Fly rod handles also called grips play an important role in fly rod design. Other than the rod taper, grips greatly determine your ability to control the fly rod in your casting stroke. In addition, having the right grip for your fly rod can mean the difference between a comfortable day of fly fishing, or a day of fly fishing where your hands and arms ache with fatigue by the end of the day.
Fly rod grips were developed with decades of trial and error. The resulting common styles of grips emphasize attributes the rod maker wants to accentuate in the overall design. Casting styles come into play as some cast with the forefinger pointing forward, some with the thumb forward and some use a hammer grip with no thumb and forefinger forward.
The perfect grip is an imperfect marriage between power, control, comfort, durability, casting style, aesthetics and the ability to telegraph vibrations.
Grip styles are designed with power strokes, precision casting or a compromise combination of power with a precision component. While there are many variations, listed below are the basic styles of grips.
- Ventilated – Reduces weight and allows the rod to bend all the way through the butt allowing more versatility in the rod’s taper design. Typically used with parabolic tapers.
Ventilated grip - Wells - The larger pommel fore-end allows the thumb to be placed firmly up against it, and more efficiently apply power into the rod cast while the rear pommel keeps the hand from slipping back to the reel seat. The central swell further secures the grip in the hand. This style accommodates a power casting stroke. This style is typically used on heavier weight fly rods.
Grip styles - Cigar – The cigar style is used on lighter rods excelling in precision casting. The smaller circumference of the fore-grip allows for better index/thumb control. The caster sometimes will lay the fore finger on the top side of the grip. This style works best with lighter weight rods.
- Ultra-fine – the ultra-fine is a version of the cigar with a pommel at the rear of the grip and even finer fore-end.
- Western - Characterized with a smaller circumference fore-end, a moderate swell in the middle with a pommel in the butt-end. The modified wells is popular grip allowing both moderate power and precision casting.
Grip materials can and do vary widely. Some of the more common materials and their attributes are listed below.
- Cork – The overall favorite material for fly rods is cork. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak primarily from Portugal and Spain. There many grades of cork from grade B to Flor.
- Wood – Wood grips have been used with success. Aesthetically pleasing highly figured wood grips provide a superior connection to the rod allowing better vibration feel.
Rattan grip - Bark – Many types of bark can be used with success to create a grip. Usually done for aesthetic effect, bark and other exotic materials work well and provide a good compromise to function.
- Mortised – A style of wood grips with wood incorporated into the bamboo to form the grip. This type grip provides the greatest vibration sensitivity from the rod tip to the hand.
- Rattan - Rattan is a natural material from the palm vine that is used in wicker weaves. The rattan is wound over a substrate (usually wood) to provide a toweling effect such as on a tennis racket. A very good grip material that telegraphs minute vibrations from the tip to the hand.
Aesthetics are always an important consideration. Some rods just look better with a certain grip and reel seat combination. Look at pictures and get some ideas. There is no better way to bling to your fly rod. Another consideration is a grip or reel seat can be made from something that has a special meaning to you. An old fence post, favorite walking stick, a piece of cholla cactus can all be made into that special reel seat that contain your memories.
Grip ergonomics
The styles and materials aside, to be the right grip for you, it must fit and be comfortable in your hand. A grip that is too large, too small or too short will be uncomfortable as well as effect your ability to properly control your cast.There is a marked difference in hand sizes for men and the story only gets worse for women. Fly fishing is primarily a male dominated sport with grips made to accommodate the average man’s hand size.
Average hand size
| Inches | 1st | 5th | 50th | 95th | 99th |
| Hand Breadth | |||||
| Men | 3.2 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Women | 2.8 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3,4 | 3.5 |
| Hand Length | |||||
| Men | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 8.6 |
| Women | 6.3 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.1 |
| Hand circumference | |||||
| Men | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 9.3 |
| Women | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
What to do? First understand what size your hand is based on the chart measurements. 
Measure the length of your middle finger from your wrist (#47). Multiply this length by 14%. This is the starting point for the largest diameter of the rod handle. Do the same for each of your finger lengths and you will begin to see the grip profile that is right for you. Next measure the width of your hand (#48) and add the length of your thumb (#51) times 85%. Round the result up to nearest ½ inch. This is your preferred minimum length of your grip. Note: If you cast with your index finger on the fore-end of the grip add ½ inch to the length. A handle that is too short can cause unnecessary compression in the middle of the palm.
Armed with this information, check the grips on your current fly rod(s) how do they measure up? How do they feel in your hand? Your fingers should almost touch but not dig into your palm. Most production grips measure 1” at their largest diameter and 7” in length. If this fits your hand, you’re in luck. If not, you may be looking for custom made grips.
Your current fly rod can be refitted with custom grips. Expect to pay around $100.00. Do a search for rod makers that can perform this service. As always, get references and 2nd opinions until you feel comfortable. Don’t put up with a fly rod that works against you. Check out Weymouth Rod Works pricing for your custom fly rod grips.