Best Baitcasters In Left Handed For Inshore Salt And Freshwater? 2024
Buddha reply :
I am looking for a hybrid that will fish well in salt and freshwater. I fish out of a kayak and have used freshwater reels and as long as I wash them off every time and service them 2-3 times a year I am ok but wonder if the saltwater reels will hold up better.
I do inshore fishing here on the west coast for calico bass and yellowtail.
Actually a shimano reel repairman suggested that I use spinning gear for my ocean fishing in that the saltwater does not enter the gears as easily.
So for the heavier fishing I have been doing that.
What I want is bass reels that I can fish in fresh and salt.
Any recommendations?
Mattfrom_NJ reply :
I use a Daiwa lexa, and Shimano citica e in the salt. No problems thus far each is rinsed after use. There are inshore reels out there but they usually come with a pretty high price tag. A lot of guys use curado 300e but I've never had one. Pretty sure that unless your consistently dunking your gear most reels will handle salt water as long as you take care of them routinely.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Have your Bass reels, deep cleaned then have your bearings/ gears greased with a marine grease giving much better internal protection.
See: DVT...
kikstand454 reply :
I kayak fish in the salt alot and I can fully and happily recommend the old shimano Bantum cu200 reels and the quantum accurist pt. I rarely ever use a spinning reel anymore for anything. ....
Although truthfully, your friend is probably right about spinning reels in saltwater. If spinning tackle is something you enjoy, you may find that a better- and cheaper - solution)
Poolshark reply :
Calcutta b or d series in the 200 size. I have a designated curado bsf that I use as well and love. They make curados and calcuttas in the three hundred size but for me is too heavy duty for all purpose bass fishing.
KritterGitter reply :
Ton of options out there bud, Abu, Daiwa, Okuma, Quantum, Ardent, Shimano etc. all make inshore casting reels left handed and in 200,300 and 400 sizes. Personally a Daiwa lexa 300 might be the ticket, Can be had for a decent price and my buddy has put his through the ringer this year with striped bass and big blues and its held up great.
fisherrw reply :
Diawa lexa or abu toro
Buddha reply :
Ok good. I actually own an old green curado 201b reel that has been pretty good. I also bought a lexa 300 last august and it has been ok but disappointing in the casting department. I bought a daiwa tatula recently not sure if it will hold up in saltwater. Some have recommended a Lews so that may be the next I will try.
KritterGitter reply :
Check out the Komodo 350 too, It'll be added to my arsenal come spring.
ytail reply :
Saltwater fishing in SoCal for many years and the following were/are what I used/use with no issues... I clean them once a year and rinse with fresh water after every use.
Curado 200E series
Chronarch 200E series
Revo Toro series
Komodo 350 and its smaller brothers
Okuma Cedros bait casters
Okuma Serrano bait casters
Okuma Helios bait casters
Daiwa Advantage series
On 1/15/2015 at 12:29 AM, Buddha said:I am looking for a hybrid that will fish well in salt and freshwater. I fish out of a kayak and have used freshwater reels and as long as I wash them off every time and service them 2-3 times a year I am ok but wonder if the saltwater reels will hold up better.
I do inshore fishing here on the west coast for calico bass and yellowtail.
Actually a shimano reel repairman suggested that I use spinning gear for my ocean fishing in that the saltwater does not enter the gears as easily.
So for the heavier fishing I have been doing that.
What I want is bass reels that I can fish in fresh and salt.
Any recommendations?
ytail reply :
I own a Komodo 364P with a power handle and used it for school tuna last year... great high quality little reel surpasses revo toro 50 in my opinion.
On 1/15/2015 at 2:58 AM, KritterGitter said:Check out the Komodo 350 too, It'll be added to my arsenal come spring.
KritterGitter reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 5:19 AM, ytail said:I own a Komodo 364P with a power handle and used it for school tuna last year... great high quality little reel surpasses revo toro 50 in my opinion.
Yea Im counting down the days till I order it. Such a nice reel, thanks for the added review.
Buddha reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 5:09 AM, ytail said:Saltwater fishing in SoCal for many years and the following were/are what I used/use with no issues... I clean them once a year and rinse with fresh water after every use.
Curado 200E series
Chronarch 200E series
Revo Toro series
Komodo 350 and its smaller brothers
Okuma Cedros bait casters
Okuma Serrano bait casters
Okuma Helios bait casters
Daiwa Advantage series
Those are nice but do they come in left handed?
