Ditto.  After I watched a video of Aaron Martens holding his spinning rod like this and explaining better leverage and less fatigue I practiced this until it became second nature.

If wasn't seeing Aaron Marten's name on this site quite a few times I'd have no idea who he is, I don't follow pro fishing.

I early some one saying having their index finger on the rod, I noticed today when I was out bass fishing I did the same thing, I was never aware of it before.

We do have 10 minute + battles, yes it's not bass fishing.  

I only use spinning gear for finesse fishing and all of my fingers are in front of the reel, typically with my index finger extended on the blank and thumb kind of straight down the top. Almost like how I hold a golf club in my right hand, which might not be a coincidence. Never really thought a ton about it, but it seems from a leverage/feel/balance standpoint with my gear and with the presentations I'm fishing, it is the most comfortable.

We do have 10 minute + battles, yes it's not bass fishing.

I am going deep sea fishing when I visit my son in Miami next week... I sure hope to have a "long battle" or 2.

My thumb goes on top of the foregrip, my index finger goes around the foregrip, and my middle, ring, and pinky sort of wrap around the front of the reel seat.

 

Similar to this, but with a spinning reel. I'm used to holding a centerpin.

Reel stem between my pinky and ring finger, always.

 

Tom

We do have 10 minute + battles, yes it's not bass fishing.

I am going deep sea fishing when I visit my son in Miami next week... I sure hope to have a "long battle" or 2.

 

 

Good luck, possible anytime fishing offshore.

Two fingers either side of the reel stem. Middle (longest) finger touches the spool when casting to trap the line and to feather it at the end of the cast. That way is the most accurate way to cast and gives the most control of the line.