Get a Grip! How to Hold Your Fly Rod

One of the biggest problems novice fly-fishers have with casting is controlling their wrist. They usually use too much of it, too soon. Once it becomes a habit, it is very hard to break.

One of the biggest reasons this happens is because of the way they grip the fly rod. They typically hold the fly rod like a piece of luggage -- what I call the Samsonite grip. They grab the fly rod in their fist and stick their thumb out along the top of the handle. Using this grip, the muscles in your forearm are relaxed when your wrist is bent.

You can bounce quarters off of these same muscles if you try to straighten your wrist while using this grip. This grip sabotages your efforts to control your wrist. Don't use it!

For a much more comfortable and controllable grip have someone hand you a dollar bill. You grabbed it with your thumb and the crook of your index finger didn't you? Now, holding that dollar bill, turn your hand palm up and look at how the forearm through the wrist, up to the thumb, all lines up nicely.

You could almost put a straight edge on it. Also notice that there is virtually no tension in your forearm with this grip. Now grasp (don't grab) your fly rod with this same grip.

The fat part of the handle should be in the palm of your hand and the butt of the fly rod should exit your hand between the pads of your palm (where your lifeline curves). The crook of your index finger should be directly below or slightly ahead of your thumb. Your thumb should be directly on top of the fly rod opposite the fly reel.

This is often called the "thumb on top, extended finger grip." If your thumb starts sneaking out past the crook of your forefinger you will lose the benefits of this grip and the muscles in your forearm will become tired. Don't let that happen.

Because there is virtually no tension in your forearm while using this grip correctly, it becomes much easier and more comfortable to control your wrist, and thus the fly rod, while fly fishing.

Most fly casting practice sessions should last from 30 - 45 minutes. It will typically take 10 to 15 minutes to warm up and get back in the swing of things. Then for the next 20 to 30 minutes you will get the most out of your practice and throw your best casts.

You will make as many casts in a 30 to 45 minute casting session as you will in a full day's fishing. Much beyond 35 to 45 minutes of continual practice and you will start to get fatigued, even if you don't realize you are. When you get fatigued, the harder you try - the worse it gets.

Pretty soon you become frustrated. Not much chance of improving your skills when you become frustrated with your efforts.

It's better to practice fly casting for 30 to 45 minutes and leave on a high note after throwing some of your best casts, than it is to continue casting and become frustrated with the results. Come back later today, tomorrow, or later this week, and do it again. For better results, practice more often, not longer. Give it a try!

About the Author

Orvis has been leading the fly rod industry for more than 150 years. Visit our site at http://www.orvis.com. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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