left hander-LH or RH baitcaster reel? 2024

imafan reply :

Hi all,

I'm looking around for my first fishing reel/rod. As a left hander, is it better to get a left handed baitcaster or right handed one? is it better to have the dominant hand reeling or holding the rod?

Thanks!

CKFishin reply :

IMO go to a BPS or Cabela's or somewhere and try them out..... If I use spinning gear alot my baitcasters feels awkard to me at first and I feel like I should be using a left handed reel.

Big Bait Fishing reply :

what ever hand you feel comfortable working the rod with , you reel with the other . for instance - I'm right handed but i work the rod with my right hand and reel with the left , yeah , i use a left-hand retrieving reel . it does not have anything to do with whether your right handed or left handed

K_Mac reply :

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what ever hand you feel comfortable working the rod with , you reel with the other . for instance - I'm right handed but i work the rod with my right hand and reel with the left , yeah , i use a left-hand retrieving reel . it does not have anything to do with whether your right handed or left handed

Same here. I am more comfortable controlling the rod with my, "power hand". I also recommend playing with both to see what feels right for you. Some guys use both. Whatever works... 8-)

Senkoman12 reply :

since im right handed i have trouble setting the hook with my left so i use left handed reels and also if you used spinning reels alot than you might want to look at a lefty reel

bigfruits reply :

my dominant hand holds the rod.

right handed with lefty baitcast reel.

Chris W. reply :

I used to cast right, and reel right. But one day i was thinking about it and it just didnt make sense. I cast right, then switch the rod over to my left hand (non dominant). I made myself learn to reel lefty, and now it's all i use. it makes more sense, i can instantly set the hook and i can work baits better with my right hand.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

I tried using a LH baitcaster once, that didn't go well. Spinning reels with the handle on the left, I've got no problem.

I.rar reply :

im right handed.

rod in my right and crank with my left hand. i dont know how you guys fish with a RH crank. mind boggling.

Big B reply :

I'm RH and it just made more sense to me to cast and set the hook with my dominant hand and reel with my left. No switching the rod from hand to hand on every cast for me!

NateFollmer reply :

Learn to fish with either hand. You'll be able to get better angles on casts and it really makes things easier (especially if you're pitching and flipping). My baitcasters are left handed and all my spinning gear is usually right handed (unless I have been using the baitcaster a lot and I switch, then I'll change the handle side).

It only took me about a week to learn to fish with my left hand, so it's not too hard to learn.

I.rar reply :

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Learn to fish with either hand. You'll be able to get better angles on casts and it really makes things easier (especially if you're pitching and flipping). My baitcasters are left handed and all my spinning gear is usually right handed (unless I have been using the baitcaster a lot and I switch, then I'll change the handle side).
It only took me about a week to learn to fish with my left hand, so it's not too hard to learn.

ive been thinking about picking up one of those procasters just to see how i do with a RH reel. they probably will be gone by the time i go to snag one up though...

rubba bubba reply :

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As a left hander, is it better to get a left handed baitcaster or right handed one? is it better to have the dominant hand reeling or holding the rod?

This is a question only you can answer for yourself.

Nine Miler reply :

I cast right, then switch hands and reel right, too. That's how I learned, my dad is a lefty, so the handle was always on the right. He casted left, cause he was left handed; I cannot.

grimlin reply :

I'm the ODD one out here...I reel and cast right handed.

I have no problems switching the rod to my left hand and setting the hook.For the life of me I CANNOT reel left handed.I can't even do it with spinning reels either.Feels way to AWKWARD!

I've been doing it this way for years....reel and cast right hand.Everybody's different.See what works for you.

deep reply :

There's this theory about how a baitcast reel works like a winch and you use your dominant hand to reel/winch in a fish.

What this theory doesn't take into consideration is that you need to work the lure too, which probably isn't/wasn't a consideration with live bait (that's what BC reels were originally for, right?).

I find working the lure easier with my dominant right hand, so I have LH reels.

Though I guess it's a matter of getting used to; almost all the pros use RH reels; and they get by pretty well I assume

So I'd say don't think about the reel; think about the rod, i.e. if you're comfortable with casting and working the lure with your left-hand, get a RH reel.

BASSclary reply :

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I tried using a LH baitcaster once, that didn't go well. Spinning reels with the handle on the left, I've got no problem.

llPa1nll reply :

Im an enigma when it comes to this like most who have chimed in I use LH reels, always have. However I am ambidextrous I write, throw a ball, cast, righty. I bat and play hockey lefty, go figure.

I like to have the rod in the hand I have the most strength in, which means I reel lefty. When I first started there were hardly any bait casters made for leftys Shimano had some as well as Quantum.

imafan reply :

Thanks all for sharing your experience. I was thinking the along the line of dominant hand hold the rod for strength but wanted to get a confirmation. I've only gone fishing a few times and have used my buddy's spare spinning gear with right hand on rod and left hand reel. I felt i could throw further with left hand but didn't have the gear to try as my friend only have spinnies. I probably just need more practice throwing .

