By Tony Weaver
The correct grip can help you cast; a poor one can kill it. One of the problems that I constantly see with beginning fly fishers is bad hand mechanics. Once you understand some basic grips, your fly casting will improve significantly.
The extended finger grip has the thumb directly on top of the handle. This grip offers excellent control and accuracy, especially when your hand stays close to your body in a shorter cast. It also is one of the strongest positions for making a back cast.
A slight counterclockwise rotation of your hand results in a V-grip. This creates a "V" on the rod handle consisting of your thumb and index finger. The bottom of the "V" should point approximately toward your ear. The idea is to maintain your grip on the rod and rotate your hand. As you bring your arm further back for a longer casting stroke, the "V" grip will accommodate this arm motion nicely.
An even further counterclockwise rotation of your hand results in the Palm-out grip. This grip results in your thumb being further to the inside of the handle and the palm of your hand facing out from your body. It is a grip that is often used for making long casts when more power and a longer stroke are needed.
An experienced flycaster often uses two or three types of grips. The grip variations that I have just mentioned enable you to do off-shoulder casts from different angles and casting planes.
A lot of fly rod handles are too large for proper grips by youngsters or smaller women. Rod handles can be modified or customized by a rod builder to accommodate their smaller hands.
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