Abstract: A bracket for supporting a flagstaff in several orientations and useful particularly in situations where it is required to quickly raise or lower the flag such as to signal presence of a water skier down in the water and dismounting when it is desired to store the flag when not in use, the bracket including a bar with a hole for insertion of the end of the flagstaff and rotatably mounted on a panel with notches around an edge each of which engages a spring loaded catch on the bar when it is rotated in a corresponding orientation. In one embodiment, the panel is a side panel of a channel and the joining leg of the panel slides into a slot in a bar bolted to a base such as the side of a boat.

Abstract: A portable umbrella assembly comprised of a tube, an umbrella disposed within the tube, an umbrella support member, and three bungee cords attached around the tube. One of the ends of the tube is chamfered so that it can readily be inserted into the ground. A series of holes are drilled through the tube to receive a transversely-extending fastener insertable through the holes.

Abstract: A flag display device for mounting a flag or pennant to the exterior surface of a vehicle, such as a windshield, window, or roof includes a flag staff having a flag affixed at one end and an annular base member at the opposite end. A suction cup depends from the base member for securing the flag display device to the surface. The base member also has a plurality of flexible legs radially extending from the annular ring to the surface which engage the surface at individual, separate and distinctly spaced contact points adjacent an outer perimeter of the suction cup when the suction cup is depressed, so that a force applied to the flag staff is transferred to the surface through the individual leg contact points and the suction cup and the flag staff remains stable even when wind forces are applied to the flag and flag staff. The flag display device further includes a mounting member for securing the flag staff to the base member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clamping and holding device and more particularly to a clamping and holding device which can be attached to articles such as patio chairs to mount a holder for umbrellas and the like in a variety of positions. The device provides a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm pivotally connected to one another to engage an article. A holder extending laterally from the first clamping arm is provided to hold a tray, umbrella or the like. The holder may be locked in a variety of positions. A cam, cam follower and locking member or nut and bolt system prevents the inadvertent opening of the clamping arms.

Abstract: A sign pole mount having a curved face with a vertical passage and an angled passage therein opening through said face, the mount having a vertical backing wall and a bottom backing wall, each having inward extending grooves along the sides thereof and a base plate having angled projections adapted to respectively receive the grooves in alternate positions for various angled extensions of a sign pole inserted through the passages of the mount. The base plate can be secured either to a vertical or horizontal supporting surface.

Abstract: A flat base pivotally attaches to the lower end of a mono or uni pod forming a foot to provide stabilization for a still or a video camera mounted on the upper end of the pod. One end of the foot is a flat platform on which a photographer can place the toe end of his/her own foot to further stabilize a camera during picture taking.

Abstract: An antenna-mounting device includes a mount and a quick-release clip joined with the mount. An antenna is attached to the mount. The quick-release clip includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first margin and a second margin which is curved so as to form a lower jaw, two spaces defined therein and two tabs which perpendicularly project from the first member so that the spaces are between the tabs. The second member includes a margin disposed above the lower jaw. A pad includes a first portion adhered to the first margin of the first member and a second portion adhered to the second member. A buckle includes two tabs which perpendicularly project from the buckle and each define a pivot point which is linked to one of the tabs of the first member, a first edge and a second edge, so that a distance between the first edge and the pivot point is less than a distance between the second edge and the pivot point. The buckle is switched between a released position and locked position.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder assembly includes a channel, a bracket, a hub and a rod holder. The channel may be mounted on the boat at any angle desired, from horizontal to vertical. The bracket is configured to be slidably inserted within the channel in any of four orientations. The hub, which is rotatably mounted on the bracket, defines a plurality of apertures. A pin is positioned on the bracket. A spring biases the hub against the bracket to a positive, locked position with the pin in one of the apertures. Separate tile pieces, configured to be slidably inserted within the channel, space rod holders on the channel.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a pole or other elongated support structure has a stand on which the elongated support structure is mounted. The stand is pivotally connected to a base. An actuator, such as an hydraulically actuated cylinder, raises and lowers the elongated support structure by the use of a control rod which is connected to the stand and to the actuator, and which traverses to cause the stand to pivot relative to the base to raise and lower the support structure.

Abstract: An umbrella holding device with a hollow holder having an upper end, a lower end, and an aperture formed through the holder adjacent to its upper end. A clevis having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having a first and a second leg with an aperture formed through the legs. The upper end of the clevis is connected to the lower end of the holder. A clevis support has a first end and a second end received between the legs of the clevis. An aperture is formed through the first end of the clevis support aligned with the aperture of the legs of the clevis. A U-shaped bracket has a closed upper end, an open lower end, a first side and a second side