Poll question for right or left hand fishing 2024

FishingBuds reply :

I mainly cast right handed but, I'm one of those that switch hands to crank right handed too. Now I've been thinken about this and considering on working to change it to left hand cranken(still casting right handed) reaction time will benefit

Be curiuos on results.

You can vote for more than one.

Alpster reply :

I have participated in this right/left hand baitcasting discussion many times before. Most guys who cast with their right hand and use right handed reels can shift the rod to their left hand before the bait hits the water. I know I can. Even the guys who cast right handed and crank left handed reels will usually shift the rod/reel down in their grip so they can palm the reel. This take no less time or energy that shifting them to the other hand. In 40+ years of fishing with a baitcaster I have never once missed a hookset due to changing hands. JMHE

Ronnie

.RM. reply :

I cast with the right hand and crank with the left.

I also understand the old school crossover method and the time it takes, and also understand the lowering of the grip to palm the reel, taking somewhat as much time to setup.

Mine however has nothing to do with either of those, it does however have a lot to do with casting, setting the hook, and fighting fish with my power hand which is my right hand. Nothing more nothing less.....

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!!

d.hark reply :

Baitcasters I cast righty and crank righty so I do the switch thing.

For spinning gear I cast righty and reel lefty!!!

grimlin reply :

Cast right and crank right....old habit i can't break.

LakeAnnaBasser reply :

I cast right and reel right. Feels natural and normal. No need to change for me.

TI_Bassin reply :

I cast left and crank right so I never have to switch. But I am learning how to cast with my right hand so I can be more accurate when I can't get a good back hand cast.

Tin reply :

I 'm strange, I can cast left or right, and reel left or right with casting stuff. But for spinning I have to cast right-handed and reel with my left. Just can't do it with spinning gear for some reason. :-/

Jake. reply :

I cast with my left and crank with my right.

RoLo reply :

Quote
I cast with the right hand and crank with the left.
I also understand the old school crossover method and the time it takes, and also understand the lowering of the grip to palm the reel, taking somewhat as much time to setup.

Mine however has nothing to do with either of those, it does however have a lot to do with casting, setting the hook, and fighting fish with my power hand which is my right hand. Nothing more nothing less.....

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!!

Exactly...the power arm is a terrible thing to waste (a no-brainer)

If a casting reel that I really want is not available in a left-hand version (for right-handed anglers), they lost a customer.

Roger

ABC123 reply :

Quote

Quote
I cast with the right hand and crank with the left.
I also understand the old school crossover method and the time it takes, and also understand the lowering of the grip to palm the reel, taking somewhat as much time to setup.

Mine however has nothing to do with either of those, it does however have a lot to do with casting, setting the hook, and fighting fish with my power hand which is my right hand. Nothing more nothing less.....

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!!

Exactly...the power arm is a terrible thing to waste (a no-brainer)

If a casting reel that I really want is not available in a left-hand version (for right-handed anglers), they lost a customer.

Roger

What they said.....

sal669 reply :

Korea_Bassin reply :

Quote
Baitcasters I cast righty and crank righty so I do the switch thing.
For spinning gear I cast righty and reel lefty!!!

Same here.

ww2farmer reply :

For both baitcasting and spinning I cast right, reel left. I started on spinning tackle many years ago and when I switched to baitcasting I found it very odd and uncomfortable to switch hands after the cast, so I have been using left hand casting reels ever since.

Micropterus salmoides reply :

When I first started bass fishing I bought a left hand reel and cast right, cranked left. I bought several more reels but chose right hand reels because they were more readily available and more right handed people seemed to use them. Now I cast right and crank right. I kind of wish I had stuck with left hand reels. I can remember being able to set the hook using only my right arm with that left hand reel. I can't do the same with my left arm. I was in a tackle shop recently and mounted a left hand reel on a rod and it felt awkward cranking the handle with my left hand after not doing so for several years. It would be interesting to see if casting right and cranking left would be easier for me, after the initial adjustment period, of course. Unfortunately, I have too much invested in right handed reels and don't want to go through the trial and error process.

The way right and left handed reels are labeled now is a misnomer. I believe the guy who invented the baitcaster was left handed so he put the handle on the right side in order to use his dominate left hand for the rod.

FishTank reply :

I cast with my right and reel with my left. It just feels more natural. I'm sure I could get use to a right handed reel but why should I.

Tpayneful reply :

I have always cast with my right and cranked with my left. I have tried a friend's righty reel and I couldn't properly set the hook. I missed every fish that bit. I am slower and not as strong setting the hook with my left hand. Its a no brainer for me

Dr. Perf reply :

Tried both methods before buying my first baitcasting combination last summer. While either method worked, it felt better to me to cast right/crank left, the same as how I use a spinning combination.

