Left Hand or Right Hand Retrieve?

[Dave Sikorski]

I all of my reels set up for a left hand retrieve. I guess it's just how I started as a kid with a spinning reel.

I know the general rule is to use your dominant hand for species where you'll need to reel fast.....specifically Pelagics.

I know I couldn't have handled the big fish I've caught on trolling tackle had they been LHR, but with a fly I seem to do just fine with the left.

What works for you?

-D

[gottaflylee]

I'm a lefty, cast with my left and reel with my right. This way I have the most lifting power. I also like the fact that I don't have to change hands after I make my cast with a fly rod.
Can't deal with a right handed spinning reel...need the handle on the left but a baitcaster has to be on the right.

I guess thats makes me amphibious.

[sandyharley]

I use a left hand retrieve.I always have to go into my new reels and, switch them around before I put line on them .

[Tenacious]

Depends on how many fish we catch I start off reeling w/ my right , but usually when we have to weed thru some smaller ones I will usually switch. I must be a pussy

[flies only]

sikorsk, i am with you . i cast right reel with my left. even doing the offshore thing cranking a trolling reel feels wierd. several yrs ago was on brian horsleys boat and tried one of his rods. was reeling right handed for the albies. after one i could not tkae it. went back to my left reel . i guess all that masturbating with both hands has finally paid off.

[ONE MORE CAST]

I to am right handed and reel left handed. Cast with my right and reel left. Any reels out there comparable to a 50 penn international that are left hand retrieve?

[sandyharley]

I only have my fly rod's and, spinning rod's set up with a left hand retrieve.All my heavy reels are rite hand retrieve

[CapeMayRay]

I am right handed. Cast with my right and reel with my left. It feels natural. I have tried the other way and I hate it. Can't get a good feel and hate to have to change hands to reel. All the big time experts say it should be the other way, but I will never change.

[FASTWATER]

I have taught myself to use both so when my arm gets tired of playing fish I can switch arms!!!PEACE

[gottaflylee]

In my way of thinking sounds like most of us are doing it correctly. Lefty says we need to reel with our dominate hand. I other words if you are right handed, reel right handed. I don't agree with him on this. I want my guys to fight the fish with their dominate hand. I feel that you don't tired as fast fighting- lifting a fish with your dominate hand...now can you reel as fast with your "weaker" hand???