Stop Holding Your Spinning Reel Like You’ve Never Fished Before…

Randy gives tips and advice on how to correctly hold a spinning reel for maximum efficiency….#bassfishing #fishing #bass #fishthemoment
Baitwrx link…. bait-wrx.com/?sca_ref=851308....
Blaukat Old School Jig link…bait-wrx.com/products/randy-b...

[@northbaybassanglers1068]

You made me so self conscious about this I took my kayak out at 7pm last night to see how I really hold my rods while fishing. Yeah I could have just held the rod here at home. But there’s no bass in my back yard 😂

[@northbaybassanglers1068]

@@corbingardner posted one yesterday about the bait caster Karen

[@ben1449]

@@corbingardner don’t be salty you tried to check someone for whatever and you look like a fool

[@northbaybassanglers1068]

@@corbingardner or what?

[@Jesse-jc4vv]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bullscrazyadventures9941]

Ikr! I Just did the same, lol. Had me thinking, " how do I hold my rod?"

[@billjamison2877]

I always hold the rod in the position that's the most comfortable and balanced for me. Every rod and reel combo is different so every technique is a little different. Been fishing for 65 years, caught a gazillion fish and always used comfort of casting and retrieval as my personal method. Thanks for the video, I just subscribed to your channel, now let's go catch some fish. I'm just a jerk at one end of the line waiting for a jerk on the other! Bill from Linglestown, Pennsylvania.

[@bigcletus4327]

God the amount of knowledge and experience you've been through is amazing. I'm only 16 years old and i think it's awesome youre still here doin what you love. Id absolutely love to learn from someone like u. Going fishing today with my mom and dad hopefully it goes good. Much love Bill. From Ryan stiffer of Columbus Ohio.

[@dirtydpatches6949]

Pa angler here as well!!

[@THECOUNTRYNINJA]

Damn, I catch a ton of fish for holding my rod incorrectly lol.

[@andrews993]

Yep, started out in Pa. Freshwater fishing, now down in Florida, mahi to red fish. Think I'll be alright.

[@toastedtimexxx4859]

He be really upset if he saw me set the hook while I’m ripping my pen and watching some milf drive buy in a golf cart. I call it the one handed over the shoulder pump supreme 😂

[@davis6048]

I use two fingers forward for me when I fish , I think It depends how big and how small your hand Is and real size and spool location....

[@lanceolot007]

I've been holding by rod with my toes. Thanks Randy!

[@edmetzger6759]

I've been fishing with a spinning reel for over 50 years. My advice is, hold it the way you like it.

[@sudinghosh9355]

The only gripe I have with this reel is the weight, but that goes with the size of the reel kzbin.infoUgkxM68VkfsQhHaabDce1IwOCXuvumcpbZ_k . I brought this salmon fishing up in Oswego, NY. I coupled it with a Cabela's Whuppin Stick. I had no problem pulling in a 14lb salmon. I will probably use this for surf fishing this summer and downgrade to a 3500 series Battle II next salmon season to save my wrists. All of the operations are butter smooth and the bail is nice and thick and has a solid flip to it. Everything about this reel is sturdy and strong. The drag system held up to the salmon and was also super smooth. I did use a scale to set the drag properly before going out to the river and this worked out tremendously. A bunch of other guys on the river would hook up and snap almost immediately. Just because you have a good drag system doesn't do anything if you don't set it correctly.

[@keithgoodwin1281]

Come on Randy, you do what's comfortable.

[@northbaybassanglers1068]

Some people may think these videos are like “well duh randy” but I truly believe he’s doing the BEST job on KZbin trying to make everyone an all around better angler! Keep it up randy even if I know the answer already I still enjoy watching the videos!

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man!

[@lannyseals2084]

Agreed 👍

[@patrickcorbin8894]

I agree!

[@buckscopper]

Wow, been fishing for 45 years and I never knew I've been holding my rod incorrectly, thank you so much for this video.......I will continue to fish the way that's most comfortable for me.

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

Hmm interesting 🤔. I've been using the just the index finger in the front technique and never had an issue reaching the line for 30 years. It's just always been the most comfortable way for me. My dad is the same way. He's been an avid angler for 60 years. I'm going to try fishing with your recommendations from now on. What your saying is solid, sound advice. Thanks man!

