Abstract: There is described a semi-automatic fishing apparatus for retaining a baited fishing rod in an inclined, flexed configuration wherein it may be automatically released to an unflexed position in response to tensioning of the fishing line, as for example, by acceptance of the bait by a fish, so as to set the hook in the fish. The apparatus features an elongated inclined base member to which the fishing rod handle is secured at an acute angle to one end and to which the tip of the fishing rod is retained at the opposite other end below the plane of the base member in the flexed configuration through the agency of a latching device. The latching device is tripped directly by the downward movement of the line which line simply overlies the tripping mechanism without the need for complicated threading of the line through the tripping mechanism as in prior art devices.