Today we're going to be talking about how to change a fishing reel from right to left-handed. If you've ever gotten a new fishing reel you probably about one that was already made for you.
However, some fishing reel manufacturers don't adhere to your fishing style. You may find that you will have to change the handle from one side to the other. This video and block will help you do that.
Right or Left Hand Retrieve
When you're choosing whether you want to use a right hand retrieve or a left hand retrieve you should think about what kind of fishing reel you are using.
Personally, when I use a spinning reel I use my left hand to retrieve and my right hand to hold the rod. My personal Abu Garcia baitcaster only has the handle on the left side.
I haven't learned how to cast with my left hand so I still cast with my right hand. Once the lure hits the water that's what I switch hands and hold the rod with my left hand and reel with my right hand.
Pflueger PressP30X President Spinning Reel
In general spinning reels make it very easy to change from left handed to right handed. However, they come left and many people choose to use their bait caster as right handed. It really just depends on the person.
You may think that I'm ambidextrous; however, that is not the case. I have simply adapted to my situation.
If I didn't want to do this I would find the proper fishing reel manufacturer with the setup that works best for my original casting position.
However, I would like you to know that being able to reel with your left hand and your right hand is a great skill.
Zebco Spincast Reel
Spincast reels have been right handed forever and continue to be right handed. I am not sure fishermen were allowed to be left handed until spinning reels came out.
Left Handed Fishing Rod and Reel
If you want a left-handed fishing rod and reel you only have to do a couple of things. Simply unscrew the knob on the opposite side of the handle. Then you remove the handle and the knob from the fishing reel.
Now you reverse their positions and screw them back in. Three easy steps.
If you look at the pictures below you will see an example of this happening. If you have any questions you can comment down below or write me an email and I'll be glad to help.
Right Handed Spinning Reel
If you want a right-handed fishing rod and reel you only have to do a couple of things. Simply unscrew the knob on the opposite side of the handle. Then you remove the handle and the knob from the fishing reel.
Now you reverse their positions and screw them back in. Three easy steps.
If you look at the pictures below you will see an example of this happening. If you have any questions you can comment down below or write me an email and I'll be glad to help.
Left Handed Spincast Reel
Just like baitcasters, spin-cast reels do happen to normally be on the left side. I haven't personally used spin-cast reels since I was young. I believe everybody remembers the Zebco Z33 I believe.
It's a fantastic spin-cast reel for people learning and for pretty much the rest of your life. I quickly moved to use spinning reels after this fact. I just like having more control.
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If you look at the examples above you will see that I use a spinning reel to showcase the switching of the handle. it's an extremely easy process and a short blog post is more than enough talk about it.
Can You Switch The Handle On A Baitcaster
An important question I came across was the fact that not all baitcasters are able to switch handles. If you remember my short conversation at the top of this blog post you will note that I had to adjust myself to learn in this new way.
There are some big casters that will allow you to switch sides. However, the brands that I use do not allow this.
In the last 50 + years it's become commonplace for baitcasters to be on one side of the fishing reel. I don't want to be the one to change fishing history.
Everything works fine just the way it is and you really don't have to do anything other than learning a new skill.
How To Change A Baitcaster Reel From Right To Left Handed
I did state that baitcaster reels do allow you to switch sides. I will say that I've only seen this on professional bass fishing tournaments.
these are high-quality performance bass baitcaster reels. I don't buy those anymore but in the future, I will just because I want more fishing stuff. I do remember it having a disability because everything revolved around the spindle.
Penn International Vis 2 Speed Reel
High performance reels such as the Penn International don't have to bother with variety because they know their customers. Trying to be fancy will just mess up their quality and they won't allow that.
Bigger, more powerful, higher quality, fishing reels like Abu Garcia and Penn don't go by this standard. They place their handles in one spot and make it the strongest and best real he could possibly have.
You simply don't need another one ever in your life if you take care of it.
If you run across one of these you will find it a process is very similar. the manufacturers’ life to make these things easier to do so that you don't mess up their products.
When you do this it's also a good time to lubricate and check your fishing reel for damage. Lots of junk can get in there overtime when you drop it in the mud or the water and it can start the mess with your components.
So do your yearly maintenance to maintain your fishing gear.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post and video has helped you learn how to change your fishing reel from left to right-handed or vice versa.
If you have any questions about this process or any other steps in using your fishing rod or fishing reel please go to our blog post page to learn more tips.
You can also go to our YouTube channel to see more great information on how to go fishing at work, fishing gear reviews and new fishing locations. if you find that you don't have enough time to go fishing let me introduce you to our new system called the everyday fishing system.
Has a very bold name but it is the truth. On this page will see a link to the system so you can check it out. Do me a favor and tell me what you think about it.