Transitioning-right hand to left hand retrieve on baitcaster

Whitey-O · Post by **Whitey-O** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:07 pm

I am considering buying some left hand retrieve baitcasters for pitching/flipping. I currently own nothing but right hand retrieves but see the advantage of going to left hand retrieves for pitching/flipping. I am unsure of the transition and/or if I could get used to it?

Skeeterman · Post by **Skeeterman** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:13 pm

Buy a cheap lefty to see if you can get comfortible .If you like it you can go from there.

WackySenko · Post by **WackySenko** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:23 pm

Check out the response this question received in the past.
'Anyone switched from RH Reel to LH' last post was Mon Nov 23, 2009 at 1:32 and thquestion was started on Sun Nov 22 at 12:48.
I hope it helps.

Scott E. · Post by **Scott E.** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 2:06 am

I had right shoulder surgery years ago and was "forced" to learn to cast with my left hand/thumb (that was if I wanted to fish). It didn't take long to get the feel, and from then on I use my left hand/ thumb when I cast most of the time (can still use the right too). No need to have left hand reels! It's very effecient to not have to switch hands after a flip/pitch or cast and don't need to have extra rods and reels on the deck (cheaper too). Give it a try, won't cost you any money. Scott

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 2:40 am

Whitey-O wrote:I am considering buying some left hand retrieve baitcasters for pitching/flipping. I currently own nothing but right hand retrieves but see the advantage of going to left hand retrieves for pitching/flipping. I am unsure of the transition and/or if I could get used to it?

Buy a used one first to see if you like it. I have a couple used Diawa's give me a email, cheap.

adman · Post by **adman** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 7:45 am

Buying a used one is a good idea. I have been using both for years. When I first started fishing it was with a spinning reel so left hand was normal for me. I was casting normally with my right hand...seemed odd to have to switch. I used to laugh and call right hand reels left hands because switching hands seemed pretty stupid. You mention for flipping and pitching. You may find flipping with a left hand reel is a pain (as I did) because the line tends to get caught on the handle. I now have 75/25 left-hand/right-hand reels and I don't even think about it it is all very natural. I most certainly use the left hands on baits where I want to start reeling instantly (frogs, buzz baits, cranks, etc) I'll bet you will transition to "left-handed" reels over time because it is a much quicker, smoother, efficient way to fish. Good luck.

ash · Post by **ash** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 8:07 am

Whitey-O speaking of used LH reels for pitching Schienders Fishing has a Shimano Castaic posted in the Classifieds - One of my favorite pitching reels and its in LH! Give him a shout.

luvmystratos · Post by **luvmystratos** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:20 am

If you are Right Handed the transistion shouldn't be that hard. I use both Right and Left handed retrieves. I use the Right Handed Retrieve when I am in the Delta while Cranking/Spinner Bait when my Boat is in a Slough and moving down the bank. Once I get to the end of the Slough I switch to the other side and I use the Left hand retrieve.

It took about a Month to get use to the Right Handed retrieve especially using my Left Hand to throw the Baits. I was constantly getting "Birds Nests" and spending a lot of time untangling the mess. Once I get the nack of the whole thing I was having a good time. I usually throw Cranks and Spinners with this application and use all applications with I am throwing with my Right Hand and retrieving with my Left. Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!

JT-Madera · Post by **JT-Madera** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:43 pm

I did the switch years ago and if I were you I would buy a cheap reel to get the hang of it..I would not switch back.. I am right handed. I have more power flipping and pitching with the rod in my right hand..and I run the line over my right index finger, it gives me the best feel of what the bait is doing..and I never have to switch hands to reel in..

JT