Bait Casting Reels...which one?

[Bonefish]

Thanks so much for your replies!

[ranimated]

I recently bought a Quantum Accurist PT at walmart for $99. They sell on BPS for $119. So far, I like it as well if not better than my curado and calcutta. Time will tell as far as if it can take a licking and keep on ticking. Still, it's a good deal.

[Bonefish]

I am curious if any of you guys use left-handed reels even if you are right-handed to keep from changing hands after a cast. I also use spinning reels so it is eaiser for me to use the left-handed.

[fishincreek]

Left handed is the WAY to go. You won't regret it. Cabela's just had a "Prodigy" marked down on their website and so far it is one sweet reel. I like it better than my Curado. Changing hands after EVERY cast just wasn't my cup of tea.

[scaly1]

This has been precisely the case for me. After years of using nothing but spinning gear, I decided to give baitcasters a whirl. Casting right and retrieving left just feels more natural to me. You should really try a left hand reel before you buy one if possible.

[plowboy]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Apr-28-06 AT 06:26PM (EST)[/font][p]Yes sir. Right handed and only use left handed reels. Never switch hands and can set the hook instantly even when pictching. It just seems natural. Why switch hands, why set the hook with your weaker arm, thats why many pro's teach themselves to fish with the oppisite hand. Some can use both. Also I don't think it's strange to fish left handed if you are right handed. Most of the work is done with the right hand when using a left handed reel. Casting, hoping a jig, setting the hook, feeling for a small thump, feathering the spool, etc. The only thing you do with your left is basically take up line. The only time this would be helpful is when you are cranking, burning a spinner bait (rattle trap) or doing alot of chunk and wind type fishing. Even with hard jerkbaits most of the work is done with the rod hand. But I understand all you guys that learned with a right hander is is very hard to switch back. Any other sport you use you dominant hand for the majority of hand work. Fishing is the only sport that I can think of right hander use the left hand for the majority of the work. I'm sure I'll hear greif over this but its just an opinion. I've caught lots of bass pitching that hit the lure the instant it hit the water and not switching hands and setting the hook imediately put more of them in the boat.

[Bonefish]

One of the reasons I brought up the subject was when you go to buy a left handed reel, they do not have them in stock and have to order one for you in most instances. However, thanks for sharing your thoughts because I think a lot people who have fished with a spinning real and want to go to baitcasting question right vs left. I have to agre that it is much more efficient to not change hands. I have decided on the Shimano Citica but had to have it order in the left-handed model. Thanks again for your replies.

[fishincreek]

Cabela's still has the "Prodigy" for 69 bucks. Won't find a better reel for the price(IMHO).

[plowboy]

Good choice. Your welcome.

[spinnerbaitguy]

Ditto here as well .I started with spinning gear then when I went to baitcasters , the left handed model seemed to be the logical way to go , so I went .The selection used to be more limited , but most manufacturers have gotten on board .For years , the only choices were cheapies or very expensive reels but the market is pretty much open now .I got my first BPS Xtreme and have only used it once this year (so far ) but I like it a lot .I also have the Quantum Iron (which has never worked correctly- freespool issues )but I have a Quantum 1311 which I LOVE ,Shimano (older Bantam Black Magnum), BPS Pro Qualifier, and ABU something or the other(haha) (which also has freespool issues).I agree that there are clunkers from every manufacturer .Thats part of the reason , for me anyway , that I don't buy a lot of reels .If it ain't broke........

[CRANKINandYANKIN]

I,m a right hander that grew up with spinning reels and now use only lefthand baitcasters for bassin . Just made more sense to me not to have to change hands. Many different makes and modles out there to chose from and I have several different ones for different things. Strange but fishing is the only thing I can do lefthanded . Enjoy and catch big ones.