Left handed conventional reel for surfcasting??? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

agsurfr · 11-17-2009, 11:10 AM

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 · 11-17-2009, 01:15 PM

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 · 11-17-2009, 01:23 PM

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

nightfighter · 11-17-2009, 01:30 PM

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

piemma · 11-17-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

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

beaver · 11-17-2009, 03:43 PM

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.

vanstaal · 11-17-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2009, 04:05 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2009, 04:51 PM

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 · 11-17-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

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 · 11-17-2009, 05:46 PM

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

Lefty 7001

AG7001I

It's a lefty, thought it might help.

Islander77 · 11-17-2009, 06:21 PM

Your not gonna lose all that much distance with a levelwind... And if your worried about sand in it, pinch the line between your finger and thumb on way in.. Much easier than trying to do the non level wind in the dark with a fish on.. But just my opinion... And yes the abus are great id say penn 975 international but dont think they make a lefty...

agsurfr · 11-17-2009, 06:26 PM

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

Bronko · 11-17-2009, 07:09 PM

Quote:

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

piemma · 11-18-2009, 04:06 AM

Quote:

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.