How to Properly Grip a Tenkara Rod

While the traditional western fly rod grip is with the thumb on top, which allows for a bit more power, it locks the wrist and does not allow for much movement when working the fly in different positions. Tenkara requires a more 3-dimensional approach to the using the rod, and the index finger on top of the rod allows that, as well as more wrist for effortless and precise casting.