Though I fell I’m fairly comfortable with a level wind, I did enjoy the article. I do have a general question about using a level wind real. I grew up with a spinning real and made the crossover several years ago. Right handed folks cast a spinning real with their right hand and then retrieve with their left. That has always felt natural to me, so when I made the switch to a level wind I took my first reel back and swapped it for a left handed model so I would be back to casting with the right hand and retrieving with the left.
I see everyone else using just the opposite, they cast the level wind with their right hand then switch the rod over to their left hand and crank with their right hand. Why all the rod switching? I do just fine keeping my rod in my right hand at all times. The thumb angle is a little off because all the left crank level winds are intended to be cast with the left hand, but it is not a significant problem. So, why all the switcharooing? Cast & switch hands, retrieve then switch again over and over and over.
Terry Morrison
Holly Springs, MS
Dear Terry:
Thank you for your comments regarding the series I'm currently doing on casting for Inside Line. They are appreciated.
I agree that using using a rod and level wind reel the way you do makes nothing but good sense. I often fish that way myself. Not as much as I once did because I had major wrist surgery a few years ago and I've had to make a few changes in what I do here and there.
I do want a share a quick thought with you. I prefer not to limit myself to using just one arm for all of my casting. If you read Part 1 of my series you'll recall I mentioned my having been around for awhile. My wrists tend to tire if I continue to stick to continuous casting from either the right or left side in a long day on the water.
I've developed a technique to cast left handed while using a level wind reel with handles on the right side. If I can get Heidi's approval, I'll likely detail the procedure in a future column. It really works well. And, as you've mentioned, it doesn't require shifting the rod from one hand to other. I now do a great deal of my fishing using procedure.
I'm a right hander but the casting method I'm talking about can be used by anyone who chooses to do a bit of practice to feel comfortable with the technique. There are also certain lures where I much prefer to do the manipulations required to get them to produce while holding my rod in my left hand.
Personal preference plays a major role in determining how any of us wind up using our gear. And that's as it should be. But, and it's important, how the heck are you gonna know if the approach someone else works for you unless you've given it a fair trial? Keep your eye on my future Inside Line columns. I think you'll find them of interest.
As you're probably aware, my columns on casting are being done as a series. The series is directed more toward those who have given up on level wind reels than pros like yourself. My objective is to encourage them to get their level wind reels out of storage and practice enough so they can start using the darn things.
Again, Terry, thanks for your interest and for taking time to share your thoughts with us. As Heidi mentioned, in the morning I'll be leaving for some fishing at Mexico's Lake El Salto. And I'll be doing my casting using both my right and left hands while I'm at it!
With warm regards.
Stan