Abstract: A handle for bait-casting type fishing rods, with a preferred embodiment including a single-piece, lightweight, contoured pistol-grip type handle located on the rod ahead of the reel to afford the user exceptional fishing sensitivity due to direct finger contact with the fishing line extending from the reel. The handle also affords good control over rod twist and facilitates a more positive grip than conventional grasping of the rod during reeling. Also included is a rear forearm cradle that acts as a lever point which, when combined with the pistol-grip type handle, provides exceptional control of rod tip motions, useful during hook sets and while counteracting the pull of a fish. A preferred embodiment includes the pistol grip handle and forearm cradle features, either or both of which can be retrofitted to or incorporated into conventional casting rod handle designs that may include trigger grips and attachment mechanisms for securing a reel in place.