Getting into a bait caster setup for the first time...

[Splaker]

And have been looking at the Abu Garcia Pro Max. I am a righty and I've never given this much thought as I have always gone with a right-hand retrieve spinning setup, but given that bait casters require a bit more "finesse" would I be better off with a left-hand retrieve when going with a bait caster? Just thinking that given that my right is the stronger side, would that be an advantage if casting all day?

[tom gobble]

Strongest arm always holds the rod.

[dean.f]

I always cast right hand then switch for retrieve, not sure if that's the norm but it's most comfortable for me.

[Deer Hunter]

I always cast right hand then switch for retrieve, not sure if that's the norm but it's most comfortable for me.

x2, might not be pretty, but been working for me a long time.

[Frenchie]

I am right handed so I cast with the rod in my right hand. I used to switch over and reel with my right but have since changed it up and cast right and reel with the left. I am so used to it now that it feels awkward to even try reeling with my right hand anymore. All my baitcasters are left hand reels and I have also changed over my spinning reels to the left side. I find it is far more comfortable and faster than having to switch over. Take the time to practice with your first baitcaster in the backyard over the winter to become good at casting. It took me a while to get the hang of it. I ended up watching a pile of you tube videos to learn how to use mine.

[Bo D]

Before you buy a bait cast reel, go to a store and try either a left hand and a right hand retrieve reel to see which one is more comfortable. Try to reel fast with both that you try. I'd say better than 80% of the people that use a level wind reel that are right handed will cast with their right hand, and retrieve with their right hand as well.

Yet most guys that are right handed and fish with a spinning outfit will cast with their right and retrieve with there left. Reason being the overall circumference of the handle on a spinning reel is greater than that on a bait cast reel making it easier to pick up line quickly if needed...

If you plan on fishing with 8 lb test or less, stick with a spinning outfit. A level wind reel is like a mini winch, designed to be used with heavier line to get fish up and out of heavy cover... You may have heard the expression " Birds Nest " well get use to it if you intend on using the lighter diameter lines...

Best of luck if you do tend to make the switch, practice and patience... Any questions feel free to pm me...

[Garfisher]

If you plan on fishing with 8 lb test or less, stick with a spinning outfit. A level wind reel is like a mini winch, designed to be used with heavier line to get fish up and out of heavy cover... You may have heard the expression " Birds Nest " well get use to it if you intend on using the lighter diameter lines...

You can totally fish with line that's <8lb dia., that's basically the whole premise of BFS over in Japan haha (that's starting to catch in North America but still has a very limited following). That being said you definitely need to have the brakes adjusted pretty well and a good reel, otherwise there will definitely be backlash issues as you elude to

[sawbill]

I always cast right hand then switch for retrieve, not sure if that's the norm but it's most comfortable for me.

Seems there's more of us around than I ever imagined. I'm a lefty, cast left handed then switch over and retrieve left. That's with my spinning rigs. Its become so effortless over the years that I don't even know I'm doing it.

[Splaker]

Interesting responses... I double checked my spinning rods... I definitely cast right, but retrieve with my left... some of you are saying stick with that, while Bo D is suggesting I cast right and retrieve right... which would require me to switch the rod to my left arm.. hmmm.. gonna have to think about this now! Problem is, I can't go into a store now! Hopefully this bloody lockdown ends by the spring...

[Splaker]

By the way, what do you guys recommend for a decent intro/beginner BC that I will get some good years out of? I'd like to spend no more than $100 on the reel. I am thinking about the Uglystik Elite for a rod, which is $70, and I've heard good things about them.. what would you match it with for under $100? I keep seeing something called a Piscafin on Amazon that is their choice and gets really good reviews, for what that's worth...