Hi VFB: This is one of those no wrong answer threads...
I prefer a right-hand wind. I am right-handed, and hopelessly not a switch hitter. I learned fishing on a Wright-McGill spin-cast reel that looked somewhat like a closed fly reel, and it was also right hand wind, with the rotations going exactly the same as my fly reel. So fell naturally into using the same while fly fishing. I do fish for some large, nasty trout, with the lunkers being in the 7-10 pound range. I cast right handed, and strip line with my left. When I get a large fish on, I let the line go through the fingers on my stripping left hand (I always wear fingerless gloves). The left hand also helps keep the free line from tangling on "stuff" as it is coming tight, and I can still strip line in faster than I can reel it in. That gives me lots of control over the line until the line tightens to the reel. >From that point onward, I play the fish from the reel, and switch the rod to my left hand, winding the reel with my right. To me, winding and retrieving line to prevent slack is extremely important. I use a wide arbor reel and can take in line quickly winding with my right hand. I would estimate, if I tried with winding with my "off" hand, I could only retrieve HALF as fast, and not as smoothly. When I get a fish that runs toward me, I go back to stripping line as fast as possible. I have also been seen running away from the bank to keep tension in the line! When playing a big fish, there are all sorts of gremlins that can cause you to lose the fish IF you are not playing the fish from the reel. (Visions of Captain Ahab) Whatever toots your horn. Wes Wada Bend, Oregon --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the "VFB Mail" group. To post to this group, send email to vfb-mail@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to vfb-mail-unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/vfb-mail?hl=en VFB Mail is sponsored by Line's End Inc at http://www.linesend.com -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
