Left- or right-hand reel? How to choose

On a baitcaster the handle side is fixed. Here's how to pick the right one, even if you're buying it as a gift.

Obalus TeamUpdated Oct 1, 2026 · 3 min read

Obalus Cobra Strike baitcasting reel on a rod, showing the handle and side plate

In this guide

What right-hand and left-hand mean
Which one is right?
How to tell what he uses
Buying it as a gift?
Can he switch later?

Short answer: The "hand" is the side the handle is on. Pick the side he turns the handle with. Not sure? Look at the reel he uses now, or ask which hand he cranks with.

What right-hand and left-hand mean

Hold the rod the way you'd fish with it: reel on top, rod pointing away from you. If the handle is on the right side, it's a right-hand reel. You turn it with your right hand. If the handle is on the left, it's a left-hand reel.

On most spinning reels you can move the handle to the other side in a minute. On a baitcaster you can't. The handle side is built in, so you choose when you buy.

Which one is right?

Neither is better. It comes down to what feels natural. There are two common ways to fish a baitcaster:

Cast, then switch hands. A right-handed angler casts with his right hand, moves the rod to his left hand, and reels with his right. That's a right-hand reel. Many people who grew up with baitcasters fish this way.
Cast and keep going. He casts with his right hand, keeps the rod there, and reels with his left. That's a left-hand reel. It's the way most right-handed people already use a spinning reel, so it often feels natural if he's coming from spinning gear.

Left-handed anglers simply flip all of this.

How to tell what he uses

Look at his baitcaster. If he already has one, check which side the handle is on (rod pointing away, reel on top). Get the same.
Look at his spinning reel. If he only has a spinning reel, see which side its handle is on. If he reels it with his left hand, a left-hand baitcaster will probably feel familiar.
Just ask. "Which hand do you crank with?" Most anglers answer right away.

Buying it as a gift?

If you can't check his reel without spoiling the surprise:

If he grew up fishing baitcasters, a right-hand reel is the most common pick.
If he has only ever used spinning reels, a left-hand baitcaster will likely feel more natural.
Still not sure? Get one of each. Obalus reels come in both hands, and with Buy 1, Get 1 you can mix them: one right-hand and one left-hand in the same pair. He keeps the one that feels right. The other makes a spare, or a reel for a fishing buddy.

Can he switch later?

Yes, but it takes some getting used to. Expect it to feel clumsy for the first few trips. If he fishes with a buddy who reels the other way, having one of each also lets them trade rods.