Abstract: A device for releasably gripping a fishing line employed in conjunction with a downrigger device consists of a bracket attached to the downrigger device and having a lever connected therewith for pivotal movement in a vertical plane. An intermediate portion of the line extending down from the fishing rod is releasably connected to the bracket by means of the lever. A pull of predetermined strength on the trailing bait end portion of the line extending rearwardly from the bracket is designed to pivot the lever upwardly. The line is released from the bracket in response to upward pivotal movement of the lever.