A handle system for use with a fishing rod. In one embodiment the system is attachable to a rod having a reel seat and operable in conjunction with a reel having a rotatable spool about which fishing line is wound. An attachment section attaches the reel to the handle system and attaches the handle system to the fishing rod. A handle section includes a handle about which a first hand can be placed to hold the rod while catching a fish. The handle extends in a direction away from the attachment section. A leveling system provides back and forth movement of fishing line along the reel spool when the reel is attached to the handle system and the fishing line is being wound on to the spool.