I do the same thing with line- especially when pitching/dipping trees. I use braid for that, so I have the line in my hand to detect light bites. I fly-fish, so dealing with line in my left hand isn't a big issue-it is easier to store line than constantly reeling- I extend my lest hand out making a big triangle with the line until it is at depth-then jig. It is only possible to a certain depth though until I have to take line from the reel itself.