What is the best left-handed baitcaster? The KastKing Royale Legend II is the best left-hand retrieve baitcaster for most anglers. The Lew's Classic Pro Speed Spool SLP is the step-up pick, and the Piscifun Torrent II is the budget choice.
A "left-handed" baitcaster has the handle on the left side of the reel. That is called left-hand retrieve. It does not mean the reel is made for left-handed people, and that difference decides which reel you should buy. Check the section on which retrieve you need before ordering.
Left-hand retrieve baitcasters compared
| Reel | Listed spec | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| KastKing Royale Legend II | 5.4:1 or 7.2:1 gear ratio | Most anglers |
| Lew's Classic Pro Speed Spool SLP | Low-profile body | A longer-term reel |
| Piscifun Torrent II | 20 lb drag, magnetic brake | Tight budgets |
| KastKing Spartacus II | 7.2:1 gear ratio | Fast retrieves |
| KastKing Megatron | High line capacity | Heavier line and bigger baits |
| Piscifun Alinox 300 | 33 lb drag, aluminum frame | Big fish |
Best left-handed baitcasters
1. KastKing Royale Legend II: best overall
KastKing Royale Legend II
A low-profile baitcaster sold in 5.4:1 and 7.2:1 gear ratios. Select the left-hand option on the listing.
The Royale Legend II is one of the most reviewed baitcasters on Amazon, and it is sold in both retrieve directions. The slower 5.4:1 ratio suits crankbaits, and the faster 7.2:1 suits most other techniques.
2. Lew's Classic Pro Speed Spool SLP: best step-up
Lew's Classic Pro Speed Spool SLP
A low-profile baitcast reel from Lew's. Select the left-hand model on the listing.
Lew's has made baitcast reels for decades, and the Speed Spool name goes back to its earliest low-profile designs. This is the pick if you already know you prefer left-hand retrieve and want a reel to keep.
3. Piscifun Torrent II: best budget
Piscifun Torrent II
A budget baitcaster with a magnetic brake and a 20 lb drag. Select the left-hand option on the listing.
The Torrent II is a low-cost way to find out whether left-hand retrieve suits you. A magnetic brake is simple to adjust, which helps while you are learning to control backlash.
4. KastKing Spartacus II
KastKing Spartacus II
A baitcaster with a 7.2:1 gear ratio. Select the left-hand option on the listing.
The Spartacus II is another widely reviewed KastKing reel offered in left-hand retrieve. The 7.2:1 ratio picks up line quickly, which suits jigs, worms, and other techniques where you take up slack before setting the hook.
5. KastKing Megatron
KastKing Megatron
A low-profile, high-capacity baitcaster sold in 100 and 200 sizes. Select the left-hand option on the listing.
The Megatron holds more line than a standard low-profile reel. Choose it for heavier line, larger baits, or long casts.
6. Piscifun Alinox 300
Piscifun Alinox 300
A 300-size baitcaster with an aluminum frame and a 33 lb drag. Select the left-hand option on the listing.
The Alinox 300 is a larger reel for big fish and heavy lures. It is more reel than most bass anglers need, and the right size for muskie, pike, and catfish.
Left-hand retrieve vs. left-handed: which do you need?
The retrieve side is the hand that turns the handle. The other hand holds the rod.
- Left-hand retrieve. The handle is on the left. You hold the rod in your right hand and reel with your left.
- Right-hand retrieve. The handle is on the right. You hold the rod in your left hand and reel with your right.
Most people want the rod in their dominant hand, because that hand casts, works the lure, and sets the hook. That leads to a result many buyers do not expect:
- Right-handed anglers who want to cast and fight fish with the right hand, without switching hands after the cast, buy a left-hand retrieve reel.
- Left-handed anglers who cast with the left hand usually want a right-hand retrieve reel, which is the standard version.
So if you are left-handed and cast left-handed, the standard right-hand baitcaster is probably the one built for you. Buy left-hand retrieve only if you hold the rod in your right hand, or if you already reel a spinning rod with your left hand and want the same motion.
What about spinning reels?
Spinning reels do not have this problem. On nearly all of them, the handle unscrews and moves to the other side, so one reel works for either hand. Baitcasters are built as one or the other and cannot be converted.
What to check before buying
- Retrieve side. Listings sell both versions on one page. Confirm the left-hand option is selected.
- Gear ratio. Around 7:1 covers most fishing. Lower ratios near 5:1 suit deep crankbaits.
- Brake type. Magnetic brakes adjust from an outside dial and are easier for beginners.
- Size. A 100 or 150 size suits bass. Move to a 200 or 300 size for heavy line and big fish.
For more left-handed sports gear, see our guides to left-handed golf clubs, left-handed baseball gloves, and choosing a left-handed or right-handed bow. Shopping for someone else? Try our gifts for left-handed people.
Frequently asked questions
What is a left-handed baitcaster?
A left-handed baitcaster is a reel with the handle on the left side, also called left-hand retrieve. You hold the rod in your right hand and turn the handle with your left.
Should a left-handed person use a left-handed baitcaster?
Usually not. A left-handed angler who casts with the left hand holds the rod in the left hand and reels with the right, which calls for a standard right-hand retrieve reel. Left-hand retrieve suits anglers who hold the rod in the right hand.
Why do right-handed anglers use left-handed baitcasters?
With a left-hand retrieve reel, a right-handed angler can cast and reel without moving the rod to the other hand. The dominant hand stays on the rod for the hook set and the fight.
Can you switch a baitcaster from right-hand to left-hand retrieve?
No. A baitcaster is built for one retrieve side and cannot be converted. Spinning reels are different, because the handle on most of them moves to either side.
What is the best left-handed baitcaster for beginners?
The KastKing Royale Legend II and the Piscifun Torrent II are good first left-hand retrieve reels. Both have a magnetic brake, which makes backlash easier to control while learning.
