Stop Holding Your Baitcast Reel Like A Clueless Newbie…

[@Trouble368]

I have smaller hands and I've always put 3 fingers in front of the trigger. It's what has given me the results you explained.

[@TheDman8890]

Just tried it not a fan, in my opinion the correct way to hold a baitcaster is the trigger in between the pinky and ring finger with pointer and middle finger holding towards the front of the reel and the whole side plate of the reel pretty much completely in the palm.

[@tannerjordie2876]

This is how I do it too, but I have tiny hands😂, trigger in between ring and pinky finger, or with all four fingers above the trigger. I also palm the side plate of the reel. Switch hands to cast though

[@tannerjordie2876]

Being that I have tiny hands, I usually have all 4 fingers above the trigger when I'm throwing big swimbaits. With the bigger rod and bigger 300 size reel it just feels more natural, especially when working big glides like the deps 250

[@TheDman8890]

I don't understand the whole switching hands to cast thing, they make reels with the handle on the other side

[@TheoriginalPhilGood]

Maybe I’m just touchy feely; in the manner described above, I will extend my pointer finger across the top of the reel with the line running over for my index. This plus ring finger on the blank itself through the handle grip gives me ultimate touchy feely sensations on the water while bass fishing.

[@tannerjordie2876]

@@TheDman8890 casting with my left hand is not ideal, especially when roll casting or side-arm casting. So I cast with my right, then switch hands when the bait is still in mid air. Hold the rod with my left hand and crank the reel with my right.

[@LarryAnnen]

I switch frequently between my baitcasters and spinning reels as I'm cycling through different baits. Once upon a time, I would cast a baitcaster with my right hand, then swap hands holding the rod/reel with my left hand and crank with my right. (just like the other 90% of anglers) Being a naturally lazy individual, years ago, I stopped doing that. I bought left handed baitcasters from then on. I casted with my right hand and cranked up with my left, no matter which rod/reel I grabbed. No more hand switching. Score one for lazy.... A side benefit that I accidently discovered was that the left handed stuff is usually on sale!

[@Lawrryful]

also another good thing is that your rod remains in the same hand so you're already set to hook the fish. there's been a couple times where I've had bites as soon as my lure hit the water, especially frogs. if I had to switch hands I would probably be missing more fish.

[@michaelburk9171]

I've done that too and have been buying lefty bait casters.

[@robertbrandywine]

So what's your hold when casting? How many fingers in front of the trigger?

[@LarryAnnen]

Try one two or three fingers and use whatever works for you and is most comfortable.

[@tvcarlosgamer2839]

I just oiled my baitcaster for the first time and I had it about 2 weeks, when I got done oiling it, it started acting wierd and tried casting right away after oiling it and it would backlash a lot more. I put the tension knob as tight as possible and It couldn’t hold a 1/4oz jig head with a creature bait in place. I turned the knob up all the way that press down the spool release and it would drop fast. Do you know why

[@micheledaugherty275]

Whatever works best for the individual, is the best way. I crushed two left fingers in a sheet metal accident when I was younger ( re- attached fingers, but stiff). I find pointer finger under line works best for me. I disagree about the feel factor, I regularly test baits in my swimming pool. You can feel bottom bouncing baits ( Texas rigs, jigs ) much better with finger under line , than without. Rob

[@smwoutdoorfishingadventures]

I agree 100%. I didn't like the clueless comment

[@smwoutdoorfishingadventures]

@@RLWelch876 What the hell you talking about. If your a professional and want to help people don't call them clueless

[@AsianAmerican113]

I use to fish the same with pointer finger you can feel a whole lot better than any others.

[@snipehunter28]

I hold a spinning reel centered like that between my four fingers. On baitcasting rods the trigger is in different positions in relation to the reel seat. The only rod that I hold the way you show in the video is a GLX. I hold all other rods with three fingers in front of and one finger behind the trigger. That puts a little more reel in my hand and feels more natural to me.

[@boozy_h2o908]

You should post you fishing a whole tournament

[@joeys7519]

I second this

[@loganvilletiger5076]

I also palm my reels. I have plenty of hook setting power while also effortlessly working whatever bait. That is the most natural grip for me.

