The Dobson Clip is like your thumb and finger holding the rod at its balance point. The amount of force required to overcome the inertia of the long rod prevents sudden motion from dislodging the grip and the friction of the special foam pad prevents the rod sliding too far from the balance point to be steady. It works easily and naturally. Just slip the rod into the clip at its balance point, snug it up with your thumb and you now have a free hand to safely and expeditiously handle a fish. Your rod and reel are secure from being trampled, dropped or muddied too.