[@buckbuchanan4902]

Eric, that's the way I've fished for the last 45 years, as well as how every single fisherman I've ever known has fished. Do what works for you and don't worry about what others say!

[@grahamyoung2557]

I’m the exact same. I’ve never had an issue reaching the line even with big surf fishing spinning setups.

[@DanielSon69]

Same with me, never an issue with reaching the line or maintaining balance/control/strength. Could be due to my large hands and long digits, though it’s been working well for me since I was around 5. It sounds like a non-issue for many based on the commentary.

[@PunkR0ckz09]

That's probably because it IS the right way to do so. If you do it with 2 fingers in the back and 2 in the front, you remove dexterity from your fingers and wrists. You can try it without even holding a rod, just keep your 2 fingers in the back closed as if you'd grip the rod, then try to flick your wrist with 2 fingers, then close 3 in the back and flick again. At least, for me, the 3 fingers in the back and 1 in front feels less restraint and also, I can open much wider my fingers in the 3-1 technique than 2-2, which creates less friction for me against the rod and thus less pain during long fights.

[@spayrex_]

again size to hands and personalitys change but if your like 17 and you learn like that its really hard to switch later even tho its way more efficient in some cases

[@mikesbassboat4515]

Never had a problem with just a trigger finger in front of the reel seat and I have been fishing as long as this guy.

[@jasonb4350]

I have been fishing 40 years also with trigger finger in front and never had an issue grabbing the line, doing it in between is uncomfortable and does not give you more power.

[@2rismo]

@@jasonb4350 Agreed. Moving your hand further up the rod reduces the effective lever length and decreases power. Use what's comfortable and works, not what the internet says.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

Same here... been holding it "wrong" for 55 years, yet somehow, it's never caused a problem! 😂

[@jasonb4350]

@Forrest Farris interested in what he had to say and enjoy watching videos about fishing even if I disagree, why do you?

[@2rismo]

@Forrest Farris Is it sticking your nose up to offer a reasoned response about why one of the claims in the video is wrong? It's called robust discussion. I'm sure plenty of people got something valuable from this clip.

[@larryh.4629]

Took a dear friend along a few times he held his reel upside down I tried to show him the correct way but he just couldn't guess all those years with a zebco 303 were imprinted. He's since passed and I'd hold my reel upside down too just to go fishing with my old friend one more time if that's what it took. 🙃. Always a great memory, right or wrong.

[@choimdachoim9491]

It all depends upon what is comfortable for you, what works best for you and especially how short your forefinger is...

[@goldog2816]

Thanks Randy for taking the time to help those just starting out or have very little experience fishing, I myself am about your age and have been fishing since I was a kid, I have helped several young and inexperienced older friends with fishing and I am surprised at how many people have very little fishing experience, I guess when you grow up fishing and loving the outdoors you take it for granted,, helping others learn to fish helps me appreciate my childhood all the more,, Thanks again ........

[@ericsmith718]

Your so wonderful!!

[@goldog2816]

@@ericsmith718 Good fishin to you Eric keep lovin the outdoors .........

[@georgecovetskie6717]

Bro, when I seen this intro on Yutube, I Had to click on it just to see if you were gonna tell everyone the wrong way. Well, I was pleased to see you did it right. I tell my son this every time and he just doesnt get it. Then after a day of fishing he mentions his arm is tired, so I explain it to him again. He is getting to the point where I just look at him and he turns it down and holds it right. I just smile. Thanks for sharing this. I thought it was just me but I see now there are lot of people that think like me. LOL Thanks again.

[@LCarrTXn]

Good information. Good video. I hold my rods based on the balance point. Every rod and real combo is different, so definitely making the adjustment is important.

[@daveincanada4794]

I agree... especially on the point you make about line tension. For me, accurate casts with an open face spinning reel come down to being able to feel the tension of the line on my index finger as I swing through the cast. Putting the stem of the reel between the ring and middle fingers as you show allows a good angle for picking up, holding, and releasing the line at the right time. I also see a lot of beginners switching hands to operate the crank after they cast their lure. It takes practice to flip the bale, turn the crank, and adjust the drag with one's non-casting hand, but it is worth learning those skills.

