14 PM	#10
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	I found the switch to lefty hard to make. I also had 7 or 8 right handed reels and only one lefty. If you are new to bait casters, I would recommend buying a lefty and learning on it, it makes so much more sense than a right handed person using a right handed reel. __________________ There are 3 kinds of people in the world…those who can count and those who can’t. HRN4L

03-28-11, 12:28 PM	#11
cassidyta BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,928	It is funny, I can pick up either baitcaster and not miss a beat. But on a spinning reel, I can not reel with my right hand to save me. __________________ If you have ever wondered if you should retie, the answer is yes.

03-28-11, 12:30 PM	#12
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	If you're right handed, definitely get a LH baitcaster. not as many good models come in LH, but I find it's definitely worth it. I'm RH and have always fished LH spinning reels. When I made the switch to baitcasters, I just stuck with the LH. There are many benefits to casting and working the rod with your dominant hand. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

03-28-11, 12:58 PM	#13
Embrey BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 505	i use a left spinning reel, but cant do it baitcasting. when i cast, i find it hard to get my hand up to where i usually palm it using a left hand. whereas with a right ,i cast and switch to my left hand into my palm smooth as silk. i dont see how anybody does it unless they hold the rod behind the reel all the time.

03-28-11, 01:17 PM	#14
bowhunter63 BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Springfield Missouri Posts: 15	Im righthanded but switched to left hand and wont go back.It was a little weird at first but i got used to it in a hurry.Try it i think you will like it. __________________ Catchin bass and huntin deer,life is good

03-28-11, 03:37 PM	#15
M_A_C_K BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ludington, Michigan Posts: 280	Yeah it makes more sense to go left hand retrieve for a right handed person... I'm just starting to narrow down my choices of what i want so i thought i'd get your guys opinions... and it seems the jury is out on getting the lefty like i thought

03-28-11, 10:26 PM	#16
tomegun BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 50	I can cast with either hand, but I can't retrieve right handed. I tried for awhile and didn't work for me. So, I sold my righties. If you are knew to baitcasters, the learning curve shouldn't all that hard.

03-28-11, 11:36 PM	#17
Tavery5 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,427	I have tried but just can't get use to using a L/H casting reel, might not be the most efficient but it is def. the most comfortable for me. __________________ They call me Ishmael

03-29-11, 05:06 PM	#19
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	i am left handed. always threw with the left and reeled with my right. never had a problem. my brother is right handed, throws with his right, retrieves with his right. looks awkward to me, but he has always done this and so it is naturel for him. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

03-29-11, 05:20 PM	#20
bassinbob BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pitts. Pa. Posts: 3,801	I bought a left hand reel to try last year. No argument from me but I'll stick with right hand reels. Seems my right thumb works better than my left one. __________________ you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands

03-29-11, 05:23 PM	#21
M_A_C_K BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ludington, Michigan Posts: 280	i was just watching a pro on youtube talking about how many times he has missed a strike for having to switch hands untill he bought a lefty. makes sense

03-29-11, 05:30 PM	#22
Backwater Charlie BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Littcarr, KY Posts: 299	I'm right handed and use right-hand Baitcasters and left-hand Spinning reels. Just what I'm used to and I do fine. __________________ It was THIS BIG <---------------------------->

03-29-11, 07:46 PM	#23
Bassboss BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Shawano, WI Posts: 7,761	Get the left hand reel man, definitely the better choice! Easier to cast, reel, and work a lure... not to mention set the hook. __________________ If you can't fix it with heavy squats or fish oil, you're probably going to die.

03-29-11, 11:38 PM	#24
BBD BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 212	This thread is crazy because I didn't realize how many others use left handed bait casters. All my reels no matter spinning or bait casters are left hand retrieve. I'm right handed.

03-30-11, 12:10 AM	#25
M_A_C_K BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ludington, Michigan Posts: 280	Yeah someone was telling me he gets alot of crap from fisherman for useing a left hand retrieve since he's right handed... it seems common, hmmm.

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