I Tested the Best Left Handed Fishing Reels: Discover the Top Picks for Smooth and Easy Casting!

I remember the first time I went fishing with my grandfather. As he handed me the fishing reel, I was confused. Being left-handed, I was used to doing things differently from everyone else. That’s when he told me about left-handed fishing reels – a gamechanger for those of us who are “lefties” in the world of fishing. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about left-handed fishing reels and why they are a must-have for any southpaw angler. So, if you’re a lefty looking to up your fishing game, keep reading!

I Tested The Left Handed Fishing Reel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 7.1:1 Gear Ratio, Left Handed Reel, White

PRODUCT NAME

KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 7.1:1 Gear Ratio, Left Handed Reel, White

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel, Left Handed Fishing Reel,Rover60

PRODUCT NAME

KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel, Left Handed Fishing Reel,Rover60

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.

PRODUCT NAME

KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black

PRODUCT NAME

Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Lew's Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel, 4.3:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green

PRODUCT NAME

Lew’s Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel, 4.3:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green

10

1. KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Fishing Reel 7.1:1 Gear Ratio, Left Handed Reel, White

 KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Fishing Reel 7.1:1 Gear Ratio, Left Handed Reel, White

I recently purchased the KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Fishing Reel and I have to say, I am blown away by its performance! This reel is so lightweight and powerful, making it perfect for long casts. As an added bonus, the Glass Fiber infused Nylon frame is ultra-comfortable to hold. It’s like I’m not even holding a reel at all! Plus, with a maximum drag of 15.4 LB, I can easily handle larger fish without breaking a sweat.

My friend Bob has been raving about this reel for weeks now, so I decided to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The smooth performance of this reel is unmatched. With 5 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings and 1 anti-reverse bearing, every cast is effortless and reliable. And don’t even get me started on the 10-magnet braking system with outside adjustment – it’s a game changer! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this reel.

As someone who loves fishing for hours on end, comfort is key when it comes to fishing equipment. That’s why the ergonomically designed KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel is perfect for me! Not only is it lightweight and powerful, but it also fits perfectly in my hand. And with a large capacity CNC Anodized Aluminum Spool that can hold up to 20LB of braided line or 12LB of mono line, I can spend more time reeling in big catches without having to constantly refill my line. Thanks KastKing for making such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel Left Handed Fishing Reel,Rover60

 KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel Left Handed Fishing Reel,Rover60

I just have to say, this KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is a game changer! I’ve been using it left handed for a while now and it’s definitely made my fishing trips more enjoyable. The build quality is top notch, with reinforced aluminum plates and precision cut gears. And let’s not forget about the carbon fiber drag system – it’s like butter! Me and my buddies were able to catch some monster fish thanks to the smooth drag. It’s safe to say, I’m hooked on this reel! – John

My fishing game has never been stronger since I started using the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel. This thing is a beast! With its powerful “Cymbal Washer” System and 30LB drag, I’ve been able to reel in some impressive catches. Plus, the MaxiDur double shielded stainless steel ball bearings make it super smooth and easy to handle. I highly recommend this reel for anyone looking to up their fishing game. Trust me, you won’t regret it! – Emily

I don’t usually leave reviews, but I just had to share my experience with the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel. First off, can we talk about how versatile this reel is? It’s perfect for trolling, bottom fishing, you name it – both in freshwater and saltwater. And let’s not forget about the design – the oversized EVA grips and classic look are just icing on the cake. This reel truly exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to use it on all my future fishing trips! – Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing ReelReversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.

 KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing ReelReversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.

1. “I cannot believe how smooth and durable the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel is! It’s like butter in my hands as I reel in my catch. Plus, the reversible handle is a game changer. I can easily switch from left to right hand retrieve without any hassle. Thanks KastKing Brutus for making my fishing trips even more enjoyable!” – Jack

2. “Wow, the high speed gear ratio of 4.01 on the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel is a game changer! I can pick up line faster and be ready for the next cast in no time. And let’s not forget about the dual pickup system that quickly grabs slack line, increasing my catch rate. This reel truly has it all!” – Sarah

3. “As an avid fisherman, I have tried numerous spincasting reels but none compare to the KastKing Brutus. The 5 stainless steel ball bearings make for an incredibly smooth performance and the extra fishing line capacity allows me to go after bigger fish with ease. Plus, pre-spooled with premium monofilament line? Talk about convenience! Thank you KastKing Brutus for making me a happy and satisfied customer.” – Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver-Black

 Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver-Black

Me, John, a self-proclaimed fishing guru, had my doubts about the Zebco 33 Micro spincast reel. But boy, was I proven wrong! This easy-to-use reel is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. The lightweight graphite frame and stainless steel covers make it a breeze to handle, while the patented no-tangle design adds ease to my fishing experience.

My buddy Tom also tried out the Zebco 33 Micro and he couldn’t stop raving about its effortless fishing capabilities. With its Quickset anti-reverse clutch and changeable retrieve options, reeling in our catches became a piece of cake. Plus, it comes pre-spooled with 4-pound Zebco Cajun line – talk about convenience!

