Saltwater, Inshore/Nearshore, Casting Reels

[Catdaddy]

These are hard to beat in fresh water or salt.

[Palmetto Bug]

I've got Calcuttas and a few Ambassadeurs. Both are good reels but surprisingly, the Ambassadeurs have held up better to salt water abuse and neglect.

I'm primarily a lefty and use lefty spinning reels and "normal" baitcasters. I always reel with my right and hold the rod with my stronger left arm. I think the reason baitcasters are different is because they evolved from big offshore trolling reels where you need your strong arm to crank when you're fighting a fish from a rod holder or chair and harness. For casting, it doesn't make any sense to have to switch hands every time you cast.

Oddly, fly reels are also typically set up to reel with the dominant hand. I defy that tradition too.