How do you hold/grip your rod and reel? In other words, where is the rod trigger? Have you ever held it differently and why did you switch/hold it like you do?

I remember when I started learning to fish with baitcasters, I tried to find a "correct" way to hold/grip them. Unfortunately I couldn't find any resource that explains it well. So yesterday I was out fishing with a buddy when this question popped up again. I'm curious as to the responses from TFFers.

The trigger is between my middle and ring finger. Basically two fingers above and two fingers below the trigger with my thumb resting on the edge of my reel. I hold it like this now because this feels the most comfortable to me.

The trigger should be held between the middle and ring finger.

I am right handed and reel with my dominant hand. I hold the rod similar to you with trigger between my ring and middle finger on my left then keep my thumb positioned on the reel itself.

If you are putting in a bunch of hours you have to do whats comfortable to you and allows you to get a good solid hook set as soon as the bite comes.

After a few hours of fishing yesterday, I noticed the trigger was rubbing against my ring finger so I thinking about switching the way I hold/grip it. My buddy used to hold it the same, but has switched to the trigger between his ring and pinky finger.

I've seen even some people hold it completely different. Some with their whole hand above the reel and completely on the rod like how some hold a spinning gear.

I'm right handed and hold the rod with my left hand trigger is between my pinky and ring finger. I do this because its more comfortable and I can palm the rod/reel better. Just do what's comfortable to you.

I am left handed so my way is not what a righty would care for.

I'm left handed I hold my rod with my left. if I'm flippin ill put my trigger finger of my left hand under the line at the front of the reel.

I'm right handed and hold it like you do, just like all right handed bass fisherman in Japan.

I'm a righty, but I'm still curious as to how you hold your baitcaster. My question is geared as to which fingers you position around the rod trigger.

I hold it like a gun. My trigger finger is just in front of the trigger and the three behind hold the rod.

I do it whether I'm using a right or left handed reel.


With a spinning reel I have the reel stem between the ring and trigger finger.

I wouldn't worry about how others hold their rods, everyone's hands are different, hold it however it's comfortable to you and you can generate power with on hook set.

If you do it this way, you cannot keep a finger on the line and bites will be missed.

Trigger goes between middle finger and ring finger....pointer finger rides the line for the best sensitivity!

ive never rode the line with a finger. If you have the right rod you don't need to ride the line right?

Wrong....even the best rods do not transmit all vibrations. The line gives the best sensitivity.

I think what you're looking for is that balanced feel..so it could change with different rod/reel. But I spray my hand with 'Stickum' and palm that reel. My hand never leaves that first grip and with Stickum I feel really solid for a controlled hook set.