Right Handed Reels for Right Handers? 2024
Tizi reply :
So, all of my reels are right handed. I am right handed. I am wondering if it makes more sense to have a left handed retrieve reel instead? Seems like there would be less wasted motion due to switching hands after the cast to retrieve?
Dens228 reply :
I'm the same, but I don't even notice switching hands........it's just how I've always done it. Plus I would think you'd reel with your dominant hand.
optimator reply :
I've always just switched hands, that's how I learned to cast. I tried a left hand for a while but it just felt too weird after all these years. Funny thing though, I reel with my left hand with spinning gear.
Dangerfield reply :
I write left handed but dominant right. Throw right handed, bat/golf/hockey right handed, spinning gear right handed retrieve and I just bought my first baitcasting reel and it's right retrieve as well. I'll definitely attempt one-handed casting with the left before I try casting with my right and passing. Do what's comfortable because you'll be on the water doing it a lot.
freelancer27 reply :
I really never understood why right handed people would use a right hand retrieve? You cast with your right hand, need to switch hands to retrieve...
From an objective point this is just not practical since over a day of fishing I would probably spend almost 5-10mins just switching my rod from one hand to another. For techniques where fish can hit the lure as soon as it hits the water, I would also think that switching hands would put one at a disadvantage.
Additionally I feel with a right cast - right retrieve model you are putting the stress of cast and retrieve on one hand/arm rather than distributing it (might only play a bigger role with high distance retrieves like crankbaits).
Am I alone with this?
JFlynn97 reply :
I'm right handed and all of my reels are left-handed. To me it makes more sense to have the rod in my right hand where I have more control over the rod and I'm better able to work lures. Plus, I've tried using my rod in my left and retrieving with my right and it just feels off. Not having to switch hands is also a bonus, especially when flipping/pitching.
ratherbfishin1 reply :
It has always confused me when I see people, including pros, switching hands after a cast. I realize its not that big of a deal but why would someone do that? I personally don't switch hands and I started wondering if I was doing it wrong, am I? It seems useless to me to do that but am I missing something? Do I just have a "natural gift" or whatever because this is the only way it feels normal to me and I don't see why people would switch hands.
MN Fisher reply :
I learned way back to cast with the 'off' hand. If it's one of my spinning reels, which have left-side handles, I cast with my right hand. My BC has a right-side handle, so I cast with my left.
It does take practice, but then I never have to switch hands between cast and retrieve.
ratherbfishin1 reply :
So based off of what I've read it's a plus to not have to switch hands... and there really is no bonus to switching. Is this right?
optimator reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 1:24 AM, ratherbfishin1 said:So based off of what I've read it's a plus to not have to switch hands... and there really is no bonus to switching. Is this right?
Probably no "bonus" to switching, but there are no drawbacks either. At least not for me. I've done if for so long it's just a fluid motion now. Plus I like casting with my right hand. I have more control over it. This is just what works for me.
MN Fisher reply :
^^ what he said. I just do the off-hand cast because it works for me, I'm semi-ambidextrous so it's not an issue. Others might have problems learning to cast with the 'off-hand'.
Fishingmickey reply :
I'm a lefty righty. Left handed and I use a right handed bait caster. My spinning reels are right handed too, I do switch hands. I think that not having to switch hands is a big advantage. I chunk a spinner bait a lot, a really lot. I feel that it gives me the ability to start the blades on the spinner bait as soon as the bait hits the water. I can cast into a foot of water with three inches of moss algae growing off of the bottom and bring my spinner bait back clean.
Fishingmickey
optimator reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 1:40 AM, MN Fisher said:^^ what he said. I just do the off-hand cast because it works for me, I'm semi-ambidextrous so it's not an issue. Others might have problems learning to cast with the 'off-hand'.
I can't walk and chew gum at the same time.
On 4/7/2018 at 1:50 AM, Fishingmickey said:I'm a lefty righty. Left handed and I use a right handed bait caster. My spinning reels are right handed too, I do switch hands. I think that not having to switch hands is a big advantage. I chunk a spinner bait a lot, a really lot. I feel that it gives me the ability to start the blades on the spinner bait as soon as the bait hits the water. I can cast into a foot of water with three inches of moss algae growing off of the bottom and bring my spinner bait back clean.
