Transferring the handle to the other side
The first time I saw a collapsed spinning reel handle I thought it was broken. Has this happened to you? Have you had a hard time trying to change the handle from left to right? Well here's the information you need.
Still in the box—Attaching the handle
Most new spinning reels come with the handle collapsed for ease in packaging.
To set up the handle for fishing:
- With the handle on the left and the spool facing away from you - Hold the reel in the palm of your hand. The handle will be dangling like a broken foot.
- Simply bring the handle in line with the body of the reel and turn the handle forward, toward the front of the reel. A couple of twist and the handle will seat its self in place.
- It's important to hold the reel spool firmly in place while you tighten the handle. Otherwise the spool will spin. Tighten the handle "hand" tight. No need to use any tools.
- Notice the small cap on the opposite side of the handle. This is a dust cap. It covers the opening for changing your handle from left to right retrieve.
Reverse the instructions for attaching the handle.
- Remove the dust cap and keep it handy.
- Hold the reel firmly in the palm of your hand. Do not let the spool spin.
- Hold the handle near the base of the reel and quickly snap the handle backward (toward the rear of the reel).
- Unscrew the handle until it comes off.
- Place the dust cap over the opening.
- Screw the handle in to the right side of the reel.
- To collapse the handle for storage, loosen it just enough for the handle to hang down but still attach to the reel.
Some of the new Shakespeare and Pflueger handles have a release lever on the top of the handle. This allows you to lay the handle arm to the side without unscrewing the complete handle. Simply push down on the lever and move the handle toward the back of the reel.