[@erichildreth7562]

After using spinning rods/reels since I was a kid I have learned to hold it exactly like you described and it is the best way to so. I have a couple of older Bass Pro rods that have the weight balance kits and these for me really make a difference and I have put a couple of these kits on some of my other rod combos. Thanks for these great tips Randy!

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

My dad has those old weight balance kits on his old rod as well. He taught me back in the 90s how to properly balance a rod and how to select the right reel for help with the balance of the rod and what your using it for. I've I've never needed the weights since. I'm very lucky to have a father and grandfather that were very enthusiastic outdoorsman. So I try to pass on any of that knowledge to any fisherman regardless of age or experience!

[@danielmckeen2465]

Loving the hat!!!😁cool shirt. Great tips in the now famous"Tackle Room"

[@patrickcorbin8894]

Yours was a new channel for me. I have a couple of junior high aged grandkids that are really getting into fishing. I’ve subscribed!

[@aaronkingoutdoors]

Appreciate your take on it Randy but that’s exactly what this is… your take. Your opinion and how you’ve found it works best for you. I’m sure there are tons of people that do it that way and tons that do it differently. I won’t give it much thought until I see a video from the original creator of the very first spinning reel and see them repeat the same information you just did. Cheers!

[@TheOutdoorConquest]

I have hand like a gorilla and have issues with the bail blasting my fingers so I naturally have to hold it lower. Keep the tips rolling Randy! Congrats again on 75K+!

[@cityslickadundee3720]

My hands aren’t that big on certain reels my fingers get banged by it too ! Appreciate this guys info !

[@TheOutdoorConquest]

@@cityslickadundee3720 👊🏻👊🏻

[@2hawt4hair]

Felt that

[@reubensolly2237]

I actually learned to switch from your “standard” grip during casting, to the “Aaron Martens” style grip (with all the fingers above the real) during the retrieve. With the standard grip offering more casting control and the ability to feather the line, and the Aaron grip offering better rod balance and comfort. So I learned to use both.

[@aarons6931]

Yea randy is clueless on how to hold a spinning rod aaron is right being from the north I grew up with one in my hand, a guy that's made his career flipping a jig every tourney giving spinning rod tips lol

[@9210IBJ]

I cast & retrieve my freshwater spinning the same as my saltwater spinning with all my fingers ahead of the reel seat, it provides more mobility & flexibility with your fore grip, that is you can hold the rod butt end tucked on the inside of your forearm or on the outside, depending on the direction of the strike, you can set the hook via multiple angles, at least 120 degrees, same with retrieving, jigging, jerking, popping, cranking, skipping, walking the dog, frogging, etc. the correct grip gives a spinning rod way more versatility than you can imagine, thank you Aaron Martens for opening up my fishing abilities with a spinning rod

[@aarons6931]

@@9210IBJ yea them southern boys clueless on spinning tackle

[@coachmatt6735]

Nothing against Mr. Blaukat, but AMart is definitely the #1 cerebral pro to consider when it comes to finesse and drop-shot fishing. I use both grips too, depending on rod and technique.

[@duanebledsoe7566]

I never knew Aaron Martens did that. Sadly, Aaron has passed on. But I agree, holding the spinning rod his way, entirely in front of the reel, is the best way and I’ve been doing it for years. I purchase rods and reels appropriately sized and weighted to match for the best balance with my hand in that position, so much so that if I were to hold the rod the way Randy said to, the rod tip would feel too heavy. I usually downsize my spinning reels one size (Pflueger 35 down to a 30, or a Daiwa 3000 down to a 2500) so that the smaller sized reel is less weighty behind my hand. I also feel that I have more sensitivity this way due to less hand stress as I hold the rod. I fish sensitive bottom contact baits with a somewhat loose, open handed grip so I am able to feel every little tick and bump. With my hand out on the grip that far, it even lets me put a finger on the blank itself for more contact. When it comes to cast, I mostly place one finger behind the reel stem, but also often simply cast the bait with all fingers on the foregrip. I find that this has not impacted my casting accuracy, I can easily hit what I aim at. As for feathering the line, I just use my other hand and palm it in front of the spool. When fighting a fish, having my hand on the foregrip gives me the best advantage to apply pressure on the fish. The whole rod handle back behind my hand can be rested against my forearm, and the reel stem not only isn’t between my fingers and causing me pain or other issues, but instead is working as an anchor against the heel of my hand. Basically I can’t even imagine not holding my spinning rod completely out on the foregrip. I started out holding like Randy said and switched to how Aaron held his afterwards, and a long time ago. I actually thought I was one of the few. I’m the only person I know who does it among those that I fish with.