Fishingmickey
Spinnerbaits are trickier. I have to switch hands while the bait is still in the air. But it's second nature now too. Find what works best for you and go fishing!
Darren. reply :
To each his/her own. I learned to swap hands and
never have a problem doing so. Much ado, IMHO.
Stick with what works, don't overthink it. I doubt
you will see *that* much of a wasted motion.
sully420 reply :
Im right handed but only fish left handed retrieve spinning and casting works for me and no hand switching.
BankBasser reply :
When I first started fishing it was with spinning gear using left hand retrieve reels. I fished that way (gills,/crappie/walleye) for a loooong time before getting into bass fishing. When I bought my first baitcaster I didn't think about which side the handle was on until I first cast it and realized it was on the "wrong" side. I went with it and even bought some additional reels with right hand retrieve. I could never warm up to them and eventually sold them off and bought left hand retrieve reels. They feel much better to me.
I think it has more to do with what you're used to and what just feels right. There isn't a right or wrong answer.
Fishinthefish reply :
I am right handed. I fish only left handed retreive reels. Holding the rod with my dominate hand made more sense and is more comfortable to me. Especially when fighting heavy hitters like King Salmon on bass rigs with 20lb braid to make the fight harder and longer.
Jaderose reply :
Here we go again! There is no right answer and it doesn't matter. I switch. Cast right, reel right with reel in left hand. Both Spinning and BC. Never once lost a fish because of that. Happens without me thinking of it. IF you do it a different way. Great. If you think I'm wrong. Great. Do it the way you do it or train yourself to do it differently. I tried, DID miss fish and stopped because I don't care how someone else does it or what is "correct". Kinda that way about most things in life, really.
BassWhole! reply :
Nope, not doing it. Check back with me in January.
Blacktail 8541 reply :
I write right handed, eat with a fork in my right hand and bat left handed, shoot left handed. Some things it does not matter witch hand I use, like casting. It did take awhile to learn to use my left thumb to control the bait caster spool. I predominantly use my right hand to reel bait casters and my left for spinning. I see this as an advantage because no matter what the orientation of the boat, it is still relativity easy for me to make a good cast.
Tywithay reply :
I am right handed and use a right handed reel as well. I can cast and reel just fine with my left hand, but I've found that I have a more difficult time working the rod with my right hand, for whatever reason; even though it's my dominant hand. I have the same issue whether it's spinning or casting, and have my handles on the right side with both, so my left can control the rod.
redux reply :
Righty with lefty reels. When I cast lefty I have to switch hands and I don't notice a difference in it being "harder" or "slower". I use lefty reels because using a rod on my left hand feels terrible. Whatever works for you and gets you fishing is the "right" way to do it.
Armtx77 reply :
What I always found odd, was seeing somone with righty retreive on their baitcasters, but their spinning gear would be lefty retrieve.
My first baitcasting setup was a Abu Garcia BlackMax in left retrieve. That was in 1993 and I was 16yo. Still have both those lefty BlackMax in a box somewhere.
Chowderhead reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 8:24 PM, Armtx77 said:What I always found odd, was seeing somone with righty retreive on their baitcasters, but their spinning gear would be lefty retrieve.
This what I do - feels very natural and comfortable for me. I still catch fish.
Chance_Taker4 reply :
I'm left handed and cast left and reel right. It feels more natural to me. However when I taught my wife to fish she naturally picked up the rod with her right casted it and switched hands not even realizing she did. Now that she uses Baitcaster more comfortable I notice that she casts wit her right and switches hands and thumb control during the cast before the bait hits the water.
wet_dream reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 12:43 AM, freelancer27 said:I really never understood why right handed people would use a right hand retrieve? You cast with your right hand, need to switch hands to retrieve...
From an objective point this is just not practical since over a day of fishing I would probably spend almost 5-10mins just switching my rod from one hand to another. For techniques where fish can hit the lure as soon as it hits the water, I would also think that switching hands would put one at a disadvantage.
Additionally I feel with a right cast - right retrieve model you are putting the stress of cast and retrieve on one hand/arm rather than distributing it (might only play a bigger role with high distance retrieves like crankbaits).
Am I alone with this?
