Help me pick a casting combo.

[Raskal311]

My company gave me a $200 GC from Cabelas and I think I’m going to use it on a casting combo. Since I’ve never used a casting reel before I’m looking recommendations; something under $300 would be great but cheaper is better. Also if none of the combos are ideal I could go with just the reel; a buddy gave me a rod that I could use it on.

What would be the best valued for the money for swinging plastic?
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/casting-combos/_/N-1102354/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104822280?WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104793480%3B cat104762880

Also can the crank be moved on casting reels? I’d like something with a left handed crank.

Thanks in advance

[MrPatrick]

They make left handed casting reels. You don't switch handle from side to side. I will take practice to learn baitcatsting, be patient.

[MrPatrick]

It will , not I will. Sorry. I use both left and right bait casters interchangeably. When it comes to spinning though I only like left handed cranking.

[Raskal311]

Is there a reason why most casting reels are right handed crank?

[Baja_Traveler]

Originally Posted by Raskal311

Is there a reason why most casting reels are right handed crank?

Most people are right handed and/or right hand dominant...

[Raskal311]

I'm right handed and i'm right hand dominant which is why I perfer controlling the rod with my right hand. Maybe its because i've been fishing with spinner since I was a kid. Sounds like I need to borrow someones casting reel and try it out first.

Anyway I'm thinking about the shimano Cardiff which comes left and right handed. Any thoughts on this reel?

[vincentek9]

what kind of fishing do you plan on doing with the casting combo? casting reels take a bit of getting used to.. but once you are accustomed to them... you hardly look back at spinning setups. its kind of like driving.... your feet arent sensitive to the pedals at first (your thumb will be too loose or too stiff on the spool at first) but then you'll know what to do.

another tip on bird nests.. when you get one.. just engage the reel.. put your thumb nail on the spool.. and crank a few times. then disengage reel and pull out line. do this several times and the stuck area of the bird nest will work its way out. its worked for me 90% of the time when i cant manually pick out the bird nest by myself.

[Mahigeer]

I have talked about this subject with many anglers. It seems that old habits are hard to break.
One reason that majority use right handed casting/conventional reels is because those were the only available kind. Now these days more and more manufacturers are making left handed ones.>>
>>
I am right handed and have used left hand for spinning reels all of my life. When I got a left handed casting reel by accident, I liked it very much. >>
Since I am right handed, I like to have the rod in my right (stronger) hand. After making my cast/s I don’t need to change hands. I keep the rod in the same hand.>>
Cranking the reel which has mechanical advantage due to gears, requires less power in my opinion than lifting a rod with fish hanging from it.>>
>>
>>

[JeffB]

Both of these combos would be perfect starter combos



http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishi...3Bcat104822280


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishi...3Bcat104822280

[tacmik]

Been using the cardiff for a long time and have not had any problems with the. A good reel for the price.

[YakHanded]

Originally Posted by tacmik

Been using the cardiff for a long time and have not had any problems with the. A good reel for the price.

x2
I have been using the Cardiff200a with the Sellus flipping rod and I have no complaints.

The 201a is the left handed version. Good luck!

[Raskal311]

awesome i'll order the cardiff left handed...