Left-handed conventional level wind?

What's up NCKA?

I'm looking for a recommendation for a left handed level wind reel a little beefier than my Cardiff 401's. Something less than $200.

This reel will be used for various ocean pursuits where a little heavier, higher line capacity is needed, and possibly for sturgeon... Never caught one of those prehistoric beasts...

Anyway, what would you guys recommend? I'd love an Avet, but the lack of level wind sounds annoying... Old habits die hard.

Thanks,

-Alex

Since you already have a Cardiff, one of my favorites, Try taking a look at the Abu Garcia 7001.  The thing will winch any fish up from the depths, hold a ton of line (especially braid).  Has a clicker and power handle too. 

My next recommendation would be a Avet SX 5.3.  I know you said level wind, but i'm going to guess that like me, you have never used a non-level wind before.  Once I got one I fell in love with it.  You might think, but I don't want to "guide the line" all the time.  Well I can say that aside from spooling the reel, I almost never guide the line back on the spool while fishing, and it for the most part lays down on the spool fairly flat, guiding it side to side itself if you will.  But for the price, the quality, the features the Avet SX is one of the best reels I have ever used! 

I don't think they make the Shimano Charter Special in a lefty or I'd say go that direction.

Daiwa Luna

Since you already have a Cardiff, one of my favorites, Try taking a look at the Abu Garcia 7001.  The thing will winch any fish up from the depths, hold a ton of line (especially braid).  Has a clicker and power handle too. 

My next recommendation would be a Avet SX 5.3.  I know you said level wind, but i'm going to guess that like me, you have never used a non-level wind before.  Once I got one I fell in love with it.  You might think, but I don't want to "guide the line" all the time.  Well I can say that aside from spooling the reel, I almost never guide the line back on the spool while fishing, and it for the most part lays down on the spool fairly flat, guiding it side to side itself if you will.  But for the price, the quality, the features the Avet SX is one of the best reels I have ever used!

Thanks! Yeah, the Cardiff is my go-to. I've got one 301 and two 401s. Great reels.

You're right. I don't have much experience with non level winds. Makes sense that you wouldn't have to mess with it much when you've usually got less than 100 ft of line out. I just may check out an Avet after the loads of praise they receive.

Thanks guys!

Funny with the "lefty" thing... Why is a spinning reel considered "righty" when your winding with your left hand, and a baitcaster is considered "lefty".

I am right handed, and fish right handed spinning reels and left handed baitcasters. It just doesn't make sense to me to cast with my right hand then have to pass over to my left hand before I can start reeling.

For salmon trolling you might also check out the penn 321 gti. It's got low gearing and a level wind. Also pretty cheap and recommended by alantani.

I don't have one myself but I gave one to my left handed buddy for salmon trolling and he likes it a lot.

Sharky has a left handed avet and loves it as well.

-Eliot

 I also like the Penn 321 GTI - have two of them and they have been bomb-proof for salmon trolling.  Also use them for WSB.

Funny with the "lefty" thing... Why is a spinning reel considered "righty" when your winding with your left hand, and a baitcaster is considered "lefty".

I am right handed, and fish right handed spinning reels and left handed baitcasters. It just doesn't make sense to me to cast with my right hand then have to pass over to my left hand before I can start reeling.

Some spinning reels, like Penn, can be reeled right or left handed.

Regarding the Penn 321... I see 321 GT2, but it looks like the GTi is an older model perhaps?

I like the AVET's have 2... the SX 5.3 and a raptor MXL. highly recommend them both. if I'm deep the 6:1 retrieve on the raptor is a nice feture to have. never fished a level wind and after a couple of trips it became completely instinctive to use.

+1 on the avet... Awesome reels for their cost...made in USA also...the sx is small and strong...you can take avets apart for maintenance too...

I also prefer left hand retrieve. Will look into the avet, thanks for all the good info guys