The Fly Casting Grip

I attended the FFF Conclave in Idaho Falls and had the opportunity to take instruction from some of the best casters in the sport. Mel Kreiger, Macauley Lord, Joan Wulff, and Rhea Topping, as well as many other masters, delivered instruction on a variety of topics.

Each of these masters teaches their own "style" of casting and each had definite opinions on the topic of the casting grip. Fortunately, all agree on the "substance" of the physics of the cast. Through this piece I want to record some of my observations of the topic of the casting grip.

So, let me ask you, do you utilize the correct casting grip? Do you use the Kreiger "key" grip, or the Wulff, thumb on top? Do you ever extend your forefinger on the grip, as an alternative? Is your hand placement (the V between your thumb and fingers) nicely aligned straight with the handle and rod, or do you turn your hand slightly to a more outward position, in the style of Lefty Krey?

Well relax; there is no correct answer to the first question. Your casting grip is a matter of personal preference - it is an example of a style in fly-casting.

Not all of the masters agree on the "best" grip. Wulff is a strong advocate of the thumb on top position. As a matter of fact, if you were to take instruction from Joan, she would insist that, while in her class, you perform the cast "her way". She will grab your hand and adjust your grip to her style! You'll have to admit that the Wulff style has been wildly successful for her throughout her career.

While acknowledging personal preferences, Mel Kreiger really likes what he describes as the "key grip". He also described this grip as the "golf club" grip, as it is the same grip you would use when handling a golf club, where the thumb and forefinger are positioned along the side of the club shaft.

Mel advocates this grip as a more natural hand position, allowing the delivery of more power in the casting stroke with less effort.

I have come to appreciate the comments of Macauley Lord on this topic. Each of us as fly casters has our own physiological makeup, with kinesthetic limitations and flexibilities. We all have a very personal approach to our style of fly-casting, and the grip that is most comfortable for us is probably the best choice. It is a matter of personal style that, as instructors, we should not try to change.

I actually advocate Doug Swisher's approach in teaching, which suggests that the caster be aware of the advantages of the variety of grip positions, depending on the fishing or casting conditions.

I use the thumb on top grip for 90 percent of my casting. That would be for medium distance casting in the 35 to 60 foot ranges. It is the most comfortable grip for me, as I can cast comfortably, all day with enough power to deal with most conditions.

I often use the forefinger on top grip for accuracy casting at very short distances of less than 35 feet. The forefinger grip helps to limit wrist movement, which tends to keep the rod tip following a straight line, forming very efficient and tight loops that are critical to accuracy casts.

When casting for distance I will modify my grip ever so slightly and use a "modified" key grip. When I am double hauling, and trying to carry a lot of line in the air, my cast has a tendency to get out of plane. The rod tip following a slightly curved path in the back cast causes this condition.

For me, this is caused by limitations in the arm/hand movement of the thumb on top grip. To correct this tendency I will rotate my hand on the rod grip, moving my thumb from the on top position - to one slightly on the side of the grip. This slight modification helps to facilitate a straighter rod tip path, more efficient casting loop and greater distance.

I suggest that you try the variety of rod grip styles. Experiment with various grip positions for a variety of casting situations and learn the different styles of the masters. This practice will greatly enhance your casting abilities in a variety of on the water fishing situations.