KritterGitter reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 5:31 AM, Buddha said:Those are nice but do they come in left handed?
I know the Shimanos do, Okuma are hit or miss when it comes to L/H, I dont think the Cedros does, the rest I believe do come L/H.....
On a side not I was just lookin at Daiwas website and they have a new Aird Saltwater version, with 2 L/H models
http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=739
plumworm reply :
Look at the trading post, someone has a used 201b with all new gears for $90. Great price for a great reel.
FishTank reply :
Spinning: shimano sustain
Baitcaster: Daiwa Zillion Coastal
ytail reply :
Curado E, Chronarch E and Revo Toro come in left handed.
On 1/15/2015 at 5:31 AM, Buddha said:Those are nice but do they come in left handed?
SirSnookalot reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 12:29 AM, Buddha said:I am looking for a hybrid that will fish well in salt and freshwater. I fish out of a kayak and have used freshwater reels and as long as I wash them off every time and service them 2-3 times a year I am ok but wonder if the saltwater reels will hold up better.
I do inshore fishing here on the west coast for calico bass and yellowtail.
Actually a shimano reel repairman suggested that I use spinning gear for my ocean fishing in that the saltwater does not enter the gears as easily.
So for the heavier fishing I have been doing that.
What I want is bass reels that I can fish in fresh and salt.
Any recommendations?
^^IMO the right advice.^^
I fish saltwater inshore nearly everyday, I would say I see over 100 spinning being used before I see one b/c. The b/c I see are conventional reels used primarily for bait fishing or used offshore. What I feel is a disadvantage to many inshore b/c is a level wind (just another part that can malfunction with a big fish on) and a short handle throw. If one is intent on using a b/c check out an Avet, they come left handed and have power handles. I know out in California they have a cult following that swear by them, they cast a ton, I have one myself.
I don't know much about Yellowtail and Calico bass but I know quite a bit about Tarpon, I use a 13 oz spinning reel with close to 300 yards of line with a max drag of 30#, I know I crank it down past 15-20#, they still pull out line.
I am of the opinion of using a freshwater reel in freshwater and saltwater reel in the brine.
kikstand454 reply :
^ this makes me rethink my answer.
I only use baitcasters in salt- but I'm not chasing tarpon either. Or 50lb snook. The biggest fish I'm likely to tie on is a bull red or black drum. Both these fish fight really really hard, but aren't trying to run to Mexico when hooked. I spend 90% of my salt time chasing reds and speckled trout in <2' of water in my kayak. Ill catch some flounder, trash fish and Spanish Mack's and jack crevele every now and then. The jack family really tests the B/C because of their fast long runs- Mack's, cravelle, blues ....etc. Any shark over 4ft is probably going to spool me.
So really I say b/c are great for the salt.... depending on what your fishing for.
Jaheff reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 2:49 AM, Buddha said:Ok good. I actually own an old green curado 201b reel that has been pretty good. I also bought a lexa 300 last august and it has been ok but disappointing in the casting department. I bought a daiwa tatula recently not sure if it will hold up in saltwater. Some have recommended a Lews so that may be the next I will try.
Buddha, I inshore fish here in SoCal also. I think your actually good as far as the calico bass is concerned. Use the 201 and 10# test for the bass.
If your using live bait, remember to stop the spool, and set the hook with your thumb. LP baitcasters are not made to be slammed in gear when fish are pulling line in free spool. The Lexa is a good Medium between the two. I've never used one but I'm sure its like my 300e. I would fill it with 40# braid and 17# or 20# short leaders for local yellows. Since you fish from a Yac, a spinning reel makes sense, but if you also go out on cattle boats it wont make sense as a double duty. I'd recommend an Avet SXJ so you can use it on both species and both Yac and cattle boat. I actually caught yellow fin and blue fin locally on the SXJ with no problems. Good Luck!
ytail reply :
Now a days a larger low profile bait caster is very capable with advanced technology and the availability of braided line. A Revo Toro 60 can stop and haul in a 60 pound tuna no problem. Advantage of using a larger bait caster is it casts much better than a lever drag reel (which has a heavy spool) and even much better than a regular star drag reel. Most people think that a synchronized level wind system slows the casting but actually not much. Personally I choose Revo Toro over the Curado 300E and Lexa 300 / 400 series which disengage level wind while casting. JMHO.
