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Baitcaster Left or Right Handed? How to Choose the Best Fit for You

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When choosing a baitcasting reel, one vital consideration among anglers is whether to go with the right or left-handed models. This is essential as the spinning reels of the two models are usually on opposite sides, so when switching to a baitcaster, you have to switch styles or relearn to reel in with your dominant hand. Factors that you can consider before choosing a baitcaster include maintenance, experience, spool size, and comfort.

It is the same case for left-handed models. Choosing the right-hand orientation for a baitcasting reel will help you cast accurately, effectively, fast, and comfortably. The options available for right-handed and left-handed baitcasting reels include 13 Fishing Concept, abu Garcia Revo rocket, Shimano curado DC, Daiwa coastal TW, and Abu Garcia Max Pro, among many others.

The Potential Advantages of Using a Baitcasting Reel with Your Non-dominant Hand

Below are some advantages of using a baitcasting reel with your non-dominant hand.

There is no need to switch hands when casting and fighting fish.

It is much easier to reel with your non-dominant hand.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Right-Handed or Left-Handed Baitcasting Reel

Here are some factors you can consider when choosing a left or right-handed baitcasting reel.

The Fit Comfort of the Reel in Your Hand

No matter what you choose, always remember that comfort is critical. Don’t choose a baitcasting reel that is uncomfortable in your hands and you want effectiveness.

A more comfortable grasp and appropriately balanced reel and rod will increase accuracy, especially when you have cast for a longer duration in a single outing.

When doing your research, always try out various fishing reels and test things like thumb latches, a reel handle, tensioners, and drag settings, among other features.

You can get a baitcasting reel anywhere you want but always ensure you buy at a vast outdoor store with more different models for you to choose from. It will help you get a comfortable one and settle for the best.

If you are left-handed, a left-handed baitcasting reel will suit you, and vice versa.

The Availability and Price of Right-Handed vs. Left-Handed Reels

Price is quite essential when choosing any reel. You wouldn’t want to spend more and get an ineffective reel.

When looking for one, you will notice that a spinning reel is cheaper than a right-handed or left-handed baitcasting reel. However, baitcasting reels are more effective, high quality, and accurate.

If you are an angler who fishes regularly, then baitcasting reels will be a great option. You will spend more but get value for your money. That will be a long-term investment.

The Durability of the Right-Handed or Left-Handed Baitcasting Reel

If you are looking for a durable right-handed or left-handed fishing reel, then a baitcaster is the best option. It has a more complex design making it stable, accurate, and durable.

It is long-lasting and does not break or wear out quickly. There are a variety of baitcasters to choose from in terms of durability. You will get them when you shop around.

The Maintenance You Need to Do

Before you choose baitcasting reels, you should know how much maintenance the fishing reel will need. Luckily, with a baitcaster reel, you won’t use much time to maintain it.

You have to disassemble it and use an appropriate solution to clean it. From there, you have to grease the gear teeth, then oil the bearing, and you will be good to go.

Your Experience When It Comes to Baitcasting Reels

A right-handed or left-handed reel usually requires some experience for outstanding results. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with spinning reels and then slowly progress to a baitcasting reel.

This is because you take a lot of time to set up the right-hand baitcasters for casting fish which many new anglers need to become more familiar with. If you are a beginner, you will have to train so that casting won’t be a problem.

Lure and Line Choice of the Reel

Line and lure are also essential when choosing a baitcaster. If you select lines that are approximately 10 pounds, then a spinning reel will be the best choice for you. You will acquire the necessary flexibility to stop the line from breaking.

On the other hand, a heavier lure or line will be ideal for a baitcasting reel. This reel gives a greater level of control for both right-handed and left-handed individuals compared to other reels. If you are still getting familiar with spinning reels and baitcaster reels, you may miss out when buying lures and lines.

 So to help you: Left or right-handed baitcaster mainly utilizes a spool perpendicular to the rod. On the other hand, spinning reels come with a spool that is in line with your rod. So, make your choice well.

Accuracy of the Left or Right-Handed Baitcasters

Accuracy is the key when casting using right or left-handed baitcasters. A good baitcasting reel should be accurate so that when you aim for a spot or cast farther, you can hit it perfectly every time. Although you will have to do lots of practice, you will finally learn and do it perfectly.

Gear Ratio of Right-Handed and Left-Handed Baitcasting Reels

The gear ratio is when your spool turns over while circulating the handle. It is a crucial factor in baitcasters as they show how quickly the chum can be retrieved before you switch hands. So every time you look for a baitcasting reel or any spinning reel, you will find a variety of gear ratios to choose from.

