Abstract: A handle for an implement or sports equipment such as a fishing rod, having a contoured gripping portion designed so as to reduce fatigue and tension while improving casting accuracy without interfering with reel function. The handle and contoured gripping portion are adapted to being surroundingly mounted on an elongated shaft member of said implement or sports equipment. The gripping portion is contoured so as to correspond to the natural angles and position of the hand and palm, with an S-shaped curvature on its top side, and a triple curvature along its opposing bottom side that creates a depression in which the fingers rest when a user grasps the gripping portion of the handle. The contoured gripping portion of the handle is preferably oval shaped and slightly tapered toward both its proximal and distal ends.