A NOTE ABOUT RETRIEVE: Reels are designated as either left and or right hand retrieve, which simply refers to the hand  used for reeling in line. Modern reels convert easily between right or left hand retrieve. However, it is important for an angler to designate how they want the reel set up before the backing and line are spooled onto the reel. Many right-handed casters use left hand retrieve on their reels so they don’t have to switch hands between casting and fighting a fish. Other anglers prefer to use their dominant hand for both casting and reeling, so they switch hands on the rod after a fish is hooked.