The Casting Connection

March 2025

Article & photos by Capt. Scott Swartz

Scott Swartz founded the Atlanta Fly Fishing School, which began in 1999. It is the largest such operation in the Southeast and the only Trout Unlimited “Gold Endorsed” school in the United States. His Florida Fly Fishing Schools started in 2008, helping anglers learn to successfully fly fish in saltwater

Q. What is the best grip to use fly casting? Are some grips better for accuracy or distance?

A. Grips are a matter of style and preference, and there are no “right” or “wrong” grips. We encourage experimentation since most casters only use the grip they first learn. Old injuries or casting style can make one grip better than another, and it is good to have options.

The thumb-on-top grip is the most common and a good choice to help push the rod forward and stop the backcast. It is stronger than the second most common grip of the index finger-on-top. One factor in choosing between these two good grips is rod size. In our Saltwater Schools, when tossing 8- to 12-weight rods, many prefer the thumb-on-top. Bigger rods carrying heavier lines take more effort.

In addition to Thumb-on-top and Finger-on-top there is the “V” grip, sometimes called a “Key” grip. It is comfortable, but if the cork is in the bottom of the “V” between your thumb and first finger, it lacks support to push and stop the rod crisply.

There is a variation of the thumb-on-top to consider if you “break” your wrist on the back cast and throw big back loops. Often referred to as a three point grip it has you holding your index finger on the side of the rod verses wrapping it around the cork. This grip limits backward rod rotation several degrees.

The pictures below illustrate both the thumb-on-top and three point grip and show how far the rod can rotate. Your rotation may vary as we are all built a little different. Grab a rod (or a pencil) and test your rotation to see how it works for you. This grip alone can help tighten up loops for “wristy” casters.

There are also hybrids of the finger-on-top such as having the finger half way on the side of the rod still supporting the rod with the knuckle at the base of the index finger. This grip also limits backward rod rotation. Many of these grips are slight variations of others and sometimes just by a few degrees.

The question to consider with any grip is if it allows you to cast without twisting the rod. Twisting the rod out to the side on the backcast affects accuracy. When teaching we say “keep your thumb (or finger) hidden from the fish” meaning hide your grip and keep it the same through the stroke.

As to grips for accuracy or distance, accuracy is most influenced by the tracking of the rod tip, while distance relies on good tracking plus increased line speed. Experiment with different grips to see what helps you the most.

Having a variety of grips in your arsenal is beneficial. If you cut or injure your hand, or get “hot-spots” on a long trip, you will be prepared. We should all be so lucky as to have to change grips one day because we are fishing so much!

Questions or comments? scott@Atlantaflyfishingschool.com or scott@floridaflyfishingschools.com