Left or Right Hand Baitcaster: Which One is for Me?

Right or left hand Baitcaster Um! Handedness is important for crisp fishing. And my question is that are you left handed or right handed? Eh! Lot of guys are right handed dominant. If you are one of them, use a left hand baitcaster reel. I am also right hand guy and right hand baitcaster crank up my enjoyment at competition. I have wasted my time using different reels Um! Now, co-anglers or marshals that get in my boat or at competition ask me how you use both right and left handed reel? Well, every time I say that you must take benefit from both. There was a time I was retrieving and don’t wanted to use my right hand though it’s my power hand. And if I say you do the same you will think I am crazy or some of you feel it less effective.

However, if you want to give it a try then all you have to do is just do it. But don’t try it during competition, try it at the yard. Um! It’s not recommended that you don’t do it at tournaments. What I am telling you is that you will feel frustrated or even it can decelerate your performance. As for me, I have been fishing since my college time and when I was at university I was fishing in my yard with friends. Then I felt that I was missing some fish with my right hand so I flipped it and took a right hand reel. So guys I tried it persistently Eh! You may think it awkward. However, I am telling you it’s not disgusting, it is natural. I feel it natural when I have to cast over a long distance, I set the hook and when I feel I have to switch it I just do it. In my whole fishing career, I took advantage of both hands. So, there is a benefit of using both hands just try it.

Left or Right Hand Baitcaster

Sometimes it doesn’t matter which arm you are using. Or sometimes your power arm does a lot. For this reason, the manufacturers have built a left handed version with technical rods that gives you enough potential to hold the rod with your secondary hand. However, for the right version you have to consider the rod and reel’s size and hand position before you go shopping.

Again if you have started your casting with the left hand for spinning reels then use the same hand for baitcaster. Some anglers prefer the left hand for spinning reels and right one for baitcaster but according to my experience this is irrational especially for beginners. In my mind the concept is just meaningless. Besides, my team considers this wrong as well.

Surely, a left hand dominion angler can use left hand for baitcaster reel. In case if you have used spinning reels with the left hand then it will be sensible to use the same hand for baitcaster reels as a beginner. Otherwise, your grip on the rod and reel will not work properly. If you want casting like me then you need some practice as already said.

Still it is an argument that which reel is the best or with many advantages. If you ask me, famous brands like lew’s and shimano’s come with a left handed version as their reel position has many advantages with few backlashes. Besides, their reels are better for smooth casting.

Finally, if you have chosen your handedness indeed you will need some tips while buying then don’t wait continue reading.

Buying the best left or right handed baitcaster reel is an arduous task if you don’t have enough knowledge about baitcaster reel. Uh! Before you check out its price tag make sure it will deliver you the desired result that you want. So, wait there, don’t hurry, look at its performance only if you don’t have time.

Check out the left handed baitcaster because they are popular and thousands of baitcaster are available at the marketplace. However, you need to be cautious while choosing. It can be a complicated situation for you therefore, I have included a short list of the best left handed baitcaster that will be useful for you.

• Piscifun Chaos XS Round Baitcasting Reel
• KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
• KastKing MegaJaws Baitcasting Reels
• KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reels
• Piscifun Alijoz Baitcasting Reels
• Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel

Similarly for the right hand check out the performance. However, use only high-quality brands like lew’s, shimano’s or kastking that deliver better service and support.

• KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reels
• KastKing Royale Legend II Baitcasting Reels

Are you switching to baitcaster reel? Why not? Traditional reels like spinning reels use lighter lines for light lure. Spinning reels are needed for crappie fishing and for this you are required 6 or 8lbs fishing line. Boo! Tedious fishing. Um! Here is a rule of thumb for switching to baitcaster and what you need is a heavier line for saltwater spices. Baitcaster can manipulate the heavy wrestle and heavy fishes which traditional reel don’t. Hurry! Yeah, it will spice up your fishing.

Did you start fishing with a spinning reel? And now you want to jump to baitcaster reel. Oh! Now, tell me which hand is your power hand? If you are right handed like me then for the first time you must use a left-handed reel. Because, for your first experience it will be more appropriate. Besides, only you need to adjust your rod and hook.

Long casting distance is a reason you should switch to baitcasters. As per my experience spinning reel will not cast too far. Besides, you might be familiar with Bass fishing, for this you have to cast longer hence, I will suggest you a baitcaster for this. Indeed, baitcaster are felicitous for tournaments particularly when you need pinpoint accuracy. Therefore, I prefer baitcaster reel as they are precise for saltwater fishing.

As you guys know I use both hands and I use baitcaster reel and rod for bass fishing for accurate casting particularly when I have to cast for a longer distance. Though they are expensive yet, yield greater line capacity.

Work with your power hand… Hmm! It would be easier. It can speed up your casting. When you hold the rod with your dominant hand and reel with your second hand you will be able to throw out bait. Then naturally it will provide you more control for perfect fishing. So, your dominant arm is stronger and you can easily burn big fishes or it will be great for long casting distance. Here I have put a video now, you can easily learn the difference of both handed baitcasters.

