Get a grip

I don’t use the finger on top grip, but I’m going to try it.

Joe Mahler’s article, Is it time for a Grip Switch? advocating the finger on top fly rod grip intrigued me and got me thinking.

Why would I change my grip?

When I teach beginners, I show them what the thumb on top grip looks like and move on. I rarely need to correct folks, so it doesn’t get a lot of attention. Same when I fish myself, passing thought at best. The thumb on top, what I call the screwdriver grip, is the common way to hold a fly rod. It’s teaching doctrine.

On the other hand, I use the finger on top grip when I fish with a Tenkara rod. I don’t give that a lot of thought either. It was the way I learned, and it works.

Mahler’s article explains the benefits of the index finger on top grip. I plan to try it next time I’m out and test drive it with my students.

These points resonated.

I’ve pulled out a few points Mahler makes that made me want to give this grip a try.

“The index on top provides a naturally correct stopping point for the back cast.”

My experience with a Tenkara rod attests to this point. And, while it isn’t likely to be cure all for beginners taking the rod too far back, if it helps them stop the rod in the right place it’s worth a shot.

“When the index finger is placed on top, the hand, wrist and forearm flatten—as if to push a door open.”

This point really got my attention. Mahler explains how this grip will help keep your casting hand and rod tip moving forward rather than being driven down. Many beginners tend to cast the line down rather than out. If this grip helps correct that, I’m all for it.

“I believe it is easier to hit a target with the index on top.”

Accuracy is my holy grail in fly casting. I’ll try anything to improve it.

I encourage you to read Mahler’s full article for more details and things that might work for you.

Until next time.