The Grip

 

The grip of a fly rod is somewhat a matter of a personal preference.  We recommend a simple, "thumb on top" style. 

The thumb and forefinger, much like in a golf swing, play a major role in controlling the rod during the casting stroke: the index finger pulls up on the backcast and the thumb pushes down on the foreward cast.

Start out as shown, and feel free to make what we hope would be minor adjustments to suit your particular comfort level.
Think of the manner in which you grip other somewhat similar objects to “operate” them . . . e.g., golf club; tennis, badminton or racquetball racquet; hammer, etc., and grip a fly rod the same way. 

We suggest that the “V”, formed between the thumb and forefinger, points roughly in a straight line up the caster’s arm when viewed from above.

The grip should be relaxed, yet firm enough, to maintain precise control over the operation of the rod.  The grip/hand will flex to a certain extent during the casting stroke, but it is by no means “sloppy”.  There should be enough firmness and force to manipulate the rod with the "punching power" required to stop the rod tip abruptly which pushes the fly line.  The rod should not be allowed to “rock” back and forth in the hand during the cast.

Casting overview / Next, let's review the role of the rod hand in the fly cast