Doc

Cigarlover 1 reply :

Cast with my left and crank with my right. Left hand is my power hand and my accurate hand. I have zero accuracy with my right hand casting.

=Matt 5.0= reply :

Cast with my right, reel with my left. Absolutely cannot reel with my right hand. Guess that's why I never got into baitcasting...all my dads stuff was opposite from the way I fished so I never could get used to it when I was growing up...

Jeff H reply :

Quote

Quote
Baitcasters I cast righty and crank righty so I do the switch thing.
For spinning gear I cast righty and reel lefty!!!

Same here.

This is the group I fall into.

lubina reply :

I was never able to find a reason I should change hands when the lure is on the air......, just me.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Your poll is kinda messed up. Like reelmech, I cast right handed and crank left handed.

There should only be 2 choices,

Cast right, crank left

and

Cast left, crank right

Anyone else doing it otherwise needs to catch up and realize there is equipment made for both now. The old need to "switch hands" after casting is just that,....old.

Sure, folks who learned this way out of necessity are bound to their bad habit, but it doesn't mean they can't catch fish,lol. In another 5-10 yrs of lefty reels being on the market, this should be an issue of the past.

YJsmitty reply :

I cast right and reel right. For crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and other moving baits I think its okay. But for pitching I wish I could reel left handed.

brophog reply :

Either or. Any of the above. I can do any combination, but obviously don't need to the majority of the time.

I have my spinning rigs set up to cast left, crank right. I buy right handed baitcasters and do the same. However, since I tend to fish from the bank a good deal, I do a lot of casting with my right hand with baitcasters too. Sometimes shore cover just makes it easier to cast with the off hand, so I think it's helpful to do both. In a boat, especially by yourself, you don't tend to have those obstacles.

So many people with casting rigs, especially, just switch hands. They've done it all their lives, and it can be a little hard to change. Muscle memory is either a great thing or terrible one, depending on how you look at it!

d.hark reply :

Quote
Your poll is kinda messed up. Like reelmech, I cast right handed and crank left handed.
There should only be 2 choices,

Cast right, crank left

and

Cast left, crank right

Anyone else doing it otherwise needs to catch up and realize there is equipment made for both now. The old need to "switch hands" after casting is just that,....old.

Sure, folks who learned this way out of necessity are bound to their bad habit, but it doesn't mean they can't catch fish,lol. In another 5-10 yrs of lefty reels being on the market, this should be an issue of the past.

I agree the poll is messed up cause he has 2 choices for casting and 2 choices for cranking and you can only vote once so you have to vote for cranking style or casting style, not a combo of the 2!!

There should really be 4 choices;

Cast right crank right

Cast right crank left

Cast left crank left

Cast left crank right

As for as switching hands being wrong thats your opinion, it doesnt bother me in the least bit and I see quite a few tour guys doing it on TV so if there wrong then count me in I just cant get used to the feel of a lefty baitcaster or a right handed spinning reel.

roadwarrior reply :

Actually, there are reasons for cranking a baitcaster with the dominate hand:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187794805

8-)

FishingBuds reply :

Quote

Quote
Your poll is kinda messed up. Like reelmech, I cast right handed and crank left handed.
There should only be 2 choices,

Cast right, crank left

and

Cast left, crank right

Anyone else doing it otherwise needs to catch up and realize there is equipment made for both now. The old need to "switch hands" after casting is just that,....old.

Sure, folks who learned this way out of necessity are bound to their bad habit, but it doesn't mean they can't catch fish,lol. In another 5-10 yrs of lefty reels being on the market, this should be an issue of the past.

I agree the poll is messed up cause he has 2 choices for casting and 2 choices for cranking and you can only vote once so you have to vote for cranking style or casting style, not a combo of the 2!!

There should really be 4 choices;

Cast right crank right

Cast right crank left

Cast left crank left

Cast left crank right

As for as switching hands being wrong thats your opinion, it doesnt bother me in the least bit and I see quite a few tour guys doing it on TV so if there wrong then count me in I just cant get used to the feel of a lefty baitcaster or a right handed spinning reel.

Sorry But, I seem to miss understand the statements here?

The poll is a simple question That I was curious about.

I did not say anyone was wrong????????

I joined to learn (seriously) I don't do this to have the wife nag me for being on the computer.

I'm no pro but, I look forward to trying the things I'm learning here.

and I thank those in advance who have the patients to teach.

FishingBuds reply :

Quote
Actually, there are reasons for cranking a baitcaster with the dominate hand:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187794805

8-)

Wow, awsome, thanks

7magJake reply :

Well I csst with both hands to get maxx distance, but if Im pitching Ill use my right hand and do the switch. But I cant cast left if I have too. I like to use both bc and spinning reels so I just cast double handed and leave the rod in my left hand and start to crank it in!

d.hark reply :

Sorry But, I seem to miss understand the statements here?