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you Randy. I’m going to change. I use the Mitchell 308 Pro for all my spinning reels. Compact, light and easy to cast.

[@brianjones866]

I was nervous clicking on this video thank God I’ve been doing it right the whole time😅🤙🏼 lol

[@djp411]

Have never had the need to go with two fingers in front, unless I'm using larger than a 5 or 6000 size spinning reel. With 1000 to 4000 sized reels (or smaller), it seems a single finger in front is plenty long enough to reach the line without stretching and balances better for me... and I always use my left hand to feather the line between the reel and first eyelet.

[@petersquatch]

Right? I won't be changing the way I've fished for the last 15 years

[@jameslow5536]

Single "trigger finger" fishing has always worked for me and I'm 60 years old lol. I have never had any trouble reaching the line

[@CONEHEADDK]

Daiwa AG 1305x

[@pocketjokers1]

That is your best way ! Everyone has there own feel and there are people with longer fingers bigger or smaller hands ! This is how YOU are comfortable holding it , doesnt mean someone else is

[@flyslinger2]

Another reason to hold it the way Randy recommends is some rod manufacturers expose the blank so that the pad of a finger will rest on it and feel more of the signals transmitted from the line.

[@BeardMan01]

I've always kept the base of my spinning reel between my ring and pinky fingers. I also like using modified fly rods as ultralight rods. There is no "right way", it's all preference. Also, with ultralight and microlight gear, holding it in the middle is useless as you cannot transfer enough snap to the tip to cast micro tackle. It's all dependent on the gear and tackle combined with personal preference. Just because you think so, does not mean that everyone else is wrong. Don't be an insufferable know-it-all.

[@timothygats]

I hold it the same way as he does but I completely agree with you.

[@djt4546]

100% agree with you brother. Its preference and what feels comfortable to you.

[@MCAS1924]

Yep. My preference too. That way I can put my index finger tip on the rod blank... get much more "feel" that way. Once in awhile the reel clicks on my wedding ring when using small tackle.

[@richardbossman9875]

I never thought much about how I held a spinning combo but as a rule I hold how demonstrated simply because that places the balance point on my index finger.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Glad to see you're doing it right. I've had my spinning rod this way for 60yrs.

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I agree, I tried it every way you showed even though I already knew how to hold it...between the middle and ring finger feels the best, just the right balance for control, had the reach to the line. It felt I had a better grip for casting also.

[@sharksmith96]

I normally grab my spinning reels the way you recommend for light tackle and freshwater fishing. If you step up into big game spinning reels then sometimes it helps to move you hand up above the spinning reel to give you more leverage when fighting sea monsters!

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

This prompted some memories. My Dad was the third man in America to own and use a spinning rod. His friend Col. Bates, the man who brought spinning to America introduced him to spinning. A fly fisherman and used to fly rod distances, Dad remembered being astonished the first time he cast a spinning rod, not seeing how far the lure had gone 🤔. We take it for granted but back then it was revolutionary. A WWII Vet who passed away in 2019 at 97, his love for fishing of any kind never wavered. My Dad had me out in a boat with him on a New England pond when I was 3 yrs old. In the winter of 1955 we moved to South Fla. for Dad's health (pleurisy, very painful inflammation in the lungs, back then life threatening). I was 7, he recovered and it was fishing heaven. 🙂 I grew up with spinning rods and have always held it with two fingers on each side of the reel seat. Just intuitively seems right. Obviously my Dad showed me how to do it when I was so young that I don't even remember him showing me. I do know that I was fishing when I was 5-6. When the fish weren't biting and as children will do, we got bored and asked him if we could go down the shore and throw rocks. He agreed but said we had to stay in sight of him because then he could keep an eye on us. My uncle didn't allow his kids to go play with us, angrily stating "you came to fish and that's what you're going to do!" My brother and I grew up to love fishing, seeing it as something fun to do. My cousins grew up to hate fishing, seeing it as some kind of punishment. Words to the wise young fathers. Raise em right when they're young and they'll stay true to the intuitively right way to do things.

