I hold the rod with the reel on top, and reel backwards...

 

 

I'm kidding, I've seen a few people do that and it makes me laugh every time...

 

 

I hold the rod with the split grip so to speak, 2 in front and 2 in back. 

Two on top and two on bottom. Ive had large northerns pull my rod out of my hand holding it any other way.

1 finger in front of the stem the others behind

I hold Kobe with all in front if I am fishing slower. But if I fish faster I have all but one in front. I learned from Aaron Martens to keep either all or all but one in front if for feel. He knows the most about spinning gear in my mind

I've been fishing like Mr. Spock ("Live Long and Prosper...") nearly all the time. I think the greatest contributing factor in all of this has been the balance point of the equipment that I use. As I have aged, I now find my hand on the rod generally more forward than in years past. With the balance point of the rod almost always being well in front of the mount, I find it easier on my hands to hold the rod further towards the front to avoid finger strain.

I kinda wonder why some people that fish with their hand in front of the reel buy "bass" rods with no foregrip.  Walking down the aisle in the freshwater section I see very few rods that would compliment the way I hold them.  I use inshore rods for freshwater fishing, other than the foregrip I don't see any difference.

It all about the balance, every rod/reel combo is different.  Mostly I'm a "2 and 2" guy, but will sometimes go to 3 and 1, or 1 and 3 depending on balance point.  Most people finesse fish with spinning gear so getting that perfect balance to feel bites and set the hook is key.  

I am going to defer to this young lady, just because

 

^^ I'm appalled ^^