I'm right-handed, but I cut my teeth learning to fish for largemouth bass, so I always used the traditional bass reel: baitcaster with the right-hand crank. As such, I learned to set a mean hook with my weaker, more uncoordinated left arm. All the while, I was learning to use fly reels and spinning reels with left cranks -- which felt a lot more natural to me.

So when I started fishing for steelhead, it seemed like the best choice would be a baitcaster with a LEFT crank, which -- as stated by many -- allows you to hold the rod, follow your drift and set the hook with your right hand. Definitely seems like the best way to go if you're right-handed.