LH verses RH Baitcasters

[Chubminnow]

Just curious here to get a few opinions...I have a couple of spinning rigs that I use my left hand to reel in with...I also have two left handed baitcasters and one right handed bait caster. I like the right handed baitcaster a lot more than the left handed one's but not because it's a right hand model...

At any rate, I use to be under the opinion that if I was using a spinning rig part of the time, reeling in with my left hand, and then switched to a left-handed baitcaster then it would make the change in equipment seem like less of a change, plus the fact that I use my right arm to cast with so there wouldn't be a need to switch the rod from my right hand to my left hand for the retrieve...

Any thoughts on this? Does this LH verses RH make a big difference to any of you? Or is everyone under the impression that if that's the only rod in the boat then by golly we're gonna use it?

[fishincreek]

For me I just hate to switch hands after each and every cast.. Much easier(and quicker) just cast and reel.

[apb]

I'm right handed, but all my baitcasters are lefty. Tried the right handed ones for a couple of seasons years ago. Like fishincreek said, didn't like switching hands after the cast. Tried a lefty 15 years ago, now thats all I throw. Nice to be able to get that topwater bait working as soon as it hits the water. The few times I've used a right handed reel in the last couple of years, it just felt wrong.

Andrew

[jeremys]

I'm just the oposite as you guys....I throw right and reel right on baitcasters that is..spinning I throw right and reel left. I've tried lefty baitcasters before but they just feel all wrong.

[mooseknuckle]

Throw everything left and reel with right. Actually, it's quicker. No hand changes.

[Chubminnow]

Man I sure do appreciate your all's responses...I was wondering if it was just me. I am right handed but I think a left handed reel suits me better...don't have to change hands, start reeling in a top water as soon as it hits the surface, etc...

[Chefdave]

I use rh baitcasters, and lh spinning reels, but find it very uncomfortable, so I am planning to buy a lefty just for topwater.

[plowboy]

I'm right handed and have always used left handed baitcasters. I cast with my right and reel with the left. No hand changes. This lets me cast and set the hook with my more coordinated arm/hand and never switch hands after casting. I can turn the handle, lock the reel and set the hook (in case of a fast strike) while others are switching hands. Often I'm ready to set the hook before or at the same time the lure enters the water. Its seem more natural to me. If your right handed you can definately react to a strike faster and harder with the rod in your right hand. Many pros have taught themselves to use left handed reels because of all the advantages. But if you are used to a right handed reel it will take awhile to adjust. Some pro's use both hands for different types of fishing.

[spinnerbaitguy]

When I first began using the LH casting reels , they were not nearly as available as they are now .I've been using LH casting reels for years now .Although I am right handed , I've never used a RH model of any kind .When I first switched from a spinning reel(lh) to a caster it seemed like it would be a natural switch but I was wrong .In using the the spinning reel , the motion is more a combination if wrist and elbow .The baitcasters are more driven from the wrist .So while the switch was not drastic as far as having to learn to use my other hand may have been, the transaction was not as smooth as one might think - at least not for me .

[crappiepappy]

I've always used LH spinning reels & RH baitcast reels ... and I switch from one to the other with no problem. As far as b/c reels - switching hands hasn't been a problem. I just "cast" the reel from my right hand INTO my left hand ... and the switch is made before the lure hits the water (if I want it to be).
My fishing partner is a Lefty ... his spinning reels are set up as RH retrieve. If I pick one of his up and try to use it - I'm "all thumbs". I haven't tried to use a LH retrieve b/c reel, and not switch hands ... for a couple of reasons: I'm used to the reels I have, and I'm not in a speed casting contest ... so I figure, "if it ain't broken ......." ...cp

[Tyme2fish]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Feb-02-06 AT 11:01PM (EST)[/font][p]I'm right handed. Wife is rh. I've been teaching her to fish this past year and she likes to reel with her right. OK I only bought her some cheaper Zebco reels.
Then I hand her a better open face and she still wants to reel right. OK. I switch it for her to reel right handed. She hooks a fish and wants me to help her reel it in. I had to turn the pole upside down and reel backwards so the reel handle was in my left hand. She's now decided that reeling left fells better.

[MLTSPCS]

RHer myself. Use Left hand retrieve spinning reels and Right hand retrieve baitcasters. I don't switch hands with the spinning reel but w/a baitcaster I have to. This is done while the lure is on its way to the target. I hold baitcasters w/the reel (not the rod)in the palm of my left hand while reeling with the right. I feel holding baitcasters by the reel gives me better leverage. I place the butt of the rod against my left hip on my upward hooksets and sometimes even on my sweeps. It just makes me feel more comfortable and varies the hands used throughout the day (Spinning: reel lh, work rod rh; Casting: reel rh, work rod lh). Just my own little opinion. Don't reckon it matters that much long as there's something w/fins on the other end.