The Finger On Top Fly Casting Grip
The last grip in our series, the finger on top grip, tends to be more commonly used by European fly casters. This grip see’s the index (pointer) finger laid out on top of the grip, palm down with the finger pointing up towards the rod blank.
Looking for super subtle and sublimely accurate? - finger on top might be the way forward.
Finger on top is extremely accurate, and while it might not feel like a particularly strong grip, I’ve seen plenty of accomplished distance casters use it to good effect.
Christian Stixner, a good mate of mine from Germany (and sublime Cane rod builder) favours this grip, not only is he one of the smoothest casters I've seen he can most certainly punch out a very long line using this grip
One major benefit of the finger on top is that this position makes it very difficult to over-extend your wrist on the back cast. If you're frustrated by a low backcast and open back loops this is a great grip to try.
While this is not just a grip for "Dinky little short casts" finger on top can make for very accurate and smooth presentations particularly on smaller rods and tight water where ultimate precision is often called for.
So there you go - hopefully a couple of new things to try, all pretty straight forward. No grip is right or wrong but each does have advantages and disadvantages. Most accomplished anglers I know will use any one of these grips depending on the task at hand. Horses for courses.
