Left handed conventional reel for surfcasting???

[agsurfr]

I've been snooping around looking for a conventional casting reel, for a lefty. Several companies make them, however I have been having a difficult time finding 1 reel with the features I think I want/need. Perhaps you all might help me? I want to cast 3-6 oz, will fish in sandy areas (hence I'm told I should avoid levelwind). I come from a freshwater baitcaster background--so I think I'd like a star drag as opposed to a lever drag.

I would like to have a reel that has a magnet feature for reduction of birds nests. Sounds like a lot of people perform this mod themselves--easy to do?? How??

Looked at the Diawa Saltiga $400 --ouch!
Avet--lever drag
Abu 6500's--levelwind

Anybody know about Newell or Shimano offerings for lefty's?

Easier done w/freshwater gear I'm afraid.

Thanks in advance for all of your thoughts and time

Fair winds

ab

[piemma]

Easy!

Calcutta 401. The 400 is hands down the best conventional in the surf. They make a left hand model, the 401. Star drag about as bullet proof as you can get. I have 2, 400s that I have used for many years. Shimano will service them for $35.00. I send both of mine in every winter. You should be able to find the 401 for about $225.00

[JFigliuolo]

Abu 7001 is no slouch either, not quite a calcutta, but cheaper also. Plus it is VERY easy to service yourself.

[nightfighter]

Abu Record 61 is my favorite. I suppose you could remove the levelwind, but I like it.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

Abu 7001 is no slouch either, not quite a calcutta, but cheaper also. Plus it is VERY easy to service yourself.

Agreed! I bought a 7000i last winter and used it all of this year. Sweet reel and I think I paid $179 at Bass Pro

[agsurfr]

Originally Posted by piemma

Easy!

Calcutta 401. The 400 is hands down the best conventional in the surf. They make a left hand model, the 401. Star drag about as bullet proof as you can get. I have 2, 400s that I have used for many years. Shimano will service them for $35.00. I send both of mine in every winter. You should be able to find the 401 for about $225.00

How hard is it to remove the levelwind? On my freshwater baitcasters it looks pretty simple--I'd imagine the hardware is similar--no??

And thank you for reading my post and responding, I do appreciate it.

ab

[vanstaal]

Originally Posted by piemma

Easy!

Calcutta 401. The 400 is hands down the best conventional in the surf. They make a left hand model, the 401. Star drag about as bullet proof as you can get. I have 2, 400s that I have used for many years. Shimano will service them for $35.00. I send both of mine in every winter. You should be able to find the 401 for about $225.00

ditto...........

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by piemma

Easy!

Calcutta 401. The 400 is hands down the best conventional in the surf. They make a left hand model, the 401. Star drag about as bullet proof as you can get. I have 2, 400s that I have used for many years. Shimano will service them for $35.00. I send both of mine in every winter. You should be able to find the 401 for about $225.00

Unfortunately Paul, us lefties are charged a huge premium by Shimano.... while the 400 may go for $225, the 401 lefty goes for $325 to $370. I refused to buy one on principle alone. Why should a lefty command a 50% premium??????

[agsurfr]

Is it difficult??

I noted the price difference--bummer. Actually I'm a righty, but it made no sense to cast w/my dominant arm then switch hands to crank the reel. So when I started using a baitcaster for Lg. mouth in freshwater I just bought left-handed gear. Seemed natural and not unlike the rhythm/motion I go through w/my spinning set-ups. I can work the spool w/my R thumb and work the rod for lure action just as I would w/spinning reel.

Thanks again for your input--I am grateful.

ab

thanks

[beaver]

Originally Posted by agsurfr

Is it difficult??

I noted the price difference--bummer. Actually I'm a righty, but it made no sense to cast w/my dominant arm then switch hands to crank the reel. So when I started using a baitcaster for Lg. mouth in freshwater I just bought left-handed gear. Seemed natural and not unlike the rhythm/motion I go through w/my spinning set-ups. I can work the spool w/my R thumb and work the rod for lure action just as I would w/spinning reel.

Thanks again for your input--I am grateful.

ab

thanks

Same here. Never made sense to me to reel lefty with the spinning gear, but then crank righty with my baitcasters.

[timmah]

Funny, I found this today while looking for one for myself.

Lefty 7001

AG7001I

It's a lefty, thought it might help.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Unfortunately Paul, us lefties are charged a huge premium by Shimano.... while the 400 may go for $225, the 401 lefty goes for $325 to $370. I refused to buy one on principle alone. Why should a lefty command a 50% premium??????

Thanks Ross. I did not know that. Seems ridiculous to me.

[Bronko]

Originally Posted by piemma

Easy!

Calcutta 401. The 400 is hands down the best conventional in the surf. They make a left hand model, the 401. Star drag about as bullet proof as you can get. I have 2, 400s that I have used for many years. Shimano will service them for $35.00. I send both of mine in every winter. You should be able to find the 401 for about $225.00

....ditto x 2

[beaver]

I use the Abu 7001 in the canal and also have the 6500i and a bunch of smaller fw Abus, all left hand retrieve, and have been pretty satisfied.

For the money I think the 7001 is a great reel. I'd be interested in seeing how to remove the level wind as well. It is convenient, but hinders casting distance in my opinion.

[agsurfr]

Thanks all--I suppose if I buy a levelwind I have many more options. Certainly can't beat the price of the Abu's.

Gracias

ab