Moving to the dark side

apiazza · June 25, 2021, 10:59:49 AM

Shortly after I really started collecting rods/reels I thought that I wished I had gone left hand retrieve. I was sorta committed at that point, though I don't own as many combos as most on here.

Well after upgrading to a pedal drive kayak that has dedicated rudder control on the left side I think I have made the decision to jump to the dark side and start replacing my right hand retrieve with left hand retrieve. That way I don't have to keep flip flopping the rod to make rudder adjustments. Ironically, all my spinners are setup as left hand retrieve. Some weird habit I guess I picked up over the years..

This all comes at a time that I was looking to upgrade a lews Mach II that I have paired on my workhorse Sierra 734. I throw this rod more than any other by a long shot so it seems like a great place to start the conversion anyway.

Most my reels are Shimano but considering branching out into other brands. I have a Diawa Tatula 150 that feels too wide for my little hands, at least for the way I palm the reel. I have no real experience with Abu or 13 fishing. I like the size of the lews in my hand, but not a huge fan of the brakes (higher end model might be better) or graphite frame.

What suggestions do we have? Looking for 7.X gear ratio, prefer metal frame but not a must and would like to be sub $200.

If anyone is interested in doing right for left trades, feel free to shoot me a message and maybe work something out that way.

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Mike Cork · June 25, 2021, 11:47:21 AM

I wish I could swap to the left but it's just not going to happen. I've tried a couple times and the kid licking the window on the school bus comes to mind instantly....

I'm a Shimano fan, so much so I can't compare brands anymore. The SLX MGL 70 is a fine little reel that will fit your needs, it comes in the three major speeds and both handed.

apiazza · June 25, 2021, 11:50:58 AM

Quote from: Mike Cork on June 25, 2021, 11:47:21 AM
I wish I could swap to the left but it's just not going to happen. I've tried a couple times and the kid licking the window on the school bus comes to mind instantly....

I'm a Shimano fan, so much so I can't compare brands anymore. The SLX MGL 70 is a fine little reel that will fit your needs, it comes in the three major speeds and both handed.

I figured if I can manage a spinner left handed I should get used to the baitcaster pretty quick.

I have a slx and slx xt. Love the xt for the price. The mgl might be an option for certain rods, but haven't used one (or the DC) yet.

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Smallie_Stalker · June 25, 2021, 12:01:15 PM

I have become pretty much a Daiwa guy but over the past year I bought 2 different Lew's reels because I got them for an incredible bargain. They both normally sell for between $150 and $170 and both have the dual braking system and aluminum frames. I've got to say I'm impressed.

I'll try and find the model numbers and list them for you.

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apiazza · June 25, 2021, 12:43:09 PM

Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on June 25, 2021, 12:01:15 PM
I have become pretty much a Daiwa guy but over the past year I bought 2 different Lew's reels because I got them for an incredible bargain. They both normally sell for between $150 and $170 and both have the dual braking system and aluminum frames. I've got to say I'm impressed.

I'll try and find the model numbers and list them for you.

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Sounds about the price of the tournament series or BB1

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Smallie_Stalker · June 25, 2021, 12:46:30 PM

Quote from: apiazza on June 25, 2021, 12:43:09 PM
Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on June 25, 2021, 12:01:15 PM
I have become pretty much a Daiwa guy but over the past year I bought 2 different Lew's reels because I got them for an incredible bargain. They both normally sell for between $150 and $170 and both have the dual braking system and aluminum frames. I've got to say I'm impressed.

I'll try and find the model numbers and list them for you.

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Sounds about the price of the tournament series or BB1

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I believe you're right. Gotta get to a PC and look them up in my database to be sure.

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Smallie_Stalker · June 25, 2021, 02:36:18 PM

These are the two Lew's reels I have:

Tournament SLP Speed Spool - Model # TSLP1SHL

Tournament MP Speed Spool LFS - Model # TS1HMPL

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apiazza · June 26, 2021, 05:46:11 AM

Thanks smallie! The tournament mp is on the short list.

Anyone have experience with the abu revo sx? Dual brakes like the Shimano svs system is intriguing.

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apiazza · July 12, 2021, 05:54:25 AM

So I made the jump, well started...

Picked up a 13 fishing concept A2. Reel size and shape feels very similar to the Shimano reels, which to me is a good thing. I didn't throw that rod as much on the first outing mostly because I threw a frog most the day. Feels super smooth, but I need to work on spool tension and brakes (I like the easy 1 thru 7, but what prefer it on exterior of sideplate) to fit my style. I seemed to backlash more than usual. I did also switch that rod from fluro to braid so that might have something to do with it.

All in all, I think the switch was good. Nice being able to better control the rudder while still fishing and not having to bounce the rod from hand to hand.

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Capt. BassinLou · July 12, 2021, 05:59:33 AM

I have only thrown the Concept Z's, once you dial these reels in, they cast very well. Keep us updated. Congrats on your purchase.

fishballer06 · July 12, 2021, 08:24:25 AM

Quote from: apiazza on July 12, 2021, 05:54:25 AM
Picked up a 13 fishing concept A2. Reel size and shape feels very similar to the Shimano reels, which to me is a good thing. I didn't throw that rod as much on the first outing mostly because I threw a frog most the day. Feels super smooth, but I need to work on spool tension and brakes (I like the easy 1 thru 7, but what prefer it on exterior of sideplate) to fit my style. I seemed to backlash more than usual. I did also switch that rod from fluro to braid so that might have something to do with it.

More than likely, you're used to Shimano's braking system and using a different brand with a different braking system will take some getting used to. I'm primarily all Shimano's, and whenever I use a Daiwa, or Quantum, or whatever brand, I usually have to tweak my normal casting style to fit the reel.

zippyduck · July 22, 2021, 05:13:11 PM

Quote from: fishballer06 on July 12, 2021, 08:24:25 AM
Quote from: apiazza on July 12, 2021, 05:54:25 AM
Picked up a 13 fishing concept A2. Reel size and shape feels very similar to the Shimano reels, which to me is a good thing. I didn't throw that rod as much on the first outing mostly because I threw a frog most the day. Feels super smooth, but I need to work on spool tension and brakes (I like the easy 1 thru 7, but what prefer it on exterior of sideplate) to fit my style. I seemed to backlash more than usual. I did also switch that rod from fluro to braid so that might have something to do with it.
More than likely, you're used to Shimano's braking system and using a different brand with a different braking system will take some getting used to. I'm primarily all Shimano's, and whenever I use a Daiwa, or Quantum, or whatever brand, I usually have to tweak my normal casting style to fit the reel.

Like Fishballer I use Daiwas but have others that I have to get used to when I switch to the other brands.