This was also my thinking until recently, someone made a good point. You will really only be saving time if the way you hold your reel during your cast is the same as when you are retrieving your lure. I use left hand retrieve reels and cast with my right arm, but depending on what I'm throwing, I adjust how I hold the reel. This motion could take just as much time as someone who is switching hands. Especially if they are doing what @Chance_Taker4 describes here:
On 4/7/2018 at 11:46 PM, Chance_Taker4 said:Now that she uses Baitcaster more comfortable I notice that she casts wit her right and switches hands and thumb control during the cast before the bait hits the water.
All that said, in the end, just do what is comfortable for you. I think if you do it enough, you will find ways to make it more efficient so that the time you "might" be saving by not switching hands, basically becomes neglible.
desmobob reply :
On 4/6/2018 at 11:36 PM, Tizi said:So, all of my reels are right handed. I am right handed. I am wondering if it makes more sense to have a left handed retrieve reel instead? Seems like there would be less wasted motion due to switching hands after the cast to retrieve?
A much-argued topic, but as a right-handed person, I have all left hand retrieve reels. No changing hands when casting.
Tight lines,
Bob
MassYak85 reply :
I am a righty and fish exclusively right handed reels, spinning and casting. It is completely preference, do what feels natural. And when I first started learning to pitch and flip I made sure to learn using my left hand to accommodate this. I also cast with two hands most of the times (right hand on the butt of the rod), so I am not ever switching hands to reel unless I need to use my right hand to get the better angle, but you will be doing that regardless of which side you choose to reel on.
Tywithay reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 12:43 AM, freelancer27 said:I really never understood why right handed people would use a right hand retrieve? You cast with your right hand, need to switch hands to retrieve...
From an objective point this is just not practical since over a day of fishing I would probably spend almost 5-10mins just switching my rod from one hand to another. For techniques where fish can hit the lure as soon as it hits the water, I would also think that switching hands would put one at a disadvantage.
Additionally I feel with a right cast - right retrieve model you are putting the stress of cast and retrieve on one hand/arm rather than distributing it (might only play a bigger role with high distance retrieves like crankbaits).
Am I alone with this?
If you lost 5-10 minutes, you need to change techniques. If I cast with the right, I am completing the switch as the lure is splashing, sometimes before. There's no wasted motion at all as the cast brings the rod right to my left hand.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 4/6/2018 at 11:36 PM, Tizi said:So, all of my reels are right handed. I am right handed. I am wondering if it makes more sense to have a left handed retrieve reel instead? Seems like there would be less wasted motion due to switching hands after the cast to retrieve?
I've used both but prefer right hand retrieve so I use my dominant hand to both cast and retrieve. Both require the same switching motion so there is no extra or wasted time in switching hands. You shouldn't be trying to cast while palming the reel or holding onto the rod grip while turning the reels handle. You still have to move your right hand off of the grip of the rod and onto the reel to palm the reel after casting. Doing this requires your left hand to grab onto the handle knob or butt of the rod to facilitate the hand repositioning. It is no different than placing the reel into the your left hand while holding the rod by the grip with your right hand after casting. The time spent transitioning from casting to retrieving is exactly the same. Whatever hand has the fine motor skills and dexterity to make a lot of fast small circles is the one the reels handle should be on. For me that is the the right side.
You can try palming the reel while casting by having fewer fingers in front of the trigger to allow the thumb to have the range of movement to thumb the spool while palming the reel by moving the hand further back on the reel while palming. This creates another set of problems such as making what would be normally good palming reels palm strangely and when two handed casting the other hand gets placed further up the handle and onto the split portion of a split grip rod. Basically You'll whine a lot about split grip rods and how reels palm but gloat about the tiny fraction of a second you save by palming (strangely) the reel while casting.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
I'm also right handed and start with right hand bait caster reel and left hand spning reel. I can cast with right and left hand but accuracy goes to my right hand. When I cast left hand reel with my right hand I palm just like normal so no switching position to me. I use left hand reel for mostly jig but also with spinnerbait and jerkbait. I still preferred right hand reel since it smoother when reeling with my right.