On 1/16/2015 at 3:28 AM, Jaheff said:Buddha, I inshore fish here in SoCal also. I think your actually good as far as the calico bass is concerned. Use the 201 and 10# test for the bass.
If your using live bait, remember to stop the spool, and set the hook with your thumb. LP baitcasters are not made to be slammed in gear when fish are pulling line in free spool. The Lexa is a good Medium between the two. I've never used one but I'm sure its like my 300e. I would fill it with 40# braid and 17# or 20# short leaders for local yellows. Since you fish from a Yac, a spinning reel makes sense, but if you also go out on cattle boats it wont make sense as a double duty. I'd recommend an Avet SXJ so you can use it on both species and both Yac and cattle boat. I actually caught yellow fin and blue fin locally on the SXJ with no problems. Good Luck!
Jaheff reply :
I agree, but I will not use a LP Baitcaster as a live bait rig and I have a 300e and a Komodo 350. When a yellowtail hits with live bait and your in free spool, good luck putting the reel in gear.
ytail reply :
So far I haven't risked to use a bait caster for yellowtail yet knowing that they are really mean but did have no problem landing dozens of tuna using my Toro 60.
On 1/16/2015 at 5:33 AM, Jaheff said:I agree, but I will not use a LP Baitcaster as a live bait rig and I have a 300e and a Komodo 350. When a yellowtail hits with live bait and your in free spool, good luck putting the reel in gear.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 1/16/2015 at 3:03 AM, kikstand454 said:^ this makes me rethink my answer.
I only use baitcasters in salt- but I'm not chasing tarpon either. Or 50lb snook. The biggest fish I'm likely to tie on is a bull red or black drum. Both these fish fight really really hard, but aren't trying to run to Mexico when hooked. I spend 90% of my salt time chasing reds and speckled trout in <2' of water in my kayak. Ill catch some flounder, trash fish and Spanish Mack's and jack crevele every now and then. The jack family really tests the B/C because of their fast long runs- Mack's, cravelle, blues ....etc. Any shark over 4ft is probably going to spool me.
So really I say b/c are great for the salt.... depending on what your fishing for.
I'd like to see that 50# snook, have caught some big ones but no where near 50. Any 50# fish is going to give you a tussle just based on the sheer size, don't think for a second that big a snook is anything like a jack or tarpon of the same size, great fight but just not in the same league.
I suppose everyone has a different idea of what inshore fishing is and what the target fish is. My Avet mxj is nice reel but I hardly use it anymore, it's more awkward to cast than a spinner, have to feed the line on with my thumb as there is no level wind. It's a good reel for drift fishing because of the line capacity but with a max drag of 14# it won't slow down a good kingfish or wahoo, but that isn't inshore fishing anyway.
In South Florida you rarely see people a using b/c for inshore fishing. Most people I run across don't even fish freshwater, b/c are foreign to them except for offshore or bait use and those are conventional reels and not L/P. I do go out with guides and may not always use my equipment, I've yet to see a guide furnish anything but spinning gear.
0119 reply :
B/C in florida inshore is nearly extinct. Here it looses all its positives except in limited uses. Ca. and Texas have different weather conditions. Here prevailing winds using the Gulf of Mexico to increase speed will drive your educated thumb into exhaustion. I know, Ive been using casting gear inshore for 40 years. It also doesnt have any place while flats fishing which is 98% of Floridas inshore game. 1/8oz and weightless lures are the norm along with livelining unweighted shrimp. Try doing that with the continuous wind. Just not worth the "Glory" or the "Im the expert" factor.
John G reply :
Inshore fishing for me has always been Specs, Silver Trout, Spanish Mackeral, Ladyfish, Pompano, Bonnethead and Blacktip Sharks, Baby Grouper, Pinfish etc etc. When I had a boat, I only had one time when a fish was stripping line off of my reel and my line broke because of floating grass. I always used Penn Spinning Reels. I still have the Penns but when I get a boat, and hopefully it's this summer, I will be using a MBR843/Scorpion XT1500-7 for jigs, MBR783/XT1000 for smaller swimbaits and a MBR782/XT1000 for unweighted Flukes and top water. I have recently been casting 10# Power Pro on one of my XT1000's so I don't see where line capacity will be an issue.
kikstand454 reply :
*shrug*
To each their own I suppose.