[@coyotesmile8972]

My 7 year old caught his first largemouth today! 12-13 inches. Its a good day for us!

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

@@coyotesmile8972 👍

[@bittermelon4657]

No clue why, but I instinctively grabbed it the correct way when I transferred from a kiddie rod to a spinning. It just felt right. I just did it like that from the start and couldn’t figure out why other people did it different. I tried their way. It’s like you said, any other way just felt like I was losing control of either the rod or the reel. I was really afraid that I might’ve been holding it wrong for twenty plus years. Good info though.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I hold my rods with my pinky behind the reel or 2 fingers, it depends on the size and balance of the combo. And for fighting fish sometimes it's good to hold with all 4 in front. So I wouldn't say you should always hold them 1 way.

[@davelowes8416]

Landed a 2 lb Smally on my old 408 this summer. Still my go to reel.

[@mattwodziak1750]

I have small hands and I find that holding the spinning rod with my entire hand above the reel is best for balance for me. Plus my index finger is positioned perfectly to hook the line for casting. I also get much more power in hooksets that way.

[@CONEHEADDK]

So you've expertimented, and found what works best for you - the way to go.!!! The problem is with all the idjutz, that just start one way, and can't/won't try/listen to anything else, bcz they are weak foolz..

[@buckruttin2246]

Two years ago I had a big pike hit hard while holding the rod with the reel stem between my middle finger and ring finger as Randy described. Well unfortunately I was not facing towards the end of the line because the (canoe) had drifted past the spot where I cast. This caused the rod/reel to slip slightly from my grip when the pike hit and the result was a nearly broken middle finger that was still hurting a year later. I am now very cautious about how I hold the rod when casting pike baits.

[@fmbbeachbum8163]

I use 2 different grips for spinning because of arthritis in my fingers. If I'm using big equipment in saltwater I use the 1 finger grip because the line is too far away from my fingers & eases the pain when fighting big Redfish. All others I use the split fingers grip.

[@corkyvanderhaven3391]

Brø You gotta take this show to the streets. 🙏 Please show us some touch and retrieve on 5-10 specials you pick out Talk speed and line tension and set within. 💡🤷‍♂️

[@michaelpurdy5908]

I am going to try this. I always do the one finger especially on spinning poles. I use it like a trigger finger to release the line when casting.

[@brandonroque7781]

I started handling my spinning outfit the way you suggest and just for the fact you can reach the line very easily with your index finger is such a huge plus and and cuts down the time in between casts dramatically only way I will handle my spinning outfit from here on out 🤙🏻

[@CONEHEADDK]

Daiwa AG 1305x

[@ZachRussell.W]

‘griping with the back finger’ is my preferred. It leaves your index finger in the perfect position to grab the line when casting and if you ask me, it does give you the most control. But at the end of the day, it’s whatever works best for the individual.

[@herbertgearing1702]

I was a one finger forward guy for years and more than that I never feathered the line on the cast just let it sail to the spot I aimed. Although I developed amazing touch with that technique I found that I was often too conservative around brush to avoid getting snagged. Once I learned to use my finger to slow and stop my cast on the spot I definitely was able to get the cast in front of more fish in tighter spots. It is handy for bass but really handy for trout in tight brushy mountain streams.

[@RobCardIV]

i tried all 4 fingers in front yesterday. i was surprised at how light and comfortable it was. i think i settled on 3 front 1 behind. i felt like i really had a great hold on the line.

[@claytonridenour7191]

My goodness Randy! I thought maybe the how to hold a bait caster reel video was an anomaly power fishing bias, but even the spinner reel video shows you’re indeed ripped 💪 … keep it up my Man!

[@michaelloucks4448]

Thanks Randy that's how I've always held my spinning rods with two fingers on each end of the reel stem but still awesome tip . Thanks again bud appreciate everything you teach me about fishing these big bodies of water 💦 unbelievable the amount of knowledge and information you and that kid Johhny Shultz, and matt Stefan' have given me in a one year period. GOD bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike.

