[614512]

This may be a dumb question. I am right handed. I have a baitcaster with the retrieve handle on the right. I come from a spinning/conventional past. Now, when I cast the baitcaster, with my right hand, controlling the spool, I have to do a quik shuffle to get the crank into my right hand.

Wouldn't it be easier to have the crank on the left? This would leave me with the rod in my right hand, which is more comfortable, and the crank in my left hand. Seems better to me. A sponsored freshwater bass fisherman confirmed this for me. Did I buy the wrong reel?

Any thoughts from you guys would be very helpful.

...mocean

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

Mocean, I posted a similar topic a few months back. Basically, I learned that the reason most conventionals are righthanded is because originally, the handles were attached directly to the spool and you needed the strong hand to be able to reel. Now it is kind of obsolete, but tradition is influencing reels today. Whenever possible, I buy left hand conventional reels. Shimano is making one, Calcutta TE, that is big bucks. Penn unfortunately isn't, and my requests to them to develop one have not been well recieved. (this only applies to the 930, 940, 955, 965 and 975) Penn makes a 321 GTI that is lefthanded. The reel manufacturers lurk here though (I have sent them the threads before), if you want it, post it, and maybe they will get the message.

 

[614512]

~~~

Thanks Doughboy,

I have a Shimano Corsair 400A, spooled with 20# power pro. Only used it twice so far. I think they make it in a left handed version. (gotta check) I'm happy with the reel in general. Its only $80 new. Maybe I'll try the left hand model, and my current new one will end up in the 4sale forum. (Cant afford a Calcutta right now, but that would be my 1st choice!)

A right-handed big conventional reel for heavy/stand-up gear is great, but not on a small or medium size baitcaster. On stand-up, the rod in the left hand is better because you have better leverage and control from the belt. I like working a medium rod with my right hand, cranking with the left. It just feels good and right.

Hey Reel manufacturers ...build it and they will come. I personally think you have it backwards. It seems common sense to me.

...mocean

 

[gottog]

I'm right handed as well and always wondered about that. I tried using left handed retrieve conventionals and they seemed pretty comfortable as well, spinners-well that just isn't right . I just am so used to sticking the conventional rod under my left arm and reeling with the right...also I can easily adjust the drag with my right hand, might be a lil slower at that with the left.

 

[Strike1]

Nice to know I am not the only one!!!

I have a couple of Corsairs that crank lefty. I prefer to pull on the pole with my stronger right arm.

The Corsairs that end in 1 are the left handed cranks (201, 301, 401). Great value. Strong at a decent price.

 

[614512]

~~~~

Thanks all, thanks Strike,

401, here I come. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. Whats another $80?

Now do I get another rod for the 400, right handed? Let my GF use it? She doesn't need to cast. Then I'll get a bigger boat with more rod holders. Then I'll be able to run farther. Then, I'll need bigger rods, reels. More gas. Insurance. Real electronics. Might as well go offshore now. Outriggers, a mile of rope, gaffs, tailropes, epirb, liferaft. Big cool lures. Buckets of chum, flats of bait. With all the equipment invested, I might as well get a bigger boat...

This is my fate isn't it?

...mocean

 

[Strike1]

Again, nice to know that I am not the only one!!!

I actually have a couple of rods with each type of reel. I like to crank left handed, my brother likes right handed.

As for the girlfriend, I can't help you. I tried every combination possible for my wife, but she just didn't have the arm/hand strength to not be spaztic trying to bring in a fish. Uprights, conventionals, short poles, long poles, long butts, short butts, made no different. I almost considered a drop line.

 

[flywhaler]

"spinners-well that just isn't right"

gotog...what do you mean?

 

[622273]

GF

The GF will be fine. We had her hooked up to a 45# albacore on the troll..she had a little trouble as we showed her how to bring him in. Next hit was a 5 knockdown, no one to help her - she got it in as well as the rest of us. Did OK on a 150# mako as well. She's not bad for a little thing. The BIG problem is getting a fish on her line on a regular basis. She likes catching more than fishing!

...mocean

 

[615342]

If I would have known....

I wish I would have known lastnight when you were on my boat, I have a 401A on the boat. I dont use it, I would have lent it to you, just loaded it up w/ powerpro too. The only downfall with the corsair's is the plastic drag the good thing is the Shimano warrantee.