I was under the impression that RH reel was made for right hander and vice versa, but i guess it's just mean you reel with your RH.

lynyrdsky1 reply :

im a lefty but i have left and right handed reels. I have a right handed reel on my flippin pitchin/ carolina rig rod because i can cast out with my left and control my rod with my left and i can automatically react and reel right i dont have to switch hands. But on everything else i use left but its really all up to prefrence

Ultralight Maniac reply :

Been using a LH for close to 25 years now for pretty much the same reasons everyone before has mentioned.

Of course when I was in my teens my friends all accused me of doing it so they wouldn't ask to borrow my gear.

I got a good laugh watching them try to reel by moving the rod with their right hand and the handle remaining stationary. ;D

grimlin reply :

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Been using a LH for close to 25 years now for pretty much the same reasons everyone before has mentioned.
Of course when I was in my teens my friends all accused me of doing it so they wouldn't ask to borrow my gear.

I got a good laugh watching them try to reel by moving the rod with their right hand and the handle remaining stationary. ;D

I can switch and have my hand on the handle before that bait even hits the water. I have 100% control just like you do.

Nine Miler reply :

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Been using a LH for close to 25 years now for pretty much the same reasons everyone before has mentioned.
Of course when I was in my teens my friends all accused me of doing it so they wouldn't ask to borrow my gear.

I got a good laugh watching them try to reel by moving the rod with their right hand and the handle remaining stationary. ;D

I can switch and have my hand on the handle before that bait even hits the water. I have 100% control just like you do.

X2, except for a pitch. I don't flip all that much, so no issues there.

fishfordollars reply :

I am left handed. I cast with the left and crank right. Presentation is more important than turning the reel handle. If i can't put it where i want it I'm not going to get bit.

Uncle Leo reply :

You know I have tried a LH reel but could not get use to it. When I learned to cast, baitcaster first as that was the only thing my father had, there was no such thing as LH. I just could never adjust. By the way I am RH but cast with either hand. I switch when the right gets tired.

kllrbee reply :

I got my first baitcaster about a month ago and I thought the same thing.

"Wait a minute, Ive been fishing all this time with spinning gear and reeling with my left. How is this gonna work with switching hands? Is this gonna be awkward? Am I gonna lose fish cuz Im not holding with my dominant arm/hand?"

It took all of about 5 casts to get used to the "switch". I dont even think about it. For the most part, Im in the process of switching just as the lure hits the water.

And this is coming from a newbie. Not someone who says "Ive done it this way for 25 years, cuz they didnt have LH retrieve when I started".

I did try my buddys LH retrieve and I didnt like it. It was okay, but it felt a little weird. I think its cuz its so high up where on spinning gear, its lower. That probly doesnt make sense, but I cant really explain it. Just doesnt feel right to me.

Whatever you decide, just try it out and see what feels right for you. Good luck.

K_Mac reply :

Uncle Leo I wish I had enough coordination to use either hand for casting. It would save wear and tear on the right arm/wrist.

There are some who easily use both RH and LH reels. I think that is very useful thing. I just don't have the ability to do it.

flippin and pitchin reply :

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You know I have tried a LH reel but could not get use to it. When I learned to cast, baitcaster first as that was the only thing my father had, there was no such thing as LH. I just could never adjust. By the way I am RH but cast with either hand. I switch when the right gets tired.

Same here. When I started, RH reels were all we had. You switched hands. I am determined to use left hand reels on my pitching rods however and it's taking time to get the reeling part smoothed out. It's still awkward.

kickin bass14 reply :

For spinning reels, I use a LH reel. For baitcaster, RH reel. I don't know why. A LH baitcast reel just feels really awkward but a LH spinning reel doesn't. Same motion though. Thats just how I started fishing.

kikstand454 reply :

i pitch and flip and work most "bootom" lures with a lh reel. in fact when i got my first baitcaster, i got a lh reel with the thought process that i had been using spinning reels for so long now that reeling left wouldnt be a problem, and it seemed silly to change hands.

however most of us first started out fishing with spincasters (zebco 33 etc.) and they were rh retreive. so lh reels feel weird.

i use right handed reels for "moving" lures such as spinnerbaits and cranks etc. i feel that my actual REELING is more smooth and consistant with my rigtht hand. these presentations tend to benifit from that.

t-riggin and flipping a jig tend to benifit more form being able to engage the reel immediately and by having your dominate hand on the rod for more poweful hooksets.

those are my reasons for having both.

p.s. not to mention LH reels are routinely much much cheaper on sale and esp on close out. i saw last night a LH revo winch on sale on ebay nib for 110 dollars. the right hand ones were 180 something.

