Abstract: A holding apparatus for attachment to the handle of a fishing rod and reel combination, with the apparatus being juxtaposed with respect to the reel. The holding apparatus has a pair of spaced apart side walls and a pair of spaced apart end rods extending transverse to the side walls with one end of each rod being secured to one side wall and passing freely through the other side wall. A clamp is rigidly secured to each rod outboard of said other side wall and is adjustably tightened against the handle of the rod. Compression springs extend between the side walls for holding the side walls apart. Resilient pads are mounted on the facing surfaces of the spaced side walls with an exposed edge of one pad abutting the exposed edge of the other pad to define a parting line slot therebetween. Adjusting screws extend between the side walls for adjusting the distance between the side walls for preloading the spring means and the pads with a predetermined compressive load.