[@1MoreFish]

Agree 1000%

[@tvcarlosgamer2839]

I just oiled my baitcaster for the first time and I had it about 2 weeks, when I got done oiling it, it started acting wierd and tried casting right away after oiling it and it would backlash a lot more. I put the tension knob as tight as possible and It couldn’t hold a 1/4oz jig head with a creature bait in place. I turned the knob up all the way that press down the spool release and it would drop fast. Do you know why

[@Yellowhammer_Kayak_Anglers]

Great video to drive home the importance of fundamentals that are so often overlooked by new bass fishermen.

[@smwoutdoorfishingadventures]

you don't tell new fisherman that they are clueless.

[@FWbaracuss]

I don't speak for everyone but I'm pretty sure we truly appreciate all the Deep knowledge and tricks you learned over the years and sharing those with us

[@rickysimmonds2681]

Definitely

[@ericholden5523]

You speak for everyone 👍🏽

[@wyattburkel3519]

I put the little trigger between my ring finger and pinky and hold my spinning rods the same way and it just feels really comfortable and gives me good control for me personally

[@stevencrane9949]

You still got it and don't forget it wishing you the best in your next tournament unleash the beast Sir Randall

[@erikjongejans980]

Hi Randy! Erik here from the Netherlands Europe. I completely agree with the handpositioning of the baitcaster reel. We have the same "rule" here. There is however, a significant difference in the handeling of it. Something I have never understood! Why is it that in the States you guys cast with one hand, then move the rod over to the other hand in order to reel in. Resulting in handling over the rod from one hand to the other after every single cast! Something I never understood. For example here a right-handed person would buy himself a reel with the slinger on the left side. He casts and keeps hold of the rod in his right (dominant) hand and reels in with the left hand. Then casts again without interchanging the rod between hands. Resulting in better control over the rod and most of all: beging more efficient.

[@CzarWilkins]

I learned fishing using an ultra easy to use baitcasitng rell, just had to reel and press and hold de button to cast. Just one finger like a trigger, that was mmm around 1987 may 88, I was a kid, I switched rods when the reel got worn. I do still have that rod in storage. Didnt fell that I was casting wrong at all, I was happy taking more baits than my dad!!! Good channel BTW!

[@mystoryhisglory9438]

You missed the guys whole hold the reel only! I tend to do that myself. I'll definitely try this way. Thanks for the content.

[@ElChiposorus]

I'll have to give this a try. I do trigger between ring a pinky. Allows me to get a my index finger around the front of the reel and thumb near the release.

[@xPExARCHIMEDES]

I run the line over my index finger and the trigger is above my pinky. I cup the reel. I notice a huge difference in the amount of bites I can feel with it over my finger. Its the only way I can feel small bites on slack line

[@joelynott7360]

I tried a bait caster a couple of times in the 80’s and “bird-nested” that sob Every. Single. Time. Never could get the hang of those damn things. Been a spinning real guy my whole life. Much obliged for the “how to hold a spinning rod” video! 😃

[@morganyoder4277]

What I’ve found is that the two in front two behind works best for baits that need action imparted whereas for pure power or dragging a full hand plaming gives you more power.

[@defx]

Have hands on smaller side, I prefer the trigger between pinky and ring finger. Feels the best but im going to try between the middle and ring.

[@Shurmash]

Index finger on the trigger while casting to feather the spool properly, trigger between middle and ring finger when retrieving (setting the hook), trigger between ring finger and pinky finger when working the bottom (index finger underneath the line for added sensitivity).

[@robertrieckenberg282]

thanks for all of your knowledge and willingness to share your expertise

[@Whatsinanameanyway13]

I was taught the same way as you describe. One thing I do differently depending on the rod/technique is sometimes I hold the rod with 3 fingers in front of the trigger rather than two. I do this primarily on rods that are a little more tip heavy and/or techniques that I'm holding the rod tip high. Just helps balance the rod a bit but still palming the reel. I do have fairly large hands, so this may not apply to everyone.

[@nickminderman7380]

I’m in the same boat as you trigger between the ring an pinky. You have better balance on heavy to heavy+ rods.

[@bhmsupra]

things we take for granted. Great demo Randy !!!

[@claytonridenour7191]

Dang Randy! You’re looking good and buff, sun’s out Guns out my man! Keep it up, you’re an inspiration

[@thewatcher611]

Been using a spinning reel for 30+ years. I just got into baitcaster, and I wish YT been around years ago. I still cast righty, and retrieve left. I don't know why you'd switch to your weak hand, but I guess if you've done it one way forever, just go with it. I just got a left retrieve baitcaster, and I'm lovin it.

