I'd like to learn to use a baitcaster, but after 20 years of using spinning gear, I really want to stick with cranking with my left hand. Are there any good beginner baitcasting reels with the crank on the left that aren't too expensive?

Personally, I have taught myself to "crank" with both hands!

I am a righty but I use a lefty baitcaster, believe it or not there are quite a few of us who cast 'goofy' to borrow some hip x lingo....I use a Calcutta which is alot of reel $$ wise for a beginner.

I would suggest something like the Curado, if you buy the one with less line capacity you can keep the price to about $75. They make them in lefty, all of Shimano's lefty reels are ..01 models...

The friction drag allows you to adjust the reel so that is almost idiot proof if you'll pardon the expression, which is good if you haven't used baitcasters regularly.

Sorry I don't know a lot about alternate brands, I have been partial to the smooth drags of Shimano's and haven't shopped for much else in awhile.

I would definitely spend the money on a DECENT bait caster, especially if you're going to buy a new rod and everything, might as well do it right.. you know?

What are you going to be fishing for????

If you're planning on targeting coho, steelhead, or fish similar in size id go with a curado 201 by shimano.. this reel will run you about 119.

This was my first year using a bait caster and I can tell you I LOVE THE REEL… I was casting it with no problems after about 30 seconds. One thing though, make you use adjust the brakes until you get the hang of it. For casting Small weights id turn all the brakes on which will slow the spool (you wont backlash as easy) one downside of this is you wont cast as far.

If you're going to USE this reel a lot you might want to get the super free model, curado or chronarch.

Casey

Mostly fishing for bass, possibly some light saltwater duty.

Note, I am right handed, I just want a lefty reel because I'd rather keep the rod in my primary hand without having to switch hands with every cast. Plus I'm used to spinning reels, which universally have the handle on the left.

Do a search on left handed reels and you will find acouple of posts that have alot of good info.

Curado, casts like a dream!!!!

I've been throwing with an abu-garcia ambassador (left handed) for the last 4 or 5 years and haven't had a problem with it yet. Excellent design and it holds enough line that I don't have to respool it every 4 or 5 trips.

For the money I'd go with a 5501 Ambassader.If money isn't an issue I'd run with a curado or calcutta.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE
P.S. Are you fishin steelhead or salmon,this will
come into play with what size to get!!!!!!

I've got both the Curado free spool and several of the Abu-Garcia left hand models. I like both. They also make a less expensive Curado. In general I would say the Abu-Garcia reels are less expensive. Don't remember where you're from, but Outdoor Emporium in Seattle has good prices as does BigHook.com.

I would suggest the curado, best reel for money in my opinion. Next would be abu's.

STAY AWAY FROM QUANTUMS!!! Yeah, they're priced low, but there is a reason.......They are junk.

Aaron

The curado is a better casting reel than the abu, but from my experience the curado doesn't like salt water.

Ark,

Congrats on opening up to the other side.....

I'm here to tell youthat once you experience a level wind baitcaster you will NOT go back to the spinning gear. Sooooo, with that said, here is my 0.02 worth. Buy an Anbassador, 5001c, 4601C or such. The 001 indicates left hand. If you want to step up slightly buy a C4, high spped, blue, 4 ball bearings and just a sweet reel. I have 5001C's,that are 20 yrars old and fish great. My advice is to consider trying a good quality multi purpose reel first and then if in fact it works for you then step up to something higher quality. Shimano is great, I own many, but for multi purpose you can't beat a 5001Cor 6001c, also check e-bay. My guess is that once you convert you will be selling all you spin gear and re-tooling with levelwinds. Have fun with the process and enjoy the new experience. You will like it..........

Buy a Curado you can't beat those reels for the money!