Well, you can fish all day long with your power hand or you can reel in big fishes. Whether it is a pike or a bass it wouldn’t be a problem for you. Eh! I don’t care which hand is your dominant hand but if you use a power hand it will be 100% better. You can more easily set the hook than your non-dominant hand.

Indeed, low profile baitcasters provide only right handed versions thus you are forced to go for spinning reel. But no problem and my recommendation is if you have used your right hand for spinning reel trust me get a left hand for baitcaster if you have no option for your dominant hand. Because they are technical.

It is irrational to put too much pressure on your wrist consequently as a newbie it will be an exhausting experience for you. Here are some techniques.

Successful fishing solely depends on your grip. You should figure out the correct handedness for comfortable fishing.

For comfortable grip hold the reel properly behind the reel and put your thumb over the reel spool. Turn the rod, use your wrist and the reel hand must be pointed up. Now what you have to do is just press the reel spool and release the button it will assist you for longer casting. For the correct position to throw out the line, bend your casting arm.

Now, once you hold the reel and rod in the correct position and use your power hand to guide the line then you can easily control the cast.

Moreover, finding the balance point can help you to hold the rod in the right way. Usually, baitcasting rods are heavier at the handle position and lighter at tip and a few inches away from the end of your handle can be the perfect balancing point.

Setting drag is essential because it affects your casting style and the reel line. Besides, sometimes it affects your grip. Especially, when you are using a light line and without proper drag setting you can’t apply enough pressure to fight with a big fish. Therefore, in some cases with baitcaster it affects your hands.

Finally, learning the reel handedness is important when your target is a bass or a pike. Or if you are a newbie who hasn’t decided on the spices yet, then it is important first you should understand what kinds of fishes you want to catch. For example, largemouth bass, catfish or for others you have to find the hook and line for establishing correct balance with rod and reel.

For perfect casting with other adjustments, set the lure too. Tie multiple knots like fishers knot or classic knot. There are thousands of lures with different sizes and colors. Take one that works for you.

Firstly, for long casting distance with the left hand use both arms and make forceful efforts.

Secondly, for a right handed reel pull the rod towards your body. When you push the rod forward it will bend consequently, you can catch the lure faster. Also, the space between the tip of rod and the bait can cast longer with fast speed. Moreover, be sure to hang the lure about 2 or 3 feet. Sometime it happens you want to catch huge fishes and anxious about long casting but it’s not always important to fish for longer casting you can catch fishes that are in front of you or about at the distance of 20 feet.

Finally, for smooth longer casting use both hands or, use lubricants. Also pay your attention to the spool; it must rotate plane to avoid backlashes. This is only for baitcaster reel; you can’t use this technique with spinning reels.

Use a both handed baitcaster reel for your style. I have posted a picture above with both right and left handed baitcaster reels. Ha-ha! Don’t be surprised I am not an ambidextrous person. It is my way and I love using both hands. For this style you need accuracy and you have to practice with hook setting while transferring the left hand reel to the right hand. Finally, I encourage you to use your non-dominant hand as well. If you try it and keep practicing you will see its advantages. For perfection practice with your couch.

If you are here to find out how to switch your reel Okay. It doesn’t matter which hand is your dominion for better experience, use the side that is more comfortable for you. If you are preferring to hold your reel with your right hand then reel with your left hand. Or if you are left handed while reeling using the right hand. Eh! Don’t get confused, it just needs a little practice.

Here are a few tips for switching.

• Take a look for left hand
• Unbolt the dust cap on the right side of the baitcaster reel till it opens.
• Next, unscrew the handle on the left and turn it in a clockwise direction.
• After this turn the reel arm into the left side screw the dust cap tight. See—you switch it to left-handed!

Tired of casting with your left hand for changing it to right, remove the dust cap on the left side of your reel.

Now, turn the handle counter-clockwise. Fix the dust cap. Good Job! You have switched the reel to the right side.

You can also use these steps to spinning reels. But if you don’t want to switch just turn the rod over your left hand and crank the reel arm to your right hand.

Conclusion

A Baitcaster reel is an amazing tool for huge fishes. Over and again it has been proven great for saltwater fishing. Regardless of your experience regarding baitcaster reels, honestly you can figure out how to choose correctly handed baitcaster reel.

Fishing with the index finger on the trigger is another best way as it eases feathering the spool. Or while retrieving the bait if you hold the reel between other fingers, it would be amazing. Back in the 90’s when we used to fish there was only a left and right hand option for spinning or baitcaster reel. And we were forced to use the side that we don’t want. But today you have the opportunity to use a baitcaster reel for both hands so you can cast better and quicker. Indeed, choosing the proper hand side is a challenging task and if you are reluctant to choose this or that side just go for both handed versions.

Here are my recommendation for both hands:

• KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel
• SHIMANO SLX Baitcasting Reels
• RUNCL Spinning Reel Titan II, Fishing Reel
• Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels

The baitcaster reel is designed to catch big fishes. Maybe they are challenging for you but tell me what kind of reel you want to use? Which hand side is right for you? Tell us we can listen to you if you have any trouble. Leave a comment yup! It may help others.

Also see: Best Baitcasters Under $200