[@forrhs8430]

EXACTLY correct...thanks

[@brooksysdead]

Always hold spinning between my pinky and ring finger. Like to keep my point finger straight forward up against the side of the rod, always felt like I had better feel and more control that way

[@paulwestmoreland8498]

Have been fishing 55 years, here in Florida, with index finger forward and have everyone I have ever fished with does the same.

[@adamtheangler]

My medium rods and smaller I always hold with three fingers behind, and one in front. Never had a problem reaching for the line, and I'm only 5' 4". However, I definitely see where you're coming from, and would agree, that's probably the most balanced, however not comfortable for me. I also cast and reel left handed even though I'm right handed, so I'm just weird AF. My larger medium heavy's and heavy's are different with how I handle them depending on what I'm doing. I cast with the 3 fingers behind the reel. When I retrieve I put my entire hand in front of the reel, which I believe would be proper for large rods.

[@nsac3450]

Randy, Thank you for sharing the knowledge. Ever try a bail-less spinning reel?

[@pennsylvaniapatriot22]

I was using one finger for years haha. I’ll try using two and see how that works for me. Thanks!

[@danm1319]

I actually started doing this after I got a wrist injury. Never knew I was doing it wrong before but this is this nly way I can do if now.

[@riverpirate1022]

Thanks for sharing this important guidance, Randy. It's important to do things the right way, the way the creator of the object intended. Everyone do what you want, but know you're doing it wrong, and not the best way as intended.

[@Thegoofyairgunner]

You have a new sub today. I don’t know why the way people hold their rods bothers me so much but I’m always cringing over it. After 40+ years I think I have learned a couple things and I completely agree with your hold also

[@mikealthouse7065]

I like your vids but I have to change positioning of my fingers around the foot of the real periodically because my fingers start hurting or my wedding ring will dig into one of my fingers or something so I'm constantly repositioning my hand and it seems to work out okay no matter where I put it

[@rogue_miner8477]

Hey, I totally agree that for beginners just starting to learn the two fingers above, two below would be a good starting point. Its how I hold most of my spinning rods. However it’s like holding a pencil. I guess there’s technically a “right” way to hold a pencil but a lot of people do whatever’s comfortable for them and it works. For experienced anglers, there’s no right or wrong way to hold it.

[@bobborgstede837]

Randy - Great videos. Now I need one on how I should hold my Zebco 33! 😄

[@davidcox9674]

Hi Randy, I notice that like a few other people I've seen. You have a right hand wind baitcaster and a left hand spin reel. Is there any reason for this? For me, I have to always hold the rod in my right hand as my left got a bit messed up in a car smash many years ago so all my reels are left hand wind and hold them just as you describe.

[@laurel1847]

This is interesting.... I always do the one finger but after fishing a few hours my hands hurt and I find myself changing hand positions. It could be that I just have small feminine hands that doesn't quite fit the reel. I will try this to see if it helps with any of the deep ache.

[@hickorysmoke6351]

I'll have to respectively disagree with your thoughts on the one finger below and three above position. In my experience not much, if any, power or control are lost, and those with smaller hands, like me, may have an easier time grabbing the line with their index finger due to not having to reach as far over the line roller. This does have the caveat of making feathering harder with your casting hand index finger but can still be achieved with the middle finger. More objectively, your hand position relative to balance is more determined by the overall balance of the rod and reel combo. Though I certainly agree with not going all below or above, I think the decision between one or two below comes down to preference.

[@kranky069]

I totally agree and hold it the same way

[@draganarc0131]

And I have huge hands with long fingers and it’s best control for me to have only one (index) finger above. Pretty sure I won’t catch more fish by changing, likely less due to lack of control. I tried it.

[@bradthomason8461]

Me too. No disrespect intended, but I've never found one up and three down to be a problem. Goes for bream to tarpon and everything in between. My hands are probably a shade bigger than average, for whatever that's worth. But that all said, I don't think there's anything wrong with two and two, either. I use small spinning tackle when I fish small streams, and when I fish all day I usually switch back and forth to keep my hand from cramping. Both seem to be equally effective for me, and as the other person pointed out, probably not a factor in how many fish you catch or don't catch. I do like Randy's videos, though. So no hate, just a different experience and opinion. Keep em coming.

