Abstract: A hook setting apparatus comprised of a post and a telescoping stake for mounting the apparatus on the shore of a lake, river or ocean. The hook setting apparatus is comprised of a trigger release mechanism having a bracket mounted on the post. A trigger release mechanism comprised of a pin and a trigger release lever are secured to a fishing line with the natural flexibility of a fishing pole holding a trigger pin in the trigger release lever. Slack in the fishing line is passed through the trigger release lever and extends beneath the body of water being fished. The trigger release mechanism relies on the natural flexibility of a fishing pole to apply to the force to set a hook. The trigger release lever releases the end of the pin allowing the fishing pole to snap sharply backward, applying considerable force to a fishing line to set a hook.