[@PaintballShyguy]

I found that to be best as well but I use a left handed setup (I'm right handed). 👍🏻

[@jonathangiven9073]

The lower profile reels are a huge help for guys with smaller hands to grab the reel as you demonstrated. I can palm a basketball, so holding the reel in my hand isn’t a problem…and these lower profile reels are even easier to hold so that the reel, as the fulcrum, lets you have plenty of power for lure manipulation and hook sets.

[@texasoutdoors9906]

Growing up I was always the guy that had my left hand above the reel to feel the line. When Spiderwire first hit the market I spooled up a reel and headed to Lake Fork to rip some lunkers out of the nastiest cover on the lake. First fish I set the hook on was about 5.5 pounds and I learned real quick why you dont hold your line with braid. When I set the hook the drag slipped and the line sliced my finger wide open as if it was cut with a razor blade. That was the last time I ever held my line while Bass fishing.

[@johnnyashfishing]

Did you land it!?

[@kellysatterfield5384]

Would love to see this type of information for a spinning reel as well. Thanks for your help.

[@JVig77]

Seem to be getting in the weeds here. I hold my rod the way you do but seems to be personal preference. I will say the least preferable way of holding it to be would be the trigger method, doesn’t seem like much leverage there. Seen lots of notable pros holding it with the line on the finger, mostly in flipping and more finesse situations. Not real comfortable for me though.

[@aramdecoy]

Randy I'll fish my zebco however i want :)

[@charlesroberts6965]

Great how to do it properly video..funny thing is I naturally hold my baitcaster this way.. nobody had ever shown me the correct way..but this way made the best sense to me. Appreciate your videos and continued success with your channel.😊👍🎣🇺🇸

[@johnhanley8708]

Made me feel good that I was doing it correctly , it does make a difference on feel and leverage. thinking about what you said Thanks

[@rickyblackburn9533]

Can you explain why right handed anglers use a right handed reel and use their weak hand to hold the rod. I’m right handed and I cast with my right hand and reel with my left using my dominant hand to work my rod and my weak hand just to reel..???

[@TheBootyWrangler]

I’m left handed with a right hand cast myself. Life gets wacky man

[@kelplicker76]

I'm right handed and all of my reels have the winder on the left. That way, I'm holding the rod and reel with my stronger arm and wind with my left hand. An obvious advantage for speed, casting accuracy and controlling the fish. 👍

[@j.taylor7361]

@@kelplicker76Same.

[@robertrodriguez4587]

I’ll give it a try. I put it between my pinky and ring finger. I haven’t had any issues, but I’ll try it.

[@brianpierson7708]

How about you do a video on left handed reels casting and spinning over the right handed because I have been told that being right handed witch I am on a spinning reel is completely wrong and if I’m using it right handed I need to use my casting reel left handed and I have been fishing 44 years and I can’t use a left handed reel I’m better off holding the handle and moving the rod round and round than trying to reel with my left hand lol but I don’t see anything wrong with any way you use them right or left handed as long as you have full control and can feel the bait and a fish win you get a bite any thoughts on that from anyone is welcomed and appreciated god bless

[@gerardhellenbrand7582]

Randy, great instructional videos. As I was watching this and the spinning reel vid, I’m wondering why the crank handles are on different sides? This makes no sense to me. Can you explain the the reason for handing the baitcasting rod from one hand to the other on each cast? Wouldn’t someone that’s right handed have more power, feel, and imparting lure action using their dominate hand?

[@maxcole3930]

I used to only throw spinning rods up until about 3yrs again, I had always had birds nest everytime I would try to throw one of my Grandpa's bait casters when I was a kid. So I stayed away from them for loooong time. Then eventually I bought a bait caster & figured it out pretty quickly, now I have a few. Thankfully I wasn't practicing any of those bad techniques. Thanks for tips though Randy always learn a lot from you,

[@fishitnightandday]

I don’t know if you have made a video on this or not. But what is your thought on the HydroWave?

[@jasonway4135]

Had me worried until you told me I was doing it right. Thanks Randy

[@BradWyatt]

I palm the reel but I do keep a finger up top to keep tension on the line. Not so much feeling for a bite but I like to make sure there is tension on the line to help keep it from getting on the reel loose and backlashing more. And yes I switch hands after the cast but I can set the hook just fine if a fish hits it on contact.