[@sotaboy8040]

It all depends on the spinning outfit and where it balances, the reel size, rod length, etc. Next thing you know people are gonna start telling you how your pants are supposed to be on that'll make you catch more fish!

[@codymilner6890]

Wah wah wahhh

[@garethh6962]

Great advice I was using my index finger just in front I’ll change it, I’m in the UK and do a lot of shooting since I was young. This year I started playing a lot of snooker and my right hand I held the cue like a rifle with my thumb across which was comfy my friend from high school a amateur play gave me some advice to get out of this bad habit which was very uncomfortable and strange at first but works great now.

[@garlandmorris5994]

Thanks for the video. Can you you tell me what rod and reel that is?

[@johnhollis7132]

I spent years working on hand positioning on both baitcaster and spinning. I do it the same as you.. Cool

[@loganvilletiger5076]

I don’t use a spinning reel that much. I “need” to, but just don’t feel I got the hook setting power nor the power hauling bass out of cover. I’ll give you suggestion a “spin” and see if it helps.

[@djp411]

The rod sets the hook, not the reel...

[@kenneth9874]

It seems to me that I have a bit stronger hook set with the stem in the middle

[@koozhound32]

A good friend of mine fishes his spinning rod upside down. Tried to get him to change but he said he’s fished that way for 40 years! Drives me crazy watching him.

[@jonwhalen643]

That’s insane, I wouldn’t let ‘em on my boat

[@larryh.4629]

Keep your good friend close and enjoy fishing together.

[@koozhound32]

@@jonwhalen643 but I end up catching all the fish. So it works out well

[@thomasrobinson8960]

If the spine on his rod was oriented correctly he is constantly giving the fish the fighting advantage.

[@WolfmanWoody]

Hello from England! Well explained. Don't know how many times I explain to newcomers how to hold a reel. Best way I found is to show them the Spock (Star Trek) salute 🖖and the reel stem goes in between.

[@wesleywalters4205]

I have my crank handle on the right. I cast out from my right hand, while closing the bail I switch over to my left to retrieve. Single finger forward on the seat is the most comfortable for me. If I need more power then I’ll do a two finger split.

[@trimbaker1893]

Randy, I don't know why it drives me nuts to see someone hold their rod in all those ways you list as "don't" but it does. I have to remind myself, they are having a good time, they are fishing and thats enough. My first spinning rod was a heddon with steel windings on the eyes. My reel was a Mitchell 300. I had several 308's over the years and love that reel. Great stuff Randy. You and I are the same age I think. 1961 .

[@antoniomora1255]

1961 is also my year of birth. My old Mitchell 300 and the faster model Mitchell 350...a long time has passed...

[@alexpazmino4762]

Could it also depend on the size of your hands? If you have small hands wouldn’t it be beneficial to hold the rod from the front or upper part ?

[@danscholes9132]

We need a cane pole video! 😉 Good stuff, Randy.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

Always done it that way. Just seems right. Rod/Reel balance is important too. Which is why I favor Tennessee handles and reel wrap tape to lock the reel at the exact balance point. Much less tiring to fish for long hours of casting and easier, longer casts.

[@prepareforadventure6247]

Cool, thanks!

[@cwulfoutdoors318]

Not sure how I hold it but I’m thinking with one finger in front of the seat. You better believe I’ll be checking that next time I go fishing. Good vid.

[@skeptical-of-all1633]

For me it depends on the pole. On my small pole, I go one finger on top, and on my surf pole I go all fingers above the real. I feel it gives me the best control. I think it depends on arm and finger length. It’s funny because I was fishing yesterday after switching targets as the tide changed. I would love to have a tailored rod and real to my hand.

[@tomharries847]

It all depends of the size of reel and rod, and the persons hands to where they position the reel between their fingers. I have 1 rod where the reel is between my index and middle finger and another where its between my middle and ring finger. Its also down to preference.

