Which hand to reel on a fly rig: I am right handed and have just been given a fly rig and the reel is set up to reel with the right hand. Should I go to the trouble to change/replace...

MStone Loc: Hayden Lake, Idaho

I am right handed and have just been given a fly rig and the reel is set up to reel with the right hand. Should I go to the trouble to change/replace it for a left hander or is it correct this way. I do use a bait-caster often so I don’t think it will be that difficult.
Thanks in advance,

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

There is no correct or incorrect way to do it. It's whatever is comfortable for you. In most fly fishing situations all the reel is doing is holding your line - landing the fish is primarily a combination of the rod and manipulation the line with your hand.

Captain Lahti Loc: Kennewick, WA

No right or wrong but I’m right handed, reel with my left hand when I need to get line back on the spool. I don’t like the idea of changing hands even with my level winds or spinning rods. It’s my strong arm and many fly fishermen recommend getting the line back on the reel as soon as practical. It’s probably most important with a bigger fish that can run to let your reel and whatever brake or drag or clicker it has to give the fish something to pull against than trying to manage that with your hand. I’d switch it over.

On the fly Loc: Saint George Island, FL

Depending on the reel, it shouldn’t be too difficult to change retrieve. Could probably Google how

dalebergs

It's pretty simple, just turn your reel around. You will have to pull all of your line and backing out and rewind it, but it's no big deal. I use the strength of my right arm to play my fish, as I'm right handed. I reel with the left. Do keep your line on the reel, and not in the water though, as it's tough to run down the bank with loose loops on the water.

MStone Loc: Hayden Lake, Idaho

dalebergs wrote:

It's pretty simple, just turn your reel around. You will have to pull all of your line and backing out and rewind it, but it's no big deal. I use the strength of my right arm to play my fish, as I'm right handed. I reel with the left. Do keep your line on the reel, and not in the water though, as it's tough to run down the bank with loose loops on the water.

That’s what I thought! As far as I can tell, the reel works the same either way and it makes sense to me to hold the pole with the right and reel with the left and not change hands.

Thanks everyone for your comments...this is a great group to be part of!