[@coltonn322]

That first one you used reminded me of watching Gary Klein, I see a lot of people pitch with one finger above the trigger and I feel like you lose a little control, but they make it look smooth. Two fingers above works good on a pitch with the pointer finger up the rod some

[@clintperry799]

I have always palmed the reel , that's the way I hold it. I cast with my right hand and switch it over to the left hand. 🙂

[@charlesbeall2589]

I'll do that too, just as soon as I see a baseball pitcher throw his pitch, then put his glove on his throwing hand! 🤡

[@clintperry799]

You need blocked

[@dallaswood4117]

@@charlesbeall2589 I know you’re screwing around but had a friends dad when I was little that only had one arm he was a hell of a baseball and softball player he’d make a catch in the outfield fling the glove off his hand with the ball in it snatch the ball out of the air and throw it faster than you’d believe

[@davidmccartney7577]

I use left handed reels and I’m right handed! Ups catch rate 30% by not missing strikes while switching hands🧐

[@Dave-jo1hf]

I palm the reel too, but I don’t switch hands. Im ambidextrous though. that just feels more natural to me since I grew up with spinning reels.

[@jamese.blackwelliii3821]

Randy, why do we (right handers, opposite sides for left handers) hold spinning rods n reels in the right hand to cast and operate the rod and reel, but with bait casters in the right hand, after the cast we switch everything to the left hand to control rod and reel? I do it this way....but absolutely makes no sense to me. Guess I could solve this problem by switching the spinning reel handle to the opposite side....lol?

[@kevinzap.fishing]

I’ve seen it all. Seen people holding it with one finger on the trigger like a spincaster, and I’ve even seen some holding it upside down like a spinning rod reeling it backwards. Glad you can help clear this up lol.

[@clay7514]

Haha the spinning reels upside down drive me crazy, like u have no power like that

[@chaddrumm6809]

The line holding grip is an old school Hank Parker or even a Gary Klein gig I believe! I always thought it was a bit goofy! To each their own.

[@robertbrandywine]

If you cast with your strong arm and then switch hands to retrieve with your strong arm, you have two grips, the casting grip and the retrieving grip. If you cast with your strong arm and retrieve with your weak arm, then you have a single grip *unless*, you adjust your grip after the cast by holding the rod and reel for a second with just the handle, and readjusting the grip. Or am I wrong?

[@robertbrandywine]

I just found a video where the guy is demonstrating the strong arm cast/weak arm retrieve where he does, indeed, cast with a single finger in front of the trigger, and then quickly switches his grip for the retrieve (he uses 3 fingers in front of the trigger). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppLCc4uFiKuMndU

[@Matt-wr5kx]

Thanks Randy! My first baitcaster just came in the mail today so great timing

[@bradsillasen1972]

Find some videos on fixing a backlash :)

[@Matt-wr5kx]

@@bradsillasen1972 lol I wish Randy would do that vid

[@Matt-wr5kx]

@@billwhite7099 thanks!

[@bradsillasen1972]

@@Matt-wr5kx Probably will now that you mention it. Excellent topic. Patience and a delicate touch are the keys. Even seemingly hopeless nests can be fixed with care.

[@mystic_tacos]

Wonder what his advice would be on round reels, such as Ambassadeurs.

[@bobbyswain7049]

Line holders should learn pretty quick why that's a no no .....good stuff Randy

[@terrisecasy6568]

Randy another good video and you can see a lot of guys holding their rods like you showed. You can even spring your wrist setting the rod and reels the wrong way 💯💯💯💯👍🏽

[@jetcat132]

I palm the reel in my left hand, three fingers in front of the trigger, pinky behind it, I get plenty of power, balance, and feel. I tried it Randy’s way, it’s ok, I could change and get used to it, but I’m good the way I am right now.

[@LowBrowFishing]

Personally, I like to have the trigger between my ring finger and my pinkie. If I do it the 'correct' way, I find that my hand will start to cramp before too long and it becomes difficult to do any type of fishing at all. Probably just something that only affects me, but I thought I'd mention it.

[@rogersailors154]

I doubt you'll see this Randy, but thanks for this video, and the Spinning rod one. I have 'fixed' my grips per your instructions and I believe that it is definitely a change for the better. I don't get to fish with others, so was unaware I was making my life harder with bad grips. Thanks!