[@douglasspickler4925]

When I was a teenager I worked on charter boats Chesapeake bay and ocean city. A young girl was fishing a spinning rod upside down, so I showed her how to properly hold the rod. More than once. Every time I came by it was upside down again. Then all of a sudden she was the only one catching them. One after another. Rod upside down. I kept taking the fish off and baiting her hook. She looked at me and said "they only bite when I hold the reel upside down, they don't bite at all your way ". So I said your fine your way is better continue on. Then I noticed all the anglers were fishing with their spinning rods upside down. 😁

[@turkeyhuntingwithpossum4377]

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best spinning reel for largemouth? Thanks in advance

[@codycantrell2780]

I feel most control with the stem between the pinky and ring fingers. There are even reel seats made for choking up a bit.

[@ericmutrie5753]

I think it comes down to whatever works best and is most comfortable for you

[@bobborgstede837]

I like to reel in with my right hand because I am right-handed. I always reverse the handle to be on the right side. Do you see any disadvantage to that?

[@Antznewz]

It's just preference. I prefer to control the rod with my right hand because I am right handed.

[@joebassboss8039]

That’s exactly how I do it. I was going to comment on exactly that. I’m glad I’m not the only one who does it like that.

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

I never thought of that. I had to go pick one rod to see how I instinctively hold it - two different positions, actually (one being your recommended).

[@rhetth.708]

Well this is one man's opinion. Been fishing for over 37 years and never had an issue holding it however I need to.

[@akiracornell]

Depends on whether or not they counterbalance the rod and the weight of your reel. I'm casting two-handed if I really want to whip it out anyway. I'm typically three fingers out front sometimes 4 depending on the balance of the rod and weight of the reel. it's hanging in my fingers so I can feel the blank and what the weight is doing on the bottom. In fact my old Loomis drop shot rod was kind of tip heavy so I put a weight in the rear, my favorite balanced rod was a Shimano crucial but it broke cuz it's so delicate. I got my wife a phoenix feather that one's all right, I'm going to go with the cashion John crews drop shot rod and give that a go.

[@kevinhaley1150]

Kinda funny but the first thing I do when I bring up your video is click the like button lol just know I'm going to love it everytime never been sorry for doing it

[@sylvestertinsley1591]

Comes down to hand size and the exact reel those of us with large hands can have a problem of the knuckles getting in the way if two fingers are in front and have no problems reaching line with just one on the reverse side those with small may not be able to with just two being forward

[@keithgreen7090]

That’s the beauty of it, I can hold it any way I want.

[@Seether1975]

I am generally also a 2/2 finger grip person on the really small rods, but it depends on the rod size etc. For me there is a casting grip and a reeling grip that could be different. It is intuitive, I don't actually think about it.

[@garywest2250]

Aaron Martens was a true savant of fishing. Great video!

[@joshdonathan7311]

The folks down in Mexico need to see this video… went fishing down their and every single person had their spinner upside down feeling backwards. They looked at me like I was crazy for fishing the “right” way. They was catching more than me too! 🤷‍♂️

[@danstevenson9124]

For the most part, I too out catch the other guys who fish spinning rods the so called "correct way"...smh

[@scrubadiver]

That's why I lik the newer rods, they are cut and molded to sit in your hand right... feels like butter.

[@mikesoutfishing]

That is how I hold it. I cast side armed unless there is a tree in my way, dont know why but its just how I do it and with the way Randy is holding the reel it will give your wrist maximum control using one hand.

[@zachweber6384]

Hey I actually live in Springfield! Where do you fish around here because I don’t like lake Springfield and fellows seems crowded. I guess I just need someone to help take around some of these places and give me pointers so that I can give my child better memories when I take him. It would be really cool to meet up!

[@jaredpeterson380]

I saw a guy fishing once with his spinning real upside down. He was having great difficulty casting. Not wanting to be a noitall, I just asked if I could take a few casts. He let me. Took his gear back, gave me a dirty look. Flipped it back upside down an carried on.

[@charleseagan4316]

That setup is gorgeous, what rod and reel is that?

[@gtray7]

I hold mine above the reel from time to time. Usually when my hand starts getting fatigued from working baits. Having the reel split my fingers gets uncomfortable after a while

[@TopwaterTony]

i agree ... two in front and two in back of the bar :)

[@mikewatts2647]

A good video for beginners, but I thought he was going to tell me something I did not know, fished to many tournaments, always willing to take advice and maybe learn something new.