The best thing you can do when choosing gear ratios is to know the lure type you will be using for these left and right-handed reel models. For larger driving crankbaits and spinnerbaits, you must select a lower proportion of 3;1. For jigs and soft plastics, use 5:1. Then, when chum needs fast action, you use a 7:1 gear ratio.

Spool Size

Knowing the spool size will depend on the target you will be chasing when casting. If you are fishing for much big and heavier fish, you will require a firmer line with a solid spool to hold that line. The thing is that the larger the spool, the larger the fish.

Other additional things to consider when choosing the right or left-handed version of baitcasting reels include the following:

1. Frames

You find them made in graphite or aluminum for right or left-handed baitcasting reels. It is usually advisable to use an aluminum frame since it can withstand extreme conditions.

2. Ball Bearings

Many top-of-the-cord reels don’t require excess bearings. Please do not go for cheap bearings, as they will be low quality. Look for shielded ones, sealed or double-shielded bearings.

3. Reel Handle

Soft rubber knobs function efficiently for baitcaster reel handles compared to others.

4. Line Guides

They are usually manufactured from ceramic or titanic. The best for left or right-handed baitcaster is usually the one manufactured from titanium, but you can also choose the one that works best for you.

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Tips for Using a Baitcasting Reel with Your Non-Dominant Hand

Below we provide techniques for improving your casting skills with your non-dominant hand using right and left-handed versions of baitcasting reels. Take a look.

Set Your Baitcasting Reels for Distance

Since you are using your non-dominant hand, you will have to ensure that your baitcasting reels are tuned well so that you don’t strain while casting.

You will have to clean the factory grease from your reel, then replace it using a light oil. Then check your ball bearings above which the spool rotates.

In the case of spinning reels, thin lines work best than thicker ones since you are using your non-dominant hand. You will have to re-spool with a smaller diameter that is greater enough for the fish you are targeting.

A longer fishing line may be challenging, so use a medium one. You can use a 6-foot baitcaster rod to make your lures travel faster and farther.

Use the Right Casting Technique with Your Non-Dominant Hand

The correct technique for casting with your baitcaster will help you achieve much when casting, even during saltwater fishing. Instead of using a short stroke, move back farther with your fishing cord.

Then with your two arms and shoulders, to increase strength, use your non-dominant hand to pull the rod towards your body. Your dominant hand will help you push the rod forward.

As a result, it will make the rod bend more and transfer your chum quickly. Some anglers usually make the mistake of making an unplanned swipe when casting, which kills the cast. But with this technique, you will cast accurately regardless of the hand you will be using.

Here are additional strategies for dealing with the challenges of using a baitcasting reel with your non-dominant hand.

Enhance Your Casting Motion

As always, practice leads to perfection. Always try various angles while casting. Additionally, enhance your target even with your non-dominant hand. Start by learning how to cast using a shorter motion to have tighter casts, even when casting in confined spaces. With time, you will cast larger fish.

Try not to Overcast

As an angler, you need to understand that to cast farther does not mean forcing the rod forward, but it implies fluid motion.

Even with your non-dominant hand, if you apply the correct technique and a fluid casting motion, your fishing rod will freely load up and transfer the bait to the water so that you cast farther.

Try to Control Your Spool to the Required Settings and Practice More

Eventually, anglers will cast more, even to a long distance, with their non-dominant hands.

Match Your Line and Chum Weight to the Rod Action

Don’t use a lightweight chum on a heavy rod. It will be a challenge for you to cast. Use a good base of 12Lb fluorocarbon or monofilament line. This line size is the best for throwing more bass chum.

Conclusion

Whether using left-handed or right-handed reels, knowing the proper technique is the key to a successful casting process. As an angler, the best fit for you is the one you are comfortable with, has low maintenance, and has experience handling.

Choosing the right-hand orientation for a baitcasting reel will help you cast efficiently and accurately and give outstanding results. Remember to invest in the right baitcaster since it’s your fishing partner.

Diana Nadim
Fishing Expert
Diana began fishing at the age of seven, as it has been a long-time family tradition. From catching small bullheads to catching strippers on the backwaters of Bighorn, she loves to get out in the wild and have a marvelous day on the water. Her dad was an expert angler, and he taught her fishing along with her two siblings. They used to go to the Bighorn River in Montana and Henry’s fork, Idaho. As a pragmatic person, she is obsessed with creating well-researched and practical guides and reviews of the best fishing methods and gear.
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