[@jakewest2524]

You're not. Quit being a simp and fish the way that is comfortable to you. Instead of listening to some clown who thinks he knows it all just to get attention

[@rogersailors154]

@@jakewest2524 Actually, after making the transition on both casting and spinning gear, I firmly believe this is a better way. The rod is better balanced and I feel I have more control. My hand does not get as tired, trying to palm the reel. That being said, to each his own!

[@larrymazzuca1313]

Started out years ago with the Michell 300 and when I got my first ABU Garcia 5000 I felt like a fool ! Couldn't make the transition to casting and changing hands ! I discovered the 5001C and have fished that way since ! Having smaller hands , all of your suggestions are totally appropriate !! Love the daily insisted into the sport , thanks for bringing it to us !

[@weshillsberry6275]

I actually put the "trigger" between my pinky and ring finger with thumb on spool and index finger holding front of reel under the line. I don't use my index finger to hold the line for "sensitivity" I just kinda palm grip the reel keeps me 100% square no twisting on hook sets and if I'm working a jerk bait or something where I get slack I sometimes loft my index finger to keep tension on the spool when reeling slack. I just tried holding your way and feels to foreign to me I don't think I can switch lol and just for the record doesn't mean it's correct but I learned how to hold a baitcaster from a pro bass angler

[@whoimia5208]

That is EXACTLY how I use mine. I like having a finger under the front of the reel. This seems like the MOST leverage for me.

[@tylerlane6707]

One correct way you mean? Most of the time I have my pinky behind the trigger and palming the reel with my thumb and pointer finger , while my ring and middle finger are in front of the trigger on the rod. This gives you a lot of control and power.

[@michaelflowers6048]

I hold mine by one finger on the trigger. Works perfect for me. Each person is different. The right way is the way that works best for you. I personally think it is funny because your partner Jonny holds his with one finger on the trigger also on his videos

[@jakewest2524]

Exactly. These clowns are attention seekers who think they know everything.

[@whoimia5208]

@@jakewest2524 Dude, he is simply telling you how HE does it, It’s a place to start. My dad showed me how to fish as a child but I don’t do EVERYTHING EXACTLY the way he showed me, I adapted his teachings to fit with my style.

[@robertbrandywine]

No, he said do it his way or you are doing it wrong. @@whoimia5208

[@bobbymcfarland4386]

Thanks Randy this is probably one of the few things I do right I just have a harder time with the older style reals my hands aren't big enough

[@johnwedgeworth4908]

I believe Hank Parker holds it the first wrong way and I remember Orlando Wilson holding it the second wrong way. It sticks out in my head because I remember it looking wired and thinking that it couldn’t feel natural.

[@Lawrryful]

I Palm my reels cause it takes less effort for me control my rod. holding it a little under that requires more energy from me, especially deep cranking or doing jerking or walking actions.

[@clay7514]

Wow alotta the comments in here are interesting. Thank you randy for giving your expert opinion. There’s a lot of people out there that don’t appreciate your knowledge which is almost always right on point with 99 percent of experienced anglers that know how to fish

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Fishing has alot to do with confidence and comfort. If I was teaching my son how to use a baitcaster Randy is right but I would never tell a experienced person he is all wrong.

[@ChevyGuy70]

So if your right handed which side do you want the retrieve for the reel? I have heard that it could be done on the right and hold rod with the left or hold rod with the right and reel with the left.

[@kenneth9874]

If you're just starting hold your rod on your strong side

[@name7079]

Finally a good tips for new fishermen I always see people holding there rods wrong !

[@NoLongerBlind12]

I’m new to the channel, so I don’t know if you answer questions…..but, I’ll ask a couple ! I’ve always fished with spinning reels, have only used conventional reels on occasion. I’m planning on buying my first bait caster outfit. Being right-handed, I’m much more comfortable setting the hook with my right hand at the reel seat, like on spinning rods. Why are the majority of conventional (bait casting) reels set up for right-handed reeling, as if for left-handed people (speaking from a spinning reel perspective) ? Should I get myself a left-handled bait casting reel, or get and learn to use the more common right-handled type?

[@kevinbeaudean704]

I'm not Randy but a left handed baitcaster for a right handed person is better in my opinion. I am right handed and made the switch to a left handed baitcaster it is way more efficient and feels natural.

[@lanerother709]

I put 3 fingers infront of the trigger instead of 2. I feel like I get more leverage with 3 instead of 3

[@carlschildtknecht762]

Wow!! I've done it right all these years. Cool!!!!!

