Abstract: A holder device for fishing rods including a mount, a support secured to said mount, and a rod or pole handle holder pivotally secured to said support, the holder being spring biased relative to said support. A pivot mechanism includes an eccentrically mounted release pin which releasably retains the holder relative to the support. A line-responsive lever is engaged with the pivot mechanism for rotationally displacing the pivot mechanism, thus causing an upward snap of the support, in response to a tug on the fish line. The device is thus suitable for leaving a fishing pole unattended and yet condition the same to set a hook upon a fish strike occurring.