Way north bass guy reply :
This entire subject seems a bit odd to me. I’ve always used my right hand on the reel handle, spinning and casting. For almost all my casts I use both hands on the rod for acuracy and to get distance. My right hand is at the butt of the rod when casting, and just goes to the reel handle when the lure touches down. The only time I use one hand on the rod is when pitching, and I’m so used to quickly switching hands when the lure lands that I don’t find it a nuisance at all.
LCG reply :
Just started using a baitcaster, but to me the right hand retrieve being right handed just felt awkward. Bought a left hand retrieve and it just feels more natural for me. Right wrong or indifferent, it works.
I also bought it with the intention of using it for pitching short accurate distances. For this it's perfect. Ready for a hit on the fall no switching hands.
ratherbfishin1 reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 11:46 PM, Chance_Taker4 said:I'm left handed and cast left and reel right. It feels more natural to me. However when I taught my wife to fish she naturally picked up the rod with her right casted it and switched hands not even realizing she did. Now that she uses Baitcaster more comfortable I notice that she casts wit her right and switches hands and thumb control during the cast before the bait hits the water.
I am lefty too and do the same thing
new2BC4bass reply :
You should be proficient at both. Very handy. I can be reasonably accurate with either hand using a roll cast. A cast I never learned until after getting into baitcast reels. Overhead casts are still a bit awkward on the left side. I am right handed and grew up casting right, reeling left with spinning reels. A backhand cast left handed is worse.
When I visit Florida, my brother-in-law usually positions the boat so that it is best if I cast left handed. A roll cast is harder to do because of how low we are sitting to the water. Because I'm not that accurate yet left handed, I am forced at times to cast right anyway......but my casting stroke has to be shortened causing problems. Being accurate with with either hand would be a big benefit to me. Therefore I need to practice more with the left.
Another benefit of using reels for both hands is giving the rod arm a break. Some lures can put a strain on the rod arm after awhile. I find I enjoy switching even when this isn't the case.
islandbass reply :
First, welcome!
It is nice to see someone in my neck of the woods here. This topic gets covered periodically here and just know that a everyone is different and the only way to know for yourself is to try both. Unless you are completely ambidextrous, one should feel more comfortable or natural to you. Find out which of the two feels best and stick with it. In addition, I see no point in casting and switching hands as a default and will only do it if it were my only option.
Here is the bottom line:
A RH reel is not designated as such to imply that it is for a RH dominant person. It simply means that the crank is on the right side of the reel and vice versa for a LH reel. It is 100% accurate and true.
If you are RH dominant and new to baitcasters and come from a spinning background, I'd bet a floating rapala minnow that you will prefer a LH reel.
If you are RH dominant and have been fishing will casting reels way back when, 3 or more decades ago, when most casting reels RH as the majority option, you'd probably prefer a RH reel because that is all you had available to you.
A loose but fair analogy. Take playing baseball. If you are RH dominant, you throw with your right hand (rod casting) and catch the ball with your left hand (retrieve). If you use the same convention for fishing, you would want to cast with your right have and therefore retrieve with your left hand.
Even this isn't fool proof, because some RH dominant people prefer to bat lefty. That is why I recommend you try both. Chances are one should feel better than the other.
I prefer LH reels but am comfortable using both. I trained myself to get there if only to make myself more versatile.
BrackishBassin reply :
For me, it comes down to two things - fighting the fish and casting accuracy. I want to cast on my dominant side for greater accuracy and fight the fish on that same side for more power. Turning a handle on a reel requires very little in the way of ‘power’, so I do that with my non-dominant side.
MickD reply :
I've always used right retrieve casting reels, casting with right and retrieving with right. As others have stated it feels right. But after snapping blades off the bottom for about 6 hours last fall with the left hand, with the right on the reel handle grips, my bad left shoulder said it didn't like it. So I'm learning to do it the other way for techniques that over-stress the bad left shoulder. It's easy to get used to. I found that for a technique like blades, requiring quick reeling after the snap, changing hands did in fact take too much time.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
There's no right or wrong here. It's 100% preference. No sense in trying to apply logic, reason or science to the original question. Do what feels right and enjoy.
OCdockskipper reply :
I grew up with and do both casting & spinning conventionally (cast with right for both, switch to reel for casting). For me, I have noticed a preference of using the dominant hand per technique.
