View Full Version : Right of left retrieve?
I've always been a diehard spinning reel man, but I'm considering getting a levelwind this year to use for trolling and when heavier line is indicated. I'm right handed, but crank with the left hand when using spinning reels. It seems to me that I would feel more natural cranking a levelwind the same way, but having watched others it looks like most people retrieve from the right. Is this because the reel sits on top the rod, instead of hanging on the bottom? Obviously it must be whatever a person is most comfortable with, but I don't want to miss something obvious and get the wrong reel. Also what is a good mid price range reel to consider. I probably want a reel that will hold around 250 - 300 yds. of 12 lb. test. Thanks for any help.
JT
P.S. Can't wait for spring!!!!
Almost all of the trolling reels are right haned cranks, all the line counters are as far as i know. good luck and good fishin.
Den
Fin Addict
02-18-2001, 06:59 PM
Just went through the same dilema myself. I have always used a right hand retrieve on my great lakes trolling gear, saltwater gear and muskie stuff but based on replies here, I thought a left hand retrieve w/ a flippin switch on a jigging rod made sense. Went to buy one and I put it on the rod. The extra weight from the crank made the left hand retrieve reel want to turn out of my hand. When the same reel w/ a right hand retrieve was installed on the rod it felt very nice. As much as I wanted to like the left hand retrieve, it made the whole rig feel unbalanced. Also very uncomfortable for me to reel holding the rod incorrectly (too far back on the handle) as you would w/ a left hand retrieve. Try it for yourself, I'm guessing you will find the same.
Dave G
02-18-2001, 07:13 PM
I am right handed but for both casting and spinning reels I put the crank on the right hand side. I cast with my right hand and then switch the rod to my left hand when reeling in. When fishing alone I like to dip net the fish with my right hand. Try the reels on both side and use whatever feels best.
I think that the reason that you see right / left hand retrieves is simple -- history.
Many of the folks that have used bass fising equipment have used it for a very long time. When the better bait casters first came out -- there were very few of the left handed variety.
Thus, right handed folks got used to casting with their right hand, then switching hands and reeling with their right hand.
Then, when left handed reels came out - the folks were comfortable with thier way of fishing.
Many folks - that are just picking up thier first bait caster -- are typically picking up the bait caster that works for them, so that they don't have to switch hands -- as would be the case for a spinning reel. i.e. right handed reel for left handers and left handed reel for right handers.
If there is a situation, where you have a rod that wants to tip over -- I suspect that you have a setup that isn't balanced.
Pick up a rod balancing kit, and insure that your rod, is balanced -- i.e. the tip doesn't tip up, nor down -- if it simply lays in your hand.
If you have a decent rod -- I suspect that you will find the rod to be very comfortable and natural -- if you always keep the rod in your favored hand, and reel with your off - favored hand.
Take care
REW
Scott D
02-18-2001, 07:27 PM
I suggest using left hand retrieve. If you aren't already used to reeling right handed it should be easy for you to get used to the left handed bait casting reel.
I started with right handed bait casters like REW was saying and I have been trying to switch to left handed. I have been using both left and right hand reels for about 3 seasons now and I am getting used to switching between the two. I got married a few years ago and my wife is left handed. I decided that any new reel I buy would be left handed for her and then I would just get used to the left handed ones. It was real awkward at first using the left handed ones, after using right handed ones for so long but I think it is better to cast right handed and then not have to switch hands to start reeling.
Fin Addict
02-18-2001, 09:29 PM
The "tip over" that I was talking about was not caused by the reel not being balanced to the rod but rather the reel itself not being balanced side to side. The crank side on nearly all baitcasting reels is heavier than the reverse side. The better (lighter) the rod is, the more this bothers me. The only way I could see to balance it would be to add weight to the reverse side of the reel. When the additional weight is under the hand as opposed to away from the hand, it is more comfortable for me. I will agree that a rod balancing kit does wonders for a poorly matched rig.
I'd suggest go left. much less hand switching. left handed reels have the handle on the "correct side" if you opperate a tiller. your left hand can quickly jump back and forth between your tiller handle and your reel handle while the rod stays in your hand. i've been using right handed bait casters for over 40 years and am switching to left...... because it makes sense. maybe someday they will make ambidextras baitcasters. then you will see a lot of people switching. the way it is now, very few people have a chance to ever try one. people don't think much about it, they just buy a right handed reel because they are right handed. hey, it took me over 40 years to figure it out.
I'd suggest go left. much less hand switching. left handed reels have the handle on the "correct side" if you opperate a tiller. your left hand can quickly jump back and forth between your tiller handle and your reel handle while the rod stays in your hand. i've been using right handed bait casters for over 40 years and am switching to left...... because it makes sense. maybe someday they will make ambidextras baitcasters. then you will see a lot of people switching. the way it is now, very few people have a chance to ever try one. people don't think much about it, they just buy a right handed reel because they are right handed. hey, it took me over 40 years to figure it out.
Bosbar
02-19-2001, 03:05 AM
Try the left-handed. Why cast with one hand then have to switch to another to crank? I'm right-handed and have been using left-handed reels for years. Cast with the right, crank with the left. You never have to take your hand off the rod. Another plus, no one every asks to borrow a fishing pole.
Mattman
02-19-2001, 04:10 AM
LEFT!!!!!!!!!!! Have to put my vote in now. I know most reels are right handed. Abu makes plenty of lefties. Wait until you chuck some Muskie plugs with a "right handed" buddy for a day. You'll see that you're getting 5 casts to his 4, or better. Add that up on a 10 hour day of pitchin' bucktails. Why would you want to have to switch hands?!? Gord is right on too, the handle is on the correct side if you operate a tiller. Another good thing is "righties" don't borrow your gear. If this is going to be your first baitcaster you won't know that you're weird. It just makes sense.
Ya gotta use your left hand to reel. My theory is that you use your right hand for casting and your left for cranking. Why would you want to waste the time and energy to change the hand your rod is in before starting to reel. Your right hand has more dexterity and feel (unlesss left handed) so you do the delicate rod work with your right hand and let your left hand do the grunt work. The unfortunate thing is that the reel companies have people thinking that they are to use their right hand to crank with.
Thanks to everyone for all the responses! it is nice to know I was on the right track. Sometimes when you think something is obvious but you see so many people doing it differently you wonder if you are the wrong one.
Melt Baby, Melt!!