[@kirkmarsh241]

Hi Randy I do hold my bait caster the correct way with my left hand but I cast with my right hand and then I switch is that OK it’s very comfortable to me

[@danielmckeen2465]

Nice tip Randy!!!🤓day time tips in the now famous "Tackle Room"😁And Still Loving the hat!!!Thanks for putting out these videos like clock work😬

[@Bankfishindude]

Literally made me laugh out load! Great stuff as always!

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey Randy thanks for that that's how I hold my rod's. God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike. Ps good reminder

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

My favorite is when I see someone holding a spinning rod and reel upside down. Used to see it all the time, but it's been a while.

[@dallaswood4117]

I see that all the time in Utah where almost nobody uses baitcasters cause it’s mostly trout and open water fishing I don’t know how they can’t tell it’s wrong with how terribly off balance it is

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

@@dallaswood4117 Years ago I asked a younger guy (late teens) if I could show him a better way to use his spinning equipment. I taught him the correct way to hold and cast. It was like a light went off in his head.

[@jetcat132]

Back in the early 70’s one of my best friends dad took us on our first real week long trip, a solid 8 hour drive to Northern Wisconsin from Chicago… When we started fishing, the first thing I saw was that he held his RH spinning reel upside down and reeled backwards…. He couldn’t catch a fish to save his life, and some days he just stayed back at the cabin while we went out and fished. But god bless and rest his soul, he took us so WE could fish, he just wanted to make sure a couple of 15 year old kids got to experience a real trip and the north woods. That is the mark of a great father, and a wonderful man.

[@williamnewell7784]

Good stuff. I don’t even think of that after all these years. Sure I learned that many years ago. I can see where new guys don’t know that.

[@benwilson409]

How about holding a spincast ( zebco 33 ext...)

[@georgefisher1719]

Yes there Randy better control when held completely the right way & im a left handed caster ,any other way & it's wobbly you cant cast various underhand etc casts you lose control....

[@jefffrancis7614]

I palm the reel always have But I wouldn't tell Hank Parker he's "doing it wrong"

[@stevencrane9949]

I will have to get around to ordering a shirt like the one you have on looks great you are always a breath of fresh air it seems in watching your channel wishing you the best in all that you do I know your past more than most viewers out their Sir Randall was a hog slinger and still is

[@stevencrane9949]

You still got it and don't forget get it

[@williamnewell7784]

I guess some of that comes with time and feel. How many new anglers get how to cast? I have a sidearm counter clockwise kind of cast. Guess that is best way to describe it. I imagine many try a huge overhead cast.

[@isidrogarza8309]

Back in the days i wanted a left hand bait caster cuz i was use to spinning rod on the left but they was always special order went to the right hand bait caster i cant use left hand bait caster lol

[@TxHornyToad]

Nobody “showed me” how to hold my baitcaster. I found the most comfortable and strongest grip for me was to palm the reel. Index finger on the front of the reel under the line, thumb over the top and the other fingers around the rod. I use smallish reels and can still thumb the spool if necessary. Also I cast right handed, but don’t change hands, just regrip. I never understood why you want to work the bait or fight a big fish with your non-dominate hand.

[@ntwtransam]

I don’t always use a bait caster but if I do I prefer to hold it upside down as if it were a spinning reel.

[@dallaswood4117]

You’re messing with us right

[@ntwtransam]

@@dallaswood4117 I wish I was. It all started when I was growing up and lefty reels were hard to come by so I just would flip a right over.

[@kibscott6096]

Randy, I am seriously wanting to purchase my first bait caster, but I'm Leary, I've seen horror stories on this, IS it worth it

[@InHarmsWay2009]

Funny comments here. I am a noob. Certainly. I have three right bait casters and 3 left ones. I most always have and leave the rod in my right hand and reel with the left. Yes, that means I reel the right reels with my left hand upside down and backwards. However, I mostly fish a pond off a paddle board so I end up needing to cast with either hand and retrieve with the rod in either hand depending on my orientation. Talk about a learning curve…. I also hold with nearly all the finger orientations depending on the rod length/weight and action needed for specific technique/bait. There is no one way to hold or reel in my opinion. I have to use many due to my stupid ass lack of a real boat to fish off and inheriting right hand reels and buying left ones.

[@alphazeke]

Says the guy that casts and reels with the same hand!

