How do you hold your rod?

[79rac]

I am already anticipating a bunch of smart ass replies based on the title. I used to be pretty into ping pong and someone far superior in skill showed me a better grip. I tried it and it felt awkward for a while, but I ended up loving it.
When I watch ice fishing videos of the “experts” most hold the rod with their hand around the reel with their index finder running down the rod. I have always man handled my rod, just like I used to hold a ping pong paddle.  Is the “expert” way of holding the rod the way to go, or are all the YouTube heroes just trying to look cool? I can see how your finger tip on the rod would give you more feedback on what is going on at the end of your line, but wanted feedback from those who know. Thanks in advance.

[79rac]

I am thinking I may be in the same boat. If I don’t switch soon I will be set for life.

[bobberbill]

Left hand mostly. Sometimes righty if the lefty wants to do something else.

[eyeflyer]

The limp wristed grip is just a fad the newbies have chosen. I couldn't care really how any one chooses to fish, or the equipment they use. As far as a pro goes............... Have you noticed how many different grips and styles there are for pro golfers.............lo ts, its not about if your a pro or not but many think it makes them look like one if they use the limp wrist method. LOL

[missoulafish]

Pencil grip always...

[river_scum]

traditional way only.

[slipperybob]

Normal, traditional.  Loose and balanced on my fingers for spinning reel.

Baitcasting reel, palm grip style.  Again fairly loose and balanced.

[DR.SPECKLER]

I was a drywaller for a long time so i hold the reel and not the rod similar to a screwgun when used the proper way.you dont hold a screwgun by the handle either,so its kind of a pencil/pistol grip.i can hold the setup alot more still that way.

[stripernut]

I have tried the pencil grip many times and yes it feels awkward, but in the end, why I don't use it; is I like to have the line run over the tip of my index finger. A lifetime of feeling the line on the end of my finger telling me what is going on with my jig is worth (to me) any possible advantages of the pencil grip. On top of that, that "dance" or tug of the line on the pad of my finger when a fish takes a bite of my offering is one of the best moments of fishing for me, and when it is too cold or the wind is too strong I miss it and I miss bites... It has always been a big help with the "raising bite" and best of all I don't have to watch the tip of the rod to know what is going on!

I fish side by side with jiggers that use the pencil grip and no one is out fishing me with it, yet... But, to each their own.

[filetandrelease]

 If your comfortable the way you hold your rod & reel that’s all that really matters

[Old Goat]

   There was a rod that had a cut down for positioning of your pointer finger to touch the blank. It also had a retracticable spring that went with it. There may be something to the new grip.

[Rebelss]

Normal, traditional.  Loose and balanced on my fingers for spinning reel.

Baitcasting reel, palm grip style.  Again fairly loose and balanced.

Normal.   Balanced like a scale on two fingers in front of seat.

Always has to be some "new way" every few years or so it seems.   

[jimhaney08]

Pencil grip for me.  Also heard it called a pistol grip (I assume because the index finger pointing forward on the blank looks like you're making a hand pistol).

[kpd145]

Pencil grip always...

This is the way

[Ice_Fly_Guy]

Sitting down, probably pencil grip.  Hole hopping, probably the traditional way.

[maddogg]

Pencil grip if the reel will allow it. Some inline reels leave the spool exposed so it rubs on your hand.

[trundog]

Sitting down, probably pencil grip.  Hole hopping, probably the traditional way.

x2

[R-K]

Standing & hole hopping- traditional.

Kneeling/Sitting- pencil grip. Especially for finesse fishing.

Close to zero? Deadsticks & tipups, so I can keep my damn mittens on. Maybe hold a beer. Pencil grip if I have to jig, but I prefer heavier lures so I can feel the difference of a bite easier.

[TickleStick]

Pistol grip.

[slipperybob]

Wait, I forgot..

<<<<<<<<<<<------right there in the avatar.  LOL.

[kasilofchrisn]

I fish the pencil grip quite a bit.
Sometimes I also fish the traditional way.
If you're trying to look down your hole and fish the pencil grip works the best.
But if you want to sit back and relax for a few minutes traditional style is quite likely better.
I rarely ever commit to just one style of doing things 100% of the time.
There's no right or wrong way though as long as it catches fish.

[Iceassin]

I often prefer someone else to hold it. 

[Rebelss]

I think we could go in depth on lotsa things...how do you hold yer sandwich? Yer beverage?   

[slipperybob]

So no one is doing the hold the rod with your toes?  Tap your feet to jig? 

[DR.SPECKLER]

I think we could go in depth on lotsa things...how do you hold yer sandwich? Yer beverage?   

how to hold yer sandwich,beverage and rod?

[maddogg]

I often prefer someone else to hold it. 

Do you employ a gentleman's gentlemen for ice fishing?

[Iceassin]

Do you employ a gentleman's gentlemen for ice fishing?

Nope...