Abstract: An easily assembled universal mounting bracket (10) provides mounting surfaces (36) for mounting downriggers (14). The mounting bracket (10) preferably includes two sidewall-engaging elements (16) and connection structure (18) which serves to grippingly secure mounting bracket (10) within a boat (12) without the necessity of attaching nuts and bolts or the like to boat (12). Downrigger (14) is mounted on support surface (36). Legs (50) are slidably pressed against sidewalls (80) and secured in gripping engagement when screw clamps (56) are tightened through frame (48) onto legs (50). In preferred embodiments, legs (50) include foot members (70) which are slidably received within track structure (28).