Ultralight Maniac reply :

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p.s. not to mention LH reels are routinely much much cheaper on sale and esp on close out. i saw last night a LH revo winch on sale on ebay nib for 110 dollars. the right hand ones were 180 something.

Yep, I've gotten some really good deals on closeout LH reels.

Ultralight Maniac reply :

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I can switch and have my hand on the handle before that bait even hits the water. I have 100% control just like you do.

I can too... I still use an RH Shimano Calcutta that I got as a Christmas gift back around 90-91 as a crankbait reel.... Still casts as good as the day I got it and it has the long and short reel handle so I can change my retrieve rates.

21farms reply :

if you never take your finger off the trigger after casting, then it makes sense to cast and hold the rod with the same hand and reel with the other hand. however, i palm my reels and switching hands after the cast actually saves me a step (try it yourself and see).

ideally for me (i'm right-handed), i'd like to go with a LH reel for pitchin' and flippin' but stay RH all other times. however, i've tried LH on several different occasions and just cannot get the hang of it.

baluga reply :

I'm a right hander and use the RH baitcaster for swimbait, hard bait/jerkbait but I prefer using LH baitcaster for walk-the-dog and drop shot.

roadwarrior reply :

There is actually good reason for the way fishing equipment is designed and it's not just "old school":

(Note: George Welcome's explanation)

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

rubba bubba reply :

George has yet to provide any actual historical evidence that his theory actually was a part of the designer's consideration. His winch theory is a valid theory, however that does not mean that it is why baitcasters were created in that manner. There is a distinct difference.

dulouz reply :

I started with a LH because that is what I was used to on spinning reels. Then I picked up a couple of RH reels that were a good price. I have found that if I do all my casting and reeling with the same hand my hand gets cramped and numb. Now I cast with my right or left hand, depending on where I want the lure to go, regardless of what reel I am using. The only exception is pitching/flipping, which I do only with my right arm using a LH reel.

tholmes reply :

I'm left-handed, so I naturally cast with my left arm and use right-handed baitcasting reels.

When I graduated from a cane pole to a spincast reel, they were all right-hand retrieve so that's how I learned. It seemed odd to me to see people casting with their right hand and switching the rod to their left hand to retrieve.

Tom

Ronbaby reply :

Well I am right handed and have both left and right retrieving reels. My baitcasters are right handed and spinning left. If it was my choice they would all be left handed, it just happens that my wife bought the first baitcaster for me without asking what my preference was. The second was a revo-stx that I got a really good deal on and could not pass up. As was mentioned earlier if you reel on the same side as your dominant hand (right for me in this case) you have to waste a motion by switching hands after you cast. If you get a strike right when you hit the water, this could be a problem. So for me, I prefer a left hand retrieve.

00 mod reply :

I'm right handed and my bc are right handed and my spin is lh. Just how I learned to fish.... and as others have said, I cast with my right and switch before the bait has even hit the water! Caught my last 5lb+ last Sunday and the fish hit it as soon as it hit the water! Doesn't seem to hurt to much......

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

I'll just reiterate whats already been said before: Use what you're comfortable with. All of my casting reels are RH retrieve. I tried a LH and just could not get comfortable with it. I'm sure if I spent some more time using one I'd get the hang of it. I crank my spinning reels with the left hand with no problems. I must just be strange or something.

NorcalBassin reply :

I've only been using BC's a couple years now and just went traditional with RH to go along with all of my LH spinning reels. It seems like it would be more normal for me to use a LH BC reel, so I just picked up the Curado to to see if I should switch over to LH for the BC's before I buy too many RH reels. I haven't had it on the water yet but have to admit that it feels a little awkward with a couple false casts in the garage.

RussBert reply :

I'm right handed and crank all reels with my left hand

piscicidal reply :

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I'll just reiterate whats already been said before: Use what you're comfortable with. All of my casting reels are RH retrieve. I tried a LH and just could not get comfortable with it. I'm sure if I spent some more time using one I'd get the hang of it. I crank my spinning reels with the left hand with no problems. I must just be strange or something.

I don't think that's strange. I'd bet +90% of right-handed pro fishermen use a RH baitcaster.

It is a personal preference to be sure. Personally, I prefer the RH crank with the BC and left handed crank with the spinning reel. The ergonomics just work better for me.

I have recently started playing with a left handed crank on a flipping rod. When I started flipping I learned to use either hand (to get different angles). And flipping heavy mats you are not casting/cranking alot, so the reel side doesn't matter too much to me. Having a left-handed and a right handed flipping rod seems to help with fatique- which can be an issue flipping with 8' rods with 2oz weights for hours on end.

BASSclary reply :

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I'll just reiterate whats already been said before: Use what you're comfortable with. All of my casting reels are RH retrieve. I tried a LH and just could not get comfortable with it. I'm sure if I spent some more time using one I'd get the hang of it. I crank my spinning reels with the left hand with no problems. I must just be strange or something.

I must be strange too

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