Left-Handed Baitcasting Reel Suggestions

[muskymuskymusky]

Snag i have owned a Curado for over 7 years and it still is in perfect shape. Changed the brakes once and oiled every year once. Hope this gives you an idea of how well they are made and that most likely you would get your moneys worth.

[topraider]

I own about 15 left handed reels, including the Curado, which I bought at fishing buddies. It just sits in my basement now, I hardly ever use it, I consider it to be a good bass reel, but I rarely fish for bass anymore.

By all means talk to Ed. But, if you can only afford one baitcaster, consider a ABU 5501 or a 6501. This allows you to cast larger baits for pike and muskie, and troll as well, since there is a fair amount of line capacity on those reels. A Curado might be too small if you need the line capacity. You can still use your spinning reels for lighter applications.

You can save $$$ by purchasing house brand copy-cat reels as well. I never bought one, but I'm not on a student budget either.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get good equipment, you might even keep your eyes open for used stuff that appears in the classified every so often.

You might even give the guy at reel to reel plus a call about particular models and whether they have a history of going on the fritz.

[glenn]

Snag, if I can throw my 2-cents in. You have recieved all kinds of advice from the board and it is all good advice but can also be very confusing advice. Not being sexist, you are a female and women generally have smaller hands. Go to a retailer who has a good selection of reels and put them on the rod your leaning to purchase. That way you can eliminate alot of reels based on how they feel in your grip. A certain pudgey fellow south of Ottawa carries a good selection and you can trust his judgement. As said buying quality hits up front but long term it's the best way to go. If the budget is thin this month wait awhile until you afford what you want. You won't be sorry in the long run. Spinnerbaits can also burn a reel out quicker than other styles of fishing, so buying a solid reel will save you some aggrevation this summer. glenn

[Hoser]

I can never get this right because I have one of each. Is left handed considered the arm you cast with or reel with?

[Canadian Bacon]

Left handed means you crank with your left....

[Snag]

Thanks guys. All your tips are greatly appreciated!

Topraider, this year I plan on buying two reels for sure. One of which will FOR SURE be an Abu Ambassadeur 5501 or 5601. Currently I'm bidding on a 5501 on Ebay. This will be used for muskie and pike..

The next, of course, will be a small size baitcaster for flippin'.

Glenn, I did think of that idea too but it's not that big of a handicap. I've used a baitcaster before and have played with them before and I never found it much of a problem. I used a 5601 for muskie in October, and it wasn't an issue.

[Sluggo]

Hey Snag,

If you are looking for a reasonably priced reel that is still tough and reliable don't count out the Bass Pro Shop's Extreme baitcast reel. I picked one up from Mike and Crystal at Baitcaster's last spring. It was used and abused all spring, summer and fall including 6 tournaments with no complaints at all. It casts a mile and has a great drag system. I will be adding another to my arsenal this year before bass opens.

Left hand models are ETX1000LPBHL (6.3:1) and ETX1000LPBSL (5.2:1)

[Snidley]

I use a CV-z Millionaire and find it's great for the hard pullers like Salmon and steelies. It would easily subdue any green fish. The Magforce v cast control is about as easy to toss as can be. I've had 2 curados and i got rid of them cause they don't hold up to strong fish. great for Bass/Pike though. Calcutta's and Calcutta TE are excellent also. Chronarch and chronarch SF's are also good reel that are great to learn on cause they are very forgiving (but not as forgiving as the CV-Z). If you learn how to cast well pick up a Morrum IVCB. I've got one of those and, with a tailwind and a Rocket shad on board I can fire out a 60 yard cast. I'm a lefty as well so all these are available to you. Whats with righthanded baitcasters anyway? Regards Snidley

[tallpaul]

Bit of an idea, not sure how many takers we'll get, but anyway... I'm wondering if we couldn't talk Ed into hosting/having a bit of an info session for people looking for a baitcaster for the first time. Sure we could all head down there on our own, but what fun is that?
Alright, so I admit it, it's a little self-serving since I'd need a ride there, but it's just a thought I had... something along the lines of his "The water's stiff and I can't go bass fishing club". Any takers (in particular, Ed)?

cheers,
tallpaul

[hawgwild]

Hi Snag,

My wife got 2 new baitcasting reels last year and she really likes them. The Quantum accurist 501PT. She has them a 6'6" quantum med hvy action HSX54 rod.

With that said though no matter which reel you get if you take of it and grease/oil them in the off season they should last you a long time.

Best of luck with your new reel.

Pete

[trexellunge]

For baitcasters, I only use left handed retrieve models. I like to set the hook with my stronger right arm (especially for muskies). I also only use round baitcast reels like the Shimano Cardiff CDF301A (left handed retrieve, 4 bb, 8.9 oz., holds 180 yds.\14 lb. test, and has a strong but fast
5.8:1 gear ratio, and goes for around $99.00). I also own a Quantum Iron (left handed, round baitcaster) which was purchased around 7 years ago, and have had excellent performance and no problems with it (the reel only cost me about $50.00 at the time, and it's still running strong after quite a few tackle smashing muskies). I never paid more than $100.00 for a baitcaster, and I've gotten good results.

[bass ackwards]

Ok before anybody says it , yes support the local guys.
Basspro Extreme 5.2:1 and 6.3:1 around $75.00 can you can have 2 decent reels for what you are planning to plunk down.
I also have a Shimano Chronarch, ABU Garcia Ambassadeur, and quantum 4.4:1 winch

[Snag]

Well I'm currently winning a bid for an Abu 5501 on ebay AND I'm buying a left handed Quantum off Jale6666. I can't wait to pick up the Quantum from Jale, and hopefully I'll get this 5501. Things are looking good!

I have been recommended by a few people to get the Bass Pro Extreme baitcaster and I think I might end up doing it (I believe I can get the combo off Ed for $150). But before I do that, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a Curado on ebay.

Thanks for the help guys! Now how about recommending me a rod for my Quantum Ex501. It's a flippin' stick so I'm thinking of going 7'... should I go MH or stick with M? I will be pitching in heavy cover so I was thinking MH unless someone suggests something else. I will definetly be going with a 1 piece... I have a 1 piece for my spinning rod and I love it!

[bass ackwards]

Definitly a one piece rod for the heavy stuff, I'm a lefty I like the extendable rods (collapses into the handle a foot or so) because I can adjust the position of the the guides in relation to the rod, again it maybe just a comfort thing. I'm not plugging Backwoods rods but I've been using one of their extendable MH 7-6 their a little pricey for starts $250 plus. I got a Bionic blade M 7-0 from BPS but have not tried it out yet, lots of guides (10) and a little different handle. going to use this for senkos. It 's hard to make a choice with all that there is out there. good luck

[Canadian Bacon]

One peice for sure!!!!!!!!!!!
7ft.....hmmmmm?????