For example, when using the rod to impart action to a lure and just use the reel to pick up line (jerkbaits, Ned rigs, etc), I prefer spinning equipment. Using my dominant hand on the rod, I feel in complete control of the lure and am able to impart whatever twitches or motion I want.
However, for most moving lures such as crankbaits, buzzbaits and the such, I impart more action to the lure using the reel. Having my dominant hand on the reel works better for me, especially since the rod is basically held in place and the hooksets are more of a sweep than a step back hammer.
As a disclaimer, I am the most anti-ambidextrous person in the world. Using my right (dominant) hand, I have a very fluid golf swing, jump shot and bowling delivery. Using my left hand, attempting those same actions make me look like I have a physical disability. The preferences I have most likely don't apply to those who have skills with their less dominant side.
Stalking bass reply :
On 4/9/2018 at 12:11 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:There's no right or wrong here. It's 100% preference. No sense in trying to apply logic, reason or science to the original question. Do what feels right and enjoy.
I agree
Brad in Texas reply :
For spinning gear, there is definitely a technically correct way to operate it. Few do based on my observations.
Whatever hand you split your fingers with around the reel post, that hand should never move. It should stay there . . . all day long.
You use your off hand for longer casts by employing it down on the rod's handle, and it is also used to flip the bail, work the drag tension knob, flip the anti-reverse mechanism . . . and reel in line. Some people also use it to feather the line to slow down line release to shorten a cast but most do this with their rod-holding hand just sticking a finger up on the edge of the reel spool.
I think there'd be a small advantage for a rightie to using left hand reels of both sorts, spinning and casting. But, in sports, we see a few different combinations. In baseball, we almost always throw with our dominant hands, catch with our off-hands. But, in golf, it is actually the left side of the body and the left arm and hand that are the power source for a swing, the right hand is more for guiding the club head.
Go figure.
I use right handed reels in both cases and it is one of the few times where I feel fortunate to be left handed!
Brad
Further North reply :
My preference is cast right, reel left.
I've been teaching myself to cast left, reel right because there's times when that's handy.
...but I never switch hands.
I've also been teaching myself to cast my fly rods lefty...that's been a bit more of a challenge...
I spent some time on this a while back, and there was a reason why the habit developed, it had to do with older baitcast reels and and how they worked. I posted it here and a search would turn it up; it was interesting.
Armtx77 reply :
On 4/7/2018 at 8:39 PM, Chowderhead said:This what I do - feels very natural and comfortable for me. I still catch fish.
By no means am I knocking it. I just find it odd, based on the ability to get good baitcasters in left retrieve today, than say 25 years ago, but I assume it is based on the fact that this is how you were 1st introduced to baitcasting.
BaitFinesse reply :
On 4/9/2018 at 10:19 AM, Armtx77 said:By no means am I knocking it. I just find it odd, based on the ability to get good baitcasters in left retrieve today, than say 25 years ago, but I assume it is based on the fact that this is how you were 1st introduced to baitcasting.
Right hand dominant people often struggle to make sustained rapid small circles with their left hand so they favor right hand reels. This applies to me in that I've tried and tried and I just can't use a left hand baitcast reel. I can't turn the handle any faster than super slow and the small circle motion breaks down and turns into a jerky stop and start motion. I'm right handed.
Yudo1 reply :
This is a top ten topic which comes up every month or so. Try to think of it this way: reels aren't right or left-handed, they are right retrieve or left retrieve. Buying a right retrieve reel doesn't mean it is meant for right-handed people. It only designates which hand you are using to turn the handle. Do what feels comfortable. I'm right-handed and it's more natural for me to use left retrieve reels. IMO it's more efficient.
Chowderhead reply :
On 4/9/2018 at 10:19 AM, Armtx77 said:By no means am I knocking it. I just find it odd, based on the ability to get good baitcasters in left retrieve today, than say 25 years ago, but I assume it is based on the fact that this is how you were 1st introduced to baitcasting.
No worries — I agree it does seem odd. My son mocks me all the time about it. I’ve tried to use his left handed reel and just cannot use it.
PourMyOwn reply :
On 4/9/2018 at 10:19 AM, Armtx77 said:By no means am I knocking it. I just find it odd, based on the ability to get good baitcasters in left retrieve today, than say 25 years ago, but I assume it is based on the fact that this is how you were 1st introduced to baitcasting.
