Ok so I know, super newb question

My spinning rod broke at the tip and I replaced it with a Pfleuger 7' graphite baitcasting rod - with an  ambassadeur baitcasting reel.  I am super confused right now - it seemed to make sense in the store, but now I have it setup I am lost.  

I am used to casting - actually moving the rod to cast - in my right hand - I then reel in with my left hand as my right hand guides the rod, jerks the bait whatever.  

This new setup has me lost - no the handle of the reel is on the right side - how do I cant as normal with my right hand and then reel?  How to I work the rod after the cast and bring in slack line etc - this seems obvious I'm sure, but to me its totally back to front.  Please help

 

It looks as if you made a very common mistake that I made myslef with my first bc reel. Take the reel back and get one with the handle on the same side (the left) as you find on your spinning reel.

Until you do, it is going to feel awkward and before long you won't want to use it anymore.

A right-handed reel is not necessarily made for a right-handed person. It is called right-handed because no matter what, the angler's right hand is going to turn the crank, regardless of whether the angler is right or left-hand dominant.

A quick exchange will solve your problem or, you can do as many have here when left-hand casting reels weren't too common, retrain your mind and body to fish the "other" way. The former is far easier to do. Left handed reel, or you can turn the rod upside down. ;D

I hope I understood what you were asking, but just in case, unlike a spinning reel, which has the reel underneath the rod, on a casting set up, the reel is on top of the rod.  I only say this becuase I've seen people fishing with the rigs held upside down.

Thanks - yea I know its other side up hehe.  I think you're right - I can't stand the idea of changing to left hand control of the rod - it's not natural for me.  If I had no choice I could, but I would rather use a left hand reel than start to learn from a left side control perspective.  Is the left hand reel likely to cost more?

Thanks.

Try it out first - I reel left handed on my spinning gear but right handed on my baitcasting gear. Don't know why.... but you never know.

I thought about trying it, but I don't think I would have the same level of control over the rod with my left.

Is the left hand reel likely to cost more?

Left hand model baitcasters cost the same as the right hand models.

Switching to a baitcaster from a spinning reel is a little weird all around. Most folks do use their other hand for the b/c though. Practice is the biggest thing. Once you get used to it, switching hands to reel becomes automatic and it's usually in your other hand before the bait even hits the water.

I got a couple yellow practice plugs and spent quite a bit of time in the back yard when I first got a b/c. When I got better, I had to move to the alley for more room. The neighbors always laughed at me, but it was a huge help. I still go out in the yard every Spring and practice casting. My new neighbors laugh at me just like the old ones. Oh well. At least now I don't get the bird's nests like I did when I started. Hang in there and use the reel on land as much as you can. Regardless of what hand you're cranking with, practice, practice, practice. It will pay off.

Thanks - yea I know its other side up hehe. I think you're right - I can't stand the idea of changing to left hand control of the rod - it's not natural for me. If I had no choice I could, but I would rather use a left hand reel than start to learn from a left side control perspective. Is the left hand reel likely to cost more?

Thanks.

They should cost the same.  I will guarantee you that once you switch to a lefty reel, you will be much more comfortable. Dang. I sound like a used car salesman, but this is a guarantee for sure.

Just go back and exchange the reel.  If it were a combo, then return the whole thing and exhange it or if that isn't possible, get a different rod with the left handed reel of your choice.  There are many left handed options these days.

I went back and changed everything out - I know have a med-heavy 7' Shamano Clarus with a Daiwa Exceler b/c lefty reel.  I'm excited to get going with it and get comfortable casting.  Thanks for all the tips.

PWE, congrats  Last year I experimented with a RH baitcaster.  I conquered my fear of backlashes pretty quickly, but switching and reeling with my right hand was too much of a distraction.  This year I was going to get a new spinning rig.  Broke down and got a LH baitcaster.  It feels much better.  Now, I just have to get more proficient.  Cheers

Right on, PWE! Like I said, you won't regret it. 8-)