[@forrhs8430]

I started holding it the way you suggested about 5 years ago...much better leverage your way.

[@gwo8th211]

I miss the old 90s model All Star and Falcon flippin sticks. They had plenty of cork ahead of the real. Sometimes it is good to choke up ahead of the reel depending on the lure and fishing method. Still got 4 of these rods and would love to have a few more. Thanks for the pointers Randy I use that "correct" method quite a bit.

[@tvcarlosgamer2839]

I just oiled my baitcaster for the first time and I had it about 2 weeks, when I got done oiling it, it started acting wierd and tried casting right away after oiling it and it would backlash a lot more. I put the tension knob as tight as possible and It couldn’t hold a 1/4oz jig head with a creature bait in place. I turned the knob up all the way that press down the spool release and it would drop fast. Do you know why

[@paparayfishing2000]

I picked mine up to see what was my natural grip. Luckily it was the correct position.

[@Droulic66]

I will go one further. I have always wondered why ya'll cast with your right hand then switch hands to reel again with the right hand on bait casters. My perspective is I am right handed so that is my power/strong hand. I grew up with spinning reels so I would cast with my right hand and then reel with the left hand. And basically all spinning reels come setup up with that orientation. And I see all sorts of pros using spinning tackle that way. But on to bait casters. My right hand is still my strong hand so I cast with my right hand then reel with my left hand. So yes, I use left handed bait casters. A lot of this may be due to I grew up playing guitar so my left hand is actually more dextrous than my right. And reeling is a more fine hand movement than casting. Granted, it is smart to be able to use both hands casting, but for the majority of the time, why not use the "power" hand and keep the rod in your power hand for hook setting and putting pressure on the monsters? Less switching hands also prevents slip ups and lost hook sets.

[@Droulic66]

I guess if I had read some of the previous comments, I would have see this already. OOPS

[@catchofthedave8681]

I am right handed, I used to throw right handed baitcasters...... until i tried a couple lh baitcasters. so much better. no switching hands, more rod control and better hooksets, etc. I think the whole way most guys use a baitcaster is just wrong from the start. If your power arm is right hand, you should be holding the rod in your right hand. most guys reel their spinning rods with their left hand, why would you reel the baitcaster with the other hand?? any potential reel speed issues can be compensated for by getting higher speed reels..... but really i think thats a non factor. I learned to fish with a spinning rod lh retreive... if your like me and thats the case, you will likely do better with a lh retreive baitcaster. I made the switch and it's much better for me. everyone is different though, to each their own.

[@SpookyRedz]

Good one mr Randy , this is all 100 percent true to me too

[@Chillin24Seven]

I’m a musky guy so it goes between the ring and pinky due to the size of the reel.

[@tressbassin]

I was curious where you were going with this one Randy. I hold a reel the way you explained as the “right” way. I think you kind of end up there as a natural progression in your fishing. It is ultimately about comfort and that is the most comfortable. The guys they have a finger on the line I feel only do that because that is what dads taught them is how they should do it lol.

[@Patrick_Garrett]

I actually put my back 3 fingers under the reel seat, my index finger under the line guide and my thumb on the spool. Just my opinion

[@williamnewell7784]

Wish someone had taught me way back then better on judging lure drop weight and all the things I know about preventing backlash😂

[@chriscraiger2877]

This is my first year using baitcasters. I hold the reel correctly and I can cast without backlashing but my casting accuracy is terrible. If anybody has any advice on what I could do to be more accurate I would appreciate it.

[@marctheriault]

Repetition! Practice will develop muscle memory, which leads to improved, consistent accuracy. 👊🏻 (I speak from experience, meaning I need to do the same!) 😂

[@kevinbeaudean704]

This sounds to simple but keep your eye on where you want it to land, use your purifial vision for distance and end your cast with the rod aiming at your target. Muscle memory takes care of the rest. Really keep your eye on the target. I hope it helps.

[@waynecasper5346]

You know Randy I have to friends that held there rod just like the first two ways that you showed man did it drive me crazy.

[@CoastalK]

1000% agreed Randy!

[@brettseaberg5033]

I don't see to many people use a baitcaster reel. I grew up with them and it took me a long time to even buy a spinning reel. I was fishing off our dock, winging Plastic worms for bass and three guys troll by and one said to the other, that guy must know how to fish, he's using one of those top reels. Lol. The other one said, he's winging a Plastic too! I about lost it.