An interchangeable fishing reel assembly has a reel housing with opposing top and bottom surfaces and a laterally extending cranking handle. Screw attachments connect the fishing rod supporting foot member to the top surface of the reel housing to permit the handle to be simply and effectively utilized by a right-handed fisherman, The foot member is detachable from the top surface and configured to be secured to the bottom surface of the reel housing, in order to allow the reel assembly to be effectively used by a left-handed fisherman, The laterally, extending handle at all times remains in the same location, extending from the reel housing, thus reducing the number of openings in the housing and preserving the waterproof integrity of the housing.
