There is a popular belief that learning how to hold a fishing rod correctly could increase your overall enjoyment and success when it comes to fishing. It’s true in theory, and in practice.
However, because so many people have no idea how to hold a fishing rod it isn’t really all that surprising. So many novice fishermen lack the knowledge of how to hold a fishing rod properly, and even how to cast a fishing rod, which causes problems further down the line.
One of the most basic pieces of information that a beginner angler must have is how to hold a fishing rod. No matter whether you are fishing for trout, bass, or other species, you will need to learn how to properly hold a fishing rod if you want to be effective at catching fish.
In this article, We will show you the best possible ways to hold a fishing rod. Stick around!
Table of Contents
Disadvantages Of Not Holding A Fishing Rod Correctly
Have you noticed that all of the experts, as well as those who provide fishing tips and tricks, seem to be emphasizing the importance of holding a fishing rod correctly? There's a good reason for this. You wouldn't want to feel ashamed after catching a huge fish and losing your prize!
Nowadays, owners and staff of professional fishing tours and resorts also push their guests to consider the benefits of holding a fishing rod correctly. With this in mind, you might wonder: what are the effects of not holding a fishing rod correctly?
Lose Grip
When fishing in deep waters you never can tell when you would land your first swordfish. Not holding your fishing rod properly would make you lose grip while trying to reel in and you know what this means “swordfish 1 - You- 0”
Wrist Discomfort
With the right grip, you can catch a lot of fish in a day without feeling sore in your hands or wrist. However, a bad grip could make your wrist sore. Worst cases might leave you in pain for weeks. Especially when dealing with a strong fish. Sometimes the discomfort can spread to your shoulder and some other areas of your body.
Lose Control
I have seen tons of episodes where people get dragged into the water by fish that have unimaginable strength. In cases like this, you will need to have a good grip and also a good stance. Without this, you would definitely get dragged into the water.
A good grip would give you better control regardless of the size, however, in some cases, you might need help from someone to reel in your catch.
Basic Parts Of A Fishing Rod
What are the parts of a fishing rod? They are the pieces that make up a fishing pole. It is important to know them. Just knowing the parts of a fishing rod and knowing what each one does will go a long way.
The Handle
This is where your hand goes. If you have been holding any other part then you have been doing it wrong. They are handles made of wood, cork, foam, and lots of other things to give you comfort while you fish.
The Reel
The reel is usually attached around where you have the handle on the reel seat, this makes it easier to reel in fish after a catch. Its basic use is to wind and unwind the fishing line. There are different types of fishing reels out there, but the image above should give you a summary of how a reel would look.
These are the basic parts you need to know in your quest on how to hold a fishing rod. Other parts of a fishing rod include;
- Butt cap
- Fishing line
- Reel seat
- Guides
- Etc
How To Hold A Fishing Rod - Tips
All the tips in this section are applicable if you own the most common type of fishing rod (the spinning rod & reel)
1. Reel Pointed Towards The Ground
I have seen a lot of novices fishing with their reel pointed up, that’s not the right way to do it. Ensure that the reel is facing downwards. Keeping it this way ensures great casting and also helps when it is time to fight a fish and reel it in.
2. Hold The Handle With Your Dominant Hand
Are you a lefty or righty? Well, it kind of matters too when fishing. Fishing with your dominant hand is a great idea if you want to improve reaction time and reaction quality. Now, what you want to do is hold the handle of the fishing rod with your dominant hand. This should give you better control over the fishing rod.
Wrap your dominant hand around the handle, based on how your fishing rod is built you might need to split your middle finger or your ring finger and place it just right above the reel. Do what is comfortable for you!
3. Put Your Other Hand At The Bottom Of The Fishing Rod (Before Casting)
The final thing you want to do is place your other hand at the bottom of the fishing rod and hold it firmly. Doing this would give you better leverage for power and accuracy with your casting. This has proven to be quite useful especially when casting further.
Note: This should only be used for casting, after casting, you should take your other hand off the bottom of the fishing rod.
4. Stance
While most people would ignore this, the way you stand also plays a vital role. I have seen a lot of people with terrible stances while holding their fishing rods.
You should get rid of any obstacles and make sure you are well-positioned while grabbing your fishing rod. Don’t think too much about this, the important thing is having balance. If you have a good balance then you are good to go.
Can you sit? Sure, you can, however, you need to be in a very comfortable position, else get ready to fall into the water in the event of a fish fight.
5. Keep Your Non-Dominant Hand In Front Of The Reel (After Casting)
So, you have been sitting for hours and you finally notice that movement underwater, you’d want to place your non-dominant hand just right above the reel, this gives you better control.
Most people prefer to move the non-dominant or left hand just above the reel only when it’s time to reel in, but I would strongly advise that you keep your non-dominant hand in position after casting. This way, you won’t be caught off guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a wrong way to hold a fishing rod?
A lot of people hold fishing rods incorrectly. For me, the best method is to place the dominant hand on the handle, and the non-dominant hand goes at the butt of the fishing rod when casting, after casting the non-dominant hand is immediately moved above the reel.
Why do people hold their fishing rod upside down?
It is very risky to do this, however, I have noticed that most people that do this are strong enough to fight the fish. It works for some, but I won’t recommend this for beginners. If you must hold a fishing rod upside down, you should learn the best way to do it, otherwise it might break.
Is a baitcaster rod different than a spinning rod?
Yes, a baitcasting rod has its reel over the top and is ideal for larger species of fish, and is built to aid the anglers ability to fight the fish when reeling in. The spinning rod on the other hand has its reel under the rod and is ideal for catching less powerful fish. However, with the right grip, stance, power, and technique, you can reel in a big fish using a spinning rod.
Do’s And Don’ts While Holding A Fishing Rod
- Do not keep the non-dominant hand below the reel when reeling in. Your left hand should always be in front of the reel no matter what.
- Always have a good grip on your fishing rod while the bait is in the water.
- Having a good stance is essential when reeling it, do not sleep on the job.
- Do not keep a spinning rod upside down unless you know the right technique.
Final Advice
Humans love comfortability. Sometimes, we can get comfortable doing it the wrong way, if you have been holding your fishing rod the wrong way, you’d notice that you get fatigued easily, you lose fish easily and your wrist hurts after fishing.
A way to fix this issue would be holding your fishing rod the right way. Make the right way a habit and I am sure you’ll get used to it. And hey, it’s okay to make mistakes, you can only get better with time. Thanks for stopping by, do not forget to store your fishing rod properly right after use.
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