Fishing here in N.Florida is very different then fishing the Atlantic coast. The wind isn't too bad, and I use a b/c 95% of the time. I don't throw live bait- and when I do.... I use a popping cork- which is the only reason I even CARRY a spinning rig with me. Most of the time it just sits back there, rattling around while I throw a spook on a b/c.
I forgot about cobia. A cobia would certainly test the limits of my b/c- I've caught some short ones, but a keeper would be a challenge- and also a real possibility. But like I said, almost all of my inshore fishing is focused on reds, trout and flounder. The b/c is perfect for it.
Buddha reply :
On 1/16/2015 at 5:56 PM, 119 said:B/C in florida inshore is nearly extinct. Here it looses all its positives except in limited uses. Ca. and Texas have different weather conditions. Here prevailing winds using the Gulf of Mexico to increase speed will drive your educated thumb into exhaustion. I know, Ive been using casting gear inshore for 40 years. It also doesnt have any place while flats fishing which is 98% of Floridas inshore game. 1/8oz and weightless lures are the norm along with livelining unweighted shrimp. Try doing that with the continuous wind. Just not worth the "Glory" or the "Im the expert" factor.
WIth those heavy winds that you fish why didn't you throw a spinner for your inshore casting over those 40 years?
Buddha reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 3:32 PM, SirSnookalot said:^^IMO the right advice.^^
I fish saltwater inshore nearly everyday, I would say I see over 100 spinning being used before I see one b/c. The b/c I see are conventional reels used primarily for bait fishing or used offshore. What I feel is a disadvantage to many inshore b/c is a level wind (just another part that can malfunction with a big fish on) and a short handle throw. If one is intent on using a b/c check out an Avet, they come left handed and have power handles. I know out in California they have a cult following that swear by them, they cast a ton, I have one myself.
I don't know much about Yellowtail and Calico bass but I know quite a bit about Tarpon, I use a 13 oz spinning reel with close to 300 yards of line with a max drag of 30#, I know I crank it down past 15-20#, they still pull out line.
I am of the opinion of using a freshwater reel in freshwater and saltwater reel in the brine.
The west coasters here are totally against using spinners for inshore fishing. I just don't get it. In the wind they cast further. I have a shimano baitrunner and it is great for live bait applications. For a kayak the spinners are more saltwater resistant. The only advantage of a conventional in saltwater is getting bit on the drop as well as the power of the reel but many spinners now have a lot of drag. I like using b/c for bass fishing though in salt and fresh.
0119 reply :
On 1/17/2015 at 11:16 AM, Buddha said:WIth those heavy winds that you fish why didn't you throw a spinner for your inshore casting over those 40 years?
Im quirky. I prefer old, very old, Ambassadeurs. I prefer to use them on 5.6ft. pistol grip rods. With Fl. becoming the 3rd most populated state, our inshore waters are a traffic jam of rude northerners who operate their boat like they solely own the waters. I avoid those places and trapse into the mangrove jungle and creeks where they fear to tread. 99% of the time I throw a spook and the spots I fish are sheltered from wind. Better yet, I hit the freshwater where the snowbirds never go.
Buddha reply :
On 1/17/2015 at 8:39 PM, 119 said:Im quirky. I prefer old, very old, Ambassadeurs. I prefer to use them on 5.6ft. pistol grip rods. With Fl. becoming the 3rd most populated state, our inshore waters are a traffic jam of rude northerners who operate their boat like they solely own the waters. I avoid those places and trapse into the mangrove jungle and creeks where they fear to tread. 99% of the time I throw a spook and the spots I fish are sheltered from wind. Better yet, I hit the freshwater where the snowbirds never go.
I may try an old ambassadeur if they have any in left handed. Btw I may fish in an area of baja this fall called Punta Abreojos there is a camp there called Campo Rene and it is a mangrove area with snook, grouper, cabrilla, corvina, etc. I will fish it in my kayak. http://www.camporene.com/punta-abreojos-kayaks.htm
Buddha reply :
Well I got the Daiwa Tatula since at 93 bucks it is a no brainer. I like the reel so far and got lucky yesterday and bagged 37 saltwater bass. So far the reel is holding up. It casts well. Not unbelievable distances but good. The t wing seems a little wobbly so hopefully it will hold up.
Angry John reply :
You may want to check out the Luna 103 in left hand. They can be modified and tricked out with a different spool as well. A little heavy but rock solid.
Buddha reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 11:01 AM, Angry John said:You may want to check out the Luna 103 in left hand. They can be modified and tricked out with a different spool as well. A little heavy but rock solid.
