Fly fishing reel rookie question

[waterguy]

I just bought a cheap fly reel and looks like it cranks with the right hand.

Can these be changed to left hand crank before I go in and destroy it?

[BiggestT]

Originally Posted by waterguy

I just bought a cheap fly reel and looks like it cranks with the right hand.

Can these be changed to left hand crank before I go in and destroy it?

What make and model is it. Most fly reels can easily be switched from righty to lefty and you can do it yourself.

[waterguy]

It's a cheap Eagle Claw.

Being a gearhead (cars) I dove right in and took it apart. Never mind that I almost lost a teenie spring, but I found out that the drag only works in one direction so it's a right hand retrieve reel only. Live and learn.

Thanks for the reply.

[cappo]

most better brand reels have a bearing that you pop out and turn over. I wouldnt expect that from an eagle claw though.

[waterguy]

Originally Posted by cappo

most better brand reels have a bearing that you pop out and turn over. I wouldnt expect that from an eagle claw though.

The drag looks like it's just pressed into the cover plate. It was a cheap lesson learned.