Fishing left handed

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I moved the handle over on one of my spinning reels and went down to the pond to give it a try.

Some fish (besides the two pictured, another small bass) actually agreed to participate in the experiment. I can't do both hands right now; too much pain in right shoulder if I don't restrict range of motion. The cast that worked best for me  was a motion like I was throwing a Frisbee forehand - start with rod pointed to my right swing it out to point where I was casting, releasing right before that point. I was much wilder with my backhand cast. Overhand cast is not an option; I tried a couple of times and could feel that shoulder's warning signs and went back to sidearm casts.

Setting the hook and playing the fish was almost more awkward than casting, but I think I can deal with it. I will be down by the sound next weekend and probably get a lot more practice them.

[dick tabbert]

Nice to get out there hey Andy.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Yes. It's a really nice day here and it was good to walk around the pond in the sun. Been in a funk since I saw doc earlier in the week, grieving for my likely lost kayaking season. I had big plans; a long list of destinations. Catching a few fish helps make me feel a bit more upbeat...

[dick tabbert]

Andy I can truly relate if and when I do chance to get out don't mater weather we catch a fish or to it's just golden time since they are so few between. Enjoy my friend its all golden..........

[Slip Sinker]

hey i know how you feel buddy.... i basically had to give up fly fishing and casting for preds because of neck shoulder and arm pain. now i flip dropshot, bobber fish or vertical jig for panfish. less repetitive arm mvt during the day. i hope they have a solution for you... mine seems to be inoperable.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Won't know for sure until MRI (hopefully this week) but he felt pretty confident that what he saw on ultrasound could be stitched. The problem is that it was not an accident or atypical incident that causes tearing in my joints; they just don't stand up to normal use all that well. So even if he gets me back to 100% I need to restrict myself to about 80%, if that makes any sense.

[Slip Sinker]

i know that game everyday... i believe lifting and repetitive motion of my lower back is at 10- 20%... one doctor said he wouldnt lift 10lbs with my back. if i try to push it any harder than i pay for it for many days. thats why im giving it my best with the time i have now because i dont know how much time i will have in this sport before i finally say enough is enough.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

After my knee surgery I gave up running. I can likely walk and bike at a leisurely pace to a ripe old age but if I continued to run I would probably be looking at another procedure within a few years. After my shoulder heals I will likely be able to paddle again but won't do long transits or go on really windy days. If younger guys offer to carry my boat down to the water I will let them.

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Went back with a longer stiffer spinning rod this afternoon for a few minutes and picked up another bass and a bream; pretty much carbon copies of the photos, so just look at them again. ;^>

Felt slightly less awkward today and had a few near perfect casts. Practice, practice, practice...

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

I sense a lot of determination.....hope you are inspired by your efforts!

[carl hendrix]

just glad your geting out and fishing Andy!

[Lord of the Fly , Rods]

Andy , you can do it , 45 years ago when I was a Pup I read in Field and Stream or Outdoor Life  that you should use a spinning rod in your dominate hand because your reaction time is better , I being use to a casting rod I  had to change my handle hand to the left , and never looked back , now it is just natural to reel with my left hand leaving me free to set the hook quicker with my right hand .  LOFR

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I do use (and always have) my dominate hand to hold the rod and set the hook. That is what I have to get used to switching away from.