They look a lot like the shimano calcuttas. Have you compared them? Actually I think the 253L and 300L would be perfect for the saltwater calico bass here.
Angry John reply :
I have both but the spool options are not available like the 103. Seen pixy gears in one to.On 1/24/2015 at 11:53 AM, Buddha said:They look a lot like the shimano calcuttas. Have you compared them? Actually I think the 253L and 300L would be perfect for the saltwater calico bass here.
fishangdood reply :
On 1/15/2015 at 5:25 AM, KritterGitter said:Yea Im counting down the days till I order it. Such a nice reel, thanks for the added review.
I'm glad here some good reviews on here about the Komodo. I believe tackletour did one on the bigger model and that it has stainless steel main and pinion gears (plus some of the clutch components). But does it feel grindier than brass gearing? I got my eyes on this reel as my designated striper low pro.
yakingfisherman reply :
I still use my first gen revo inshore that was reviewed by tackle tour. This thing is banged up on the exterior but man is it a work horse. Still going strong for 5+ years now. Caught everything from, bat rays, leopards, bass, stripers, salmon, shad, etc. Great reel but they don't make them anymore. The newer gen revo nacl should be just as good you should look into one.
0119 reply :
I want to like Revo's. Ive tried 6 of them but never kept them. Just cant dial the brakes in, too inconsistant. Even the S with just centrifugal brakes was not consistant. ffo-tackle has Penn Pursuit baitcasters on serious closeout right now, I may try them as they are pre Revo in manufacture. This weekend a shop has a factory tent sale with the head of Penn and some Pure Fishing top dogs to talk to. I am hoping to get some insight on proper set up of the Revo's and maybe try the new Inshore.
WIGuide reply :
I've got the Gen3 Inshore. If you're looking at something that can go back and forth for both fresh and salt, it would definitely get my vote. I haven't used it in salt water due to the fact that there isn't any around me, but I've been very impressed with it. The inshore can make an absolute bomb of a cast all while taking very minimal user input (thumb) even in fairly windy conditions. I got a steal of a deal on mine, but even if I didn't I'd consider buying another one.
Nebasska reply :
I have left handed curado and chronarch both 200 series...love them
fishangdood reply :
On 3/11/2015 at 8:27 PM, 119 said:I want to like Revo's. Ive tried 6 of them but never kept them. Just cant dial the brakes in, too inconsistant. Even the S with just centrifugal brakes was not consistant. ffo-tackle has Penn Pursuit baitcasters on serious closeout right now, I may try them as they are pre Revo in manufacture. This weekend a shop has a factory tent sale with the head of Penn and some Pure Fishing top dogs to talk to. I am hoping to get some insight on proper set up of the Revo's and maybe try the new Ins
I regret not jumping on the Penn LPs when they clearanced. It's almost a sure bet that some of the internals are shared with its Pure Fishing cousins. Anyways, with Revos, the Inshore has the same pitch centrifugal system as the Revo S. For about $20-30 more, it can be upgraded to the STX's infini brake (dual brake system). Checkout PBSboatstore.com or inventorycheap.com; great prices and no worries if you're the type to do your own reel work.
Now let's talk revo brakes; I find all the braking systems to be the same to dial into when roll casting or overhead casting, but when it comes to pitching, the magnet only system, magtrax, gets more distance. When I dail in, I zero out the brakes, including centrifugal off, crank down on the mechanical tension knob until the lure/bait drops about 1 foot/sec to 3 foot/sec (the latter when you get use to it), then set the dial to about 5. I adjust the dial accordingly afterwards for more or less.
Pitch centrifugal in particular, I just adjust the mechanical knob and follow the rate of lure drop rule from above. Setting the brake blocks for it, I pretty much don't use it until I get to the 1/4 oz range when doing any type of casting.
The magtrax, seen the sx, braking is wild unless you get an aftermarket shallow spool. It does get the most distance 1/2 oz and above, but I usually have that bad boy dialed in at 5 or above. Anything aerodynamic and greater than 1/2 oz, I'll have it dialed at 3 to zero brake force. Of course the mechanical brake rule setting, aforementioned, is followed.
The biggest difference though are the hpcr bearings seen in the Inshore, Premier, maybe the stx, and above models. When I cleaned mine out, they get more spin time the comparable stock spol bearings in the SX.
I loves me my ABUs.
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