I've started saving my clams for a new reel. I'm wanting one for pitching and looked at the Pinnacle Optimus XLT. I almost pulled the trigger, but hesitated because I really wanted a left hand model. I got to looking at others and saw the Shimano Core 100 MGFV. Then I see it's only offered in a right.

What gives? Yeah, I use a right for every thing else but I don't want to have to switch hands when pitching. I can pitch OK with the rod in my left hand, but it feels weird. What choices do I have for a left handed pitching reel?

I use BPS Pro Qualifiers for pitching. They work just fine. TW has the Shimano 51E on sale for $119. That is a great price price on a fine reel.

Learn to pitch left handed.

Grab a Curado 51E on close out (or other lefty of your choice) and I'll tune it for you. Max free spool is the key and on a reel with a light spool and low line capacity pitch casting ie even easier.

Learn to pitch left handed.

That's what I worked on this last year and it was much easier than I thought it would be.

I have a Curado 50 and played with it some. I was wanting something that would mechanically engage the spool rather than me using my thumb as a brake. Maybe I should just use what I have, it will be cheaper!

FWIW, speaking as both an angler and reel tech, I HATE the "instagage" type flipping switches. They are almost always a weak link and are more trouble than they're worth. If anything, look at one of the Daiwas with the thumb bar lever on to so you can snap he clutch back without reeling or moving your hand.

Shimano seems to pride itself on leaving anglers who use LH reels out in the cold on many of their models.

I use LH exclusively and was never a huge Shimano BC fan to start with so I'm more than pleased with my Revos and Zillions. Try an STX, Premier, Zillion or Ballistic T3 in LH.

One of my favorite reels is still the venerable Castaic 201.

Core 100mgfv is da bomb!!!

Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle has tuned several of my reels. He does a very good job. I'm very pleased with his work. Whatever you buy, it's worth it to get it tuned.