Books / Wristing / Cork grips

Now working for the National Park Service as Project Coordinator for Native Fisheries Restoration nationwide I see many new books that might relate to fly fishing. However, a few really stick out. Especially,

Biology and Management of the world Tarpon and Bonefish Fisheries, edited by Dr. Jerald Ault

He compiled and edited this book while doing research at Biscayne National Park. This book is of note to the fly fisher because of the link many scientists are working on between fly fishers and managers. An important fact especially for tarpon where more guides have seen tarpon spawn than any scientist. This book has chapters by great fisherman like Apte, Moret, and Sosin (and my boss at the Park Service Jim Tilmant, a certified instructor and great fly fisherman). While the book has a great deal of the latest and most detailed information about the life histories of bonefish and tarpon it also outlines conservation concerns but adds an important element to the fly fisherman.

Those interested in the work being done can go to:

You will notice the Loomis, Tibor, and Redbone links as well as info for guides that have helped in the research.

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Jeff ..... This research is great in providing much appreciated knowledge about these species. I have attended their meetings. Unfortunately, over the years I've seen this backfire badly when the information is used by commercial netters and long liners to do their best to destroy the resource. This is why I refused to participate in tagging a single tarpon. Sooner or later, someone will figure out a way to make these fish into food for sale. I have witnessed, in my fishing travels, tarpon and bonefish netted by the thousands for use as fish trap bait and fertilizer.

I've witnessed bonefish, tarpon and permit spawning. I keep that information to myself.

As counterpoint, I recommend readers seek and read Carl Safina's book, "Song For The Blue Ocean". (Peter Minnick introduced me to this one several years ago.)

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Howdy Gordy and Gang.

Here in Texas I get to teach a lot of plug or Bass Casters. You can tell them show them tie them even threaten them but they still break the wrist. The worst is they have no Stroke or lateral movement.

Cure is to educate the wrist as they have a educated thumb on the spool of the casting reel. So If they are going to break the wrist I now will change where they break the wrist. AFTER the STROKE. The have to stroke the rod about 18-20+ inches before I let them break the wrist when false casting. This added stroke naturally reduces the rotation of the wrist. They also have to watch their own hand. Seeing is believing. Too this Try a video You will be surprised how much watching yourself cast can help.

I also use the term UP CAST not back cast I want the back cast loop to be UP to get the trajectory up behind and down in front. To keep the plane of the line 12 feet high as it passes the caster or at or just above the vertical rod tip. Drawing the stick man with a rod and loop on a dry erase board (chalkboard for Gordy) showing what should be down and why.

Guiding the hand will help the student feel the stop and can see where you stop and how the rod is pointed up.

I have them form a loop then follow it with the rod tip pointing at the loop This is done with the casting side foot moved back to allow them to watch better. As the cast gets longer this help with drift back.

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Al: Well, many good casters break the wrist after the stop on the back cast. This is what happens with the so-called, "Borger Lay Back". Many, if not most, do it when making a back drift after the stop.

Videoing students is a great teaching tool. Many good instructors do this. Joan Wulff did this during her instructors courses ... helps each student as well as the class critique performance.

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From Mack Martin on cork grips:

Gordy:

I noticed some comments or questions related to protecting the cork grip on fly rods. My experience has been quite good using U-40 cork seal on the grips. This coating keeps oil and dirt from getting into the cork. After a period of time the sealer will wear off to some extent. This can be easily repaired by sanding the grip with a 300 to 400 grit sand paper and re-applying the sealer. The coated grip retains the friction inherent with cork and does not change the feel of the grip.

Generally the sealer will easily last a season unless the user has very oily hands or uses very harsh bug repellent.

M. A. (Mack) Martin Jr

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Another opinion from Al Crise:-

Howdy Gordy and Gang

The corks of today are soon to be a thing of the past. Good cork is going up in price and only the wine makes are getting the really good ones. The composite cork will soon be the way of the rod builder. burl and other with rubber in the cork are good looking and a lot cheaper.

To care for your grip wash it with dawn and water. IF really dark and stained try Comet Cleanser with a wet rag NEVER use sandpaper or sanding sheets. These remove the soft parts and leave the hard ridges.

The sealers that some sell like the U 40 cork sealer are basic a water base Polycyclic. These fill the pours of the cork and stop water intrusion. I myself feel that this makes the grip slippery or silky feeling not as warm as just cork. Many like it.

the Burl grips do not slip in the hand when wet and are harder to stand up to rough abuse better. You will see many of the rod companies making this move. I myself just wish they would make them thicker. The fine cork grips are tiring on my hands and forearm. I build my grips over sized about 1/8 inch you will be surprised how that helps For the ladies and kids I might reduce by 1/16-1/8 inch Makes it a lot less tiring. Factory grips I have Wrapped in Vet Wrap.

ol Al

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From Jerry Puckett:

Good point Gordy, I think I will get darker tennis grip to put on the grip above my hand for the visibility effect along with the brighter below the hand! In my tennis tournament days it didn't take long for the leather handle to separate from the racket, hence the introduction of grip wrap. Made for great control and absorbed the sweat! Only draw back is when fishing make sure the handle is not immersed in water! Experience!

I recommend this for practice rods that take a lot of abuse from use. It does offer a great way to protect the cork while providing a non slip grip!

I am waiting on the day when technology provides a grip other than cork that has its lightness but superior grip and long term wear!

Jerry

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