Exactly-I'm 41 and have been using baitcasters since 1988. Back then the Bass Pro catalogue only had a few left handed reels. It's amazing how far equipment has come since I was a kid.
captnstabn reply :
I am right handed and use both. I grew up with right hand cast, switch hands and retrieve right. I still do that on rods that I cast with. On pitching/flipping rods, I use left handed reels. It's just easier and quicker pitching while trolling down the bank to not have to switch hands. Plus I am ready to set the hook as soon as it hits the water.
Also, I get worn out less being able to switch hands. I'll go from winding a squarebill for awhile though timber(right hand retrieve), to picking up the pitching stick with a jig(left hand retrieve), using the other hand to give myself a little break.
Brad in Texas reply :
On 4/9/2018 at 12:13 PM, BaitFinesse said:Right hand dominant people often struggle to make sustained rapid small circles with their left hand so they favor right hand reels. This applies to me in that I've tried and tried and I just can't use a left hand baitcast reel. I can't turn the handle any faster than super slow and the small circle motion breaks down and turns into a jerky stop and start motion. I'm right handed.
But, just from habit really, right?
Take for example a guitar. For a right hander, it is strummed or picked with the right hand or fingers, the dominant hand; but, they make all of the endless intricate chord shapes and manage complex lead guitar "runs" . . . with their left hands moving up and down the whole neck of the instrument. If all of that can be done, spinning a reel handle is no big deal.
I think it is just a tough habit to break. I'm like others so surprised the industry/its anglers haven't moved away from the way Zebco spincast reels were made a half century or more ago.
Lefties are almost always a bit more ambidextrous by nature. They face zippers/buttons/butter knives and so much more every day. Odd that reels just happen to play into our favor with the switchable handles on one and the dominant right side reel on the other. Rare!
Just a guess that after one season, most righties would prefer left handed reeling for both spinning and casting gear.
Brad
edfitzvb reply :
I learned to fish as a boy using cheap Zebco reels, then "graduated" to spinning reels in the late '60's. In the '80's I bought my first bait casting reel and now prefer them as being less tiring to use and more accurate (for me, at least). I reel left with spinning and right with baitcasting. My son uses left hand reels because he started with spinning reels. Understand, he is left handed and uses left hand spinning reels. I bought him a reel with the handle on the right, but he prefers to switch when spinning. Whatever you like and works for you......
BaitFinesse reply :
On 4/10/2018 at 2:42 AM, Brad in Texas said:But, just from habit really, right?
Take for example a guitar. For a right hander, it is strummed or picked with the right hand or fingers, the dominant hand; but, they make all of the endless intricate chord shapes and manage complex lead guitar "runs" . . . with their left hands moving up and down the whole neck of the instrument. If all of that can be done, spinning a reel handle is no big deal.
I think it is just a tough habit to break. I'm like others so surprised the industry/its anglers haven't moved away from the way Zebco spincast reels were made a half century or more ago.
Lefties are almost always a bit more ambidextrous by nature. They face zippers/buttons/butter knives and so much more every day. Odd that reels just happen to play into our favor with the switchable handles on one and the dominant right side reel on the other. Rare!
Just a guess that after one season, most righties would prefer left handed reeling for both spinning and casting gear.
Brad
Yes, if I could train myself to rely on my left hand more often I would develop the dexterity and motor skills to use a left hand baitcast reel. I'd have to have my right arm in a sling or something for a number of months for it to occur. I'm heavily right hand dominant is the problem. I don't even open doors left handed.
Tizi reply :
I asked this question because I have been bass fishing since I was around 5 years old. I got away from it for a few years due to school and work. I have picked it up again. I have all of my old Berkley Lightening Rods and Shimano Bantam Mag baitcasters and spinning reels. I have been catching up on the new gear and watching videos and noticed guys casting right, reeling left and wondered if there was a more efficient way. I am currently retraining myself on flipping and pitching with my left hand and retrieving with my right. It feels more natural to me.
Graham reply :
100% personal preference imo. I switch hands for regular casts (cast with my right and reel with my right), but when I pitch I pitch with my left and reel with my right.
related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
previous topic
most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.