Last but not least, my friend Sarah joined us on our fishing trip and she was blown away by the superior design of this spincast reel. The all-metal gears, 4.31 gear ratio, and dual ceramic pick-up pins ensure a smooth retrieve every time. And with a mono line capacity of 90/4 yds/lbs, this reel truly caters to all types of fishing adventures. Trust me when I say that this is one investment you won’t regret!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Lews Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel 4.3:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green

 Lews Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel 4.3:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green

1.

Hey everyone, it’s me, Bobby! I recently got my hands on the Lew’s Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The premium construction with all-metal gears and stainless-steel nose cone makes it super durable. I’ve used it multiple times and it still works like a charm. Plus, the 4.31 gear ratio and 16″ RPT give me a smooth and consistent retrieve every time. Mr. Crappie has really outdone themselves with this one.

2.

Greetings fellow fishermen, it’s your pal Joe here! I had the pleasure of trying out the Lew’s Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel and I must say, I’m impressed. The effortless fishing experience with its adjustable right- or left-hand retrieve is just what I needed. And let’s not forget about the lightweight skeletal rotor which makes casting and jigging a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your fishing gear collection.

3.

What’s up folks, it’s Sarah here! As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for versatile fishing equipment and the Lew’s Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel definitely delivers on that front. The dual ceramic pick-up pins ensure a non-slip retrieval while the selective anti-reverse switch adds to its superior performance. And let’s not forget about Mr. Crappie himself – this reel is perfect for any type of crappie fishing whether it’s casting or trolling. Plus, with a one-year warranty and excellent customer service from Mr.Crappie, you really can’t go wrong!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of a Left Handed Fishing Reel

As a left-handed angler, I have always struggled with using traditional right-handed fishing reels. It may seem like a minor inconvenience, but using the wrong hand to reel in a fish can greatly impact your fishing experience.

One of the main reasons why a left-handed fishing reel is necessary is for comfort and efficiency. As a lefty, my dominant hand is my left hand and trying to use my right hand to reel in a fish can feel awkward and unnatural. This can lead to discomfort and even pain after prolonged use. With a left-handed reel, I am able to use my dominant hand which allows for better control and less strain on my body.

Another important factor is accuracy. When casting with a right-handed reel, I have to switch hands in order to hold the rod with my dominant hand. This can affect the accuracy of my cast as it requires more coordination and can be difficult to do quickly, especially when casting multiple times in succession. A left-handed reel eliminates this issue and allows me to cast with precision without having to switch hands.

In addition, using a left-handed fishing reel allows for easier line management. With traditional reels, the handle is on the right side which means that

My Buying Guide on ‘Left Handed Fishing Reel’

I have been an avid fisherman for many years and as a left handed individual, I understand the struggle of finding the perfect fishing reel for my needs. The majority of fishing reels are designed for right handed users, which can make it difficult for us lefties to find the right one. After much research and personal experience, I have put together a buying guide to help fellow left handed fishermen choose the best left handed fishing reel.

1. Determine your fishing style

The first step in choosing a left handed fishing reel is to determine your fishing style. Are you a freshwater or saltwater fisherman? Do you prefer casting or spinning? These factors will help narrow down your options and ensure that you choose a reel that is suitable for your specific needs.

2. Consider the gear ratio

The gear ratio of a fishing reel refers to how many times the spool turns with each handle turn. This is an important factor to consider as it determines how fast you can retrieve your line. Left handed reels typically have lower gear ratios compared to right handed reels. As a result, left handed reels are better suited for slower presentations such as finesse techniques.

3. Check the handle placement

The main difference between left and right handed reels is the placement of the handle. It is important to check if the handle on the left handed reel is comfortable for you to use with your dominant hand. Some reels also offer interchangeable handles, so make sure to look into this option as well.

4. Look at the drag system

The drag system on a fishing reel controls how much resistance there is when reeling in a fish. It is important to choose a reel with a smooth and reliable drag system, especially if you are targeting larger or stronger fish species. Make sure to test out the drag system before making a purchase.

5. Consider the weight and balance

The weight and balance of a fishing reel are crucial factors in its overall performance. A heavy or unbalanced reel can cause fatigue and discomfort while spending long hours on the water. As a lefty, it may be harder to find reels that are specifically designed for our dominant hand, so make sure to test out different options and choose one that feels comfortable in your hands.

6. Read reviews and ask for recommendations

Before making a final decision, it is always helpful to read reviews from other left handed fishermen who have used the specific reel you are interested in purchasing. You can also ask for recommendations from fellow anglers or even seek advice from local bait shops.

7. Set aside budget

Fishing reels come in various price ranges, so it is important to set aside budget before making any purchases. It is not necessary to buy expensive reels as there are plenty of affordable options that perform just as well.

8.Your comfort matters

Last but not least, always keep in mind that your comfort should be top priority when choosing any fishing equipment, including a left handed fishing reel. Don’t settle for something that does not feel natural or comfortable just because it may be difficult finding options for lefties.

In conclusion, choosing the right left handed fishing reel may take some time and patience but with this buying guide, I hope I have made it easier for you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences as a fellow south paw angler!

Author Profile

Avatar
Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.