Really dumb baitcaster question

[4given]

Hey ff. Learn to cast with either hand it will give your elbows a rest.

Ok, I just got my first baitcaster reel and a nice rod to go with it. I bought the Shimano Caenan in the right-hand retrieve version... thinking because I was right-handed this is the one I needed. But now I realize that with the reel on the rod and the way baitcasters are setup that I may have a problem. I've always used spinning reels in the past and to operate them I hold the rod in my right hand and then operate the reel with my left hand (maybe this is wrong but that's just how I do it). So here is my question, am I supposed to cast with the rod in my right hand and then switch hands to retrieve or can I just get the left hand model of the Caenan?

Again, I'm completely new to baitcasters.

[Big T @ E.C.]

4-given has got it. I learned to cast left-handed, back in the 80's, when a friend had his rt. Arm in a cast, he could'nt cast right handed, so he thought i should'nt either. We both leaned how, and it really does make a difference if your fishing 6-8 hrs. Tighten your cast-controll down, and start with short casts, then work you way up. (or out, i guess)tr

[R19]

The majority of people who I know that retrieve right handed cast right handed and switch to retrieve. Do whatever feels comfortable to you. As for me when I started fishing my first set up was a spinning outfit that was set up for right hand retrieve. I learned from day one to cast left handed. When using a baitcaister I would say that 90% of the time I cast left handed and always retrieve right handed. The only time I cast right handed is when I am out in a wide open area and want to make a long cast. I can get more distance right handed but my casting accuracy is better left handed...so basically what I am trying to say is do what feels best for you. A lot of people cast,switch then retrieve right handed. I learned how to cast lefty so no switching hands for me.

[09Z7SC]

My bait casters are all right handed crank and my spin casters are all left handed crank. I cast both with my right hand, I switch with my baitcasters back to my left hand after I cast. I don't know if it would make any difference to you, but if you plan on flipping and pitching, I would learn on a left hand retreive so you don't ever have to left go of the rod to engage the reel. I read that somewhere. If you get a bite immeadiately when the bait hits the water, you are less likely to lose the fish.

P.S. I will admit it was harder to learn to fish a spook with a right hand retreive baitcaster, but go to Nolin this summer, you'll learn that quickly!!