The poll is a simple question That I was curious about.

I did not say anyone was wrong????????

I joined to learn (seriously) I don't do this to have the wife nag me for being on the computer.

I'm no pro but, I look forward to trying the things I'm learning here.

and I thank those in advance who have the patients to teach.

FishingBuds reply :

If you really want to see how people fish set-up 2 seperate polls. 1 for spinning setups and another for baitcasting setups, using my above mentioned 4 combinations. And you can only vote once. That way you will get an idea of how everyone fihes each setup.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote
Actually, there are reasons for cranking a baitcaster with the dominate hand:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187794805

8-)

I have to strongly disagree with this theory. From MY experinces anyway. whether it is a spinning or a baitcasting set up, I use the rod to move the fish, not the reel. To say a B/C is supposed to be used as a wench but a spinning reel isn't ,...just doesn't make sense to me. Do you just pooint the tip mof the rod at the fish if using a b/c??? I use the rod to pull or turn the fish and the reel to take up the slack. I do this regardless of the type of set up.

I am also right handed. I hold the rod in my right hand, regardless of set up because, regardless of set up, I use my power arm to do the power aspect of the angling and for me, that's not "powering" a reel to crank in the lin,...it's "powering" the rod to pull the fish. The heavy work is always done by my dominant arm. The heavy work is also done with my rod more than my reel (B/c and spin). I simply match the 2 up.

I THINK Gw's comments apply to saltwater, not fresh. Take a Penn 130 for example. You are in a seat, with the rod strapped onto you and set in a gimbal bracket. You use your legs to power the rod here, NOT your arms. IN THIS CASE, the reel hand would be on the dominant side (right) because AS FAR AS YOUR ARMS GO, the reeling hand needs to be stronger because reeling has now become the bulk work since we took the rod out of the equation. Wherever GW read that, I am sure it was meant to address this situation, not one where you are holding the rod completely alone, like when bass fishing.

My opinion. (but it is regarding saltwater)

so back to freshwater...

None of these answers are wrong, it's a personal preference. I personally think there is a dangerous pause when switching hands, a pause that leaves the line somewhat unattended for a split second. Denny Braur is always persistent about KEEPING your fingers on the reel knobs because that split second reaction time can cost you a fish. I see the same scenario with having to switch hands. Is is "wrong". Nope. Does it mean you can't make it to the classic if you do this? nope. Does it mean I am better than you if I don't? certainly not.

Korea_Bassin reply :

Quote

Quote
Actually, there are reasons for cranking a baitcaster with the dominate hand:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187794805

8-)

I have to strongly disagree with this theory. From MY experinces anyway. whether it is a spinning or a baitcasting set up, I use the rod to move the fish, not the reel. To say a B/C is supposed to be used as a wench but a spinning reel isn't ,...just doesn't make sense to me. Do you just pooint the tip mof the rod at the fish if using a b/c??? I use the rod to pull or turn the fish and the reel to take up the slack. I do this regardless of the type of set up.

I am also right handed. I hold the rod in my right hand, regardless of set up because, regardless of set up, I use my power arm to do the power aspect of the angling and for me, that's not "powering" a reel to crank in the lin,...it's "powering" the rod to pull the fish. The heavy work is always done by my dominant arm. The heavy work is also done with my rod more than my reel (B/c and spin). I simply match the 2 up.

I THINK Gw's comments apply to saltwater, not fresh. Take a Penn 130 for example. You are in a seat, with the rod strapped onto you and set in a gimbal bracket. You use your legs to power the rod here, NOT your arms. IN THIS CASE, the reel hand would be on the dominant side (right) because AS FAR AS YOUR ARMS GO, the reeling hand needs to be stronger because reeling has now become the bulk work since we took the rod out of the equation. Wherever GW read that, I am sure it was meant to address this situation, not one where you are holding the rod completely alone, like when bass fishing.

My opinion. (but it is regarding saltwater)

so back to freshwater...

None of these answers are wrong, it's a personal preference. I personally think there is a dangerous pause when switching hands, a pause that leaves the line somewhat unattended for a split second. Denny Braur is always persistent about KEEPING your fingers on the reel knobs because that split second reaction time can cost you a fish. I see the same scenario with having to switch hands. Is is "wrong". Nope. Does it mean you can't make it to the classic if you do this? nope. Does it mean I am better than you if I don't? certainly not.

I'll weigh in here with my theory...I think it's largely an issue of "labeling".

Yep. A person thinks that because they are right handed, the "right-handed" b/c is what they should use because well...just because they use right-handed everything else in the world (invert everything for you left-handers). It may seem awkward and uncomfortable at first, but because they have been led to believe that this is a "right-handed' reel, by gosh, they are gonna learn to use it like they are supposed to. Eventually, they become use to it and can't remember thinking they should use it any other way.

I am one who reels with my left hand with a spinning reel, but my right hand with a b/c, but to be honest, it has become such a habit and so natural, I don't even realize that I am changing. But at the same time, I think that if you gave me an opposite handed reel of either model (spinning or b/c) it would be awkward even though I use that hand for the other. Doesn't make sense...does it?

Pencil Pusher reply :

For baitcasting, I cast right handed and reel left because like most people I have observed, I palm the reel. If I reeled left handed, I would have to cast, switch to my left hand, then switch back to my right to palm. For spinning on the other hand, I cast right and reel left because the rod is held the same way for casting and reeling.

Low_Budget_Hooker reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
Actually, there are reasons for cranking a baitcaster with the dominate hand:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187794805

8-)

I have to strongly disagree with this theory. From MY experinces anyway. whether it is a spinning or a baitcasting set up, I use the rod to move the fish, not the reel. To say a B/C is supposed to be used as a wench but a spinning reel isn't ,...just doesn't make sense to me. Do you just pooint the tip mof the rod at the fish if using a b/c??? I use the rod to pull or turn the fish and the reel to take up the slack. I do this regardless of the type of set up.

I am also right handed. I hold the rod in my right hand, regardless of set up because, regardless of set up, I use my power arm to do the power aspect of the angling and for me, that's not "powering" a reel to crank in the lin,...it's "powering" the rod to pull the fish. The heavy work is always done by my dominant arm. The heavy work is also done with my rod more than my reel (B/c and spin). I simply match the 2 up.

I THINK Gw's comments apply to saltwater, not fresh. Take a Penn 130 for example. You are in a seat, with the rod strapped onto you and set in a gimbal bracket. You use your legs to power the rod here, NOT your arms. IN THIS CASE, the reel hand would be on the dominant side (right) because AS FAR AS YOUR ARMS GO, the reeling hand needs to be stronger because reeling has now become the bulk work since we took the rod out of the equation. Wherever GW read that, I am sure it was meant to address this situation, not one where you are holding the rod completely alone, like when bass fishing.

My opinion. (but it is regarding saltwater)

so back to freshwater...

None of these answers are wrong, it's a personal preference. I personally think there is a dangerous pause when switching hands, a pause that leaves the line somewhat unattended for a split second. Denny Braur is always persistent about KEEPING your fingers on the reel knobs because that split second reaction time can cost you a fish. I see the same scenario with having to switch hands. Is is "wrong". Nope. Does it mean you can't make it to the classic if you do this? nope. Does it mean I am better than you if I don't? certainly not.

I'll weigh in here with my theory...I think it's largely an issue of "labeling".

Yep. A person thinks that because they are right handed, the "right-handed" b/c is what they should use because well...just because they use right-handed everything else in the world (invert everything for you left-handers). It may seem awkward and uncomfortable at first, but because they have been led to believe that this is a "right-handed' reel, by gosh, they are gonna learn to use it like they are supposed to. Eventually, they become use to it and can't remember thinking they should use it any other way.

I am one who reels with my left hand with a spinning reel, but my right hand with a b/c, but to be honest, it has become such a habit and so natural, I don't even realize that I am changing. But at the same time, I think that if you gave me an opposite handed reel of either model (spinning or b/c) it would be awkward even though I use that hand for the other. Doesn't make sense...does it?

It does.

I was the same way till I actually tried one of the LH b/c's. Now, I couldn't imagine being able to walk a spook so tightly,etc,if were controlling the rod w/ my left hand. I'm one of the few who used the R/H ones in yrs past and then switched to spinning but has come back to B/c's now that they are made for lefties too.

Black Bass reply :

I, also, cast right and reel left for the same reasons as reelmechanic and Rolo. I have a much better touch with my right hand working the rod to impart life to the lure than I would using my left hand.

Popeye reply :

BC: cast right, crank right (change hands)

Spinning: cast right, crank left

Raul reply :

It 's pretty simple, the RIGHT way is the way YOU feel most comfortable with. It 's not a matter if it makes sense to you or not, to britts it makes sense driving on the other side of the road and having vehicles with everything on the right.

I cast righty and reel in righty for several reasons:

1.- That 's the way I had to learn because there weren 't many choices when it came to picking bcs, you could choose between righty and righty.

2.- My left hand is good for holding things ( like the rod )

3.- I have better sensititvity in my left hand.

4.- I have finer tuned movements in my left hand.

Big T reply :

For spinning I cast right handed and reel with the left hand. I just started baitcasting and cast with my reel with my right. I am use to that from using saltwater conentional tackle trolling for King Mackeral. I wouldn't mind trying the left hand B/C's just so I would not have to switch hands. I am just not sure I want to spend the money for a left handed reel, and not like it.

burleytog reply :

Quote
their bad habit

Bad habit? :-?

2997

Poll question for right or left hand fishing 2024

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