Noun
crank used to start an engine
Source: WordNetAn anti-reverse lever prevented the crank handle from rotating while a fish was pulling line from the spool. Source: Internet
Baitcasting reels were originally designed to be cast when positioned atop the rod, then rotated upside-down in order to operate the crank handle while playing a fish or retrieving line. Source: Internet
Early fly reels placed the crank handle on the right side of the reel. Source: Internet
For right-handed persons, the spinning rod is held and cast by the strong right hand, leaving the left hand free to operate the crank handle mounted on the left side of the reel. Source: Internet
However, in practice most anglers preferred to keep the reel atop the rod for both cast and retrieve by simply transferring the rod to the left hand for the retrieve, then reverse-winding the crank handle. Source: Internet
Most modern fly reels are ambidextrous, allowing the angler to place the crank handle of the reel on either the right or the left side as desired. Source: Internet