An automatic hooksetting fishing rod holder including a mounting member formed of a strap including a stake section; a pivot carried by the mounting member; a holder arm member pivotably connected to the pivot and including a forward portion extending on one side of the mounting member for engaging a fishing rod handle; a spring interconnected between the mounting member and the holder arm member to urge the forward portion of the holder arm upwardly; and a latch including a pawl pivotably attached to one of the members and a pawl engaging seat on the other of the members for restraining upward motion of the forward portion of the holder arm member until a downward force on the forward portion disengages the pawl and seat.
