Left-Hand Retrieve

[chex]

I'm puzzled as to why there aren't more left-hand retrieve reels on the market. To me (a right-handed guy) the left-hand retrieve is more natural. I cast with my right hand, so having to put the rod in my left hand in order to start reeling is an extra step. Also, with a fish on, I prefer to hold and pull the rod with my strong right hand, rather than the left.

I was happy to find my Shimano Calcutta 201B left-hand retrieve. Very nice little reel. For bigger reels, the choices are slim... a few Penn reels. I ended up getting a Tekota 600... nice reel too, but doesn't come in lefty. I'll just have to get used to it I guess.

[Foursteps24]

You make a great point because but I only have spinning reels so I dont have that problem. I have had people tell me how can I use it with a left hand retrieve but to me it makes sense just like you mentioned. Maybe its because when my dad took me fishing for the first time when I was 8 that was my set up and never switched. I feel in more control with my dominent hand on the rod and not the reel. When Ive gonna on Striper charters it has been very awkward reeling with my right

[Southerly]

i'm pretty new to the lo-profile baitcasters but for drifting/jigging and stripping line to stay at bottom; training one thumb (right hand) to do the release and spool makes sense to me. so i use LH for lo-profile BC, RH for everything else.

[DOGFISH]

I know, I like the left hand reels myself. I have two Calcutta TEs, one in left hand and one in right hand, for each side of the kayak. I use them while trolling from the kayak. It makes it nice while trolling and reeling in a fish. I have always used Shimano low profile baitcasters in left hand retrieve. Except for two Penn International baitcasters, 975 with lever drag, all of my reels are Shimano. Although, that may change next year. Some of their newly designed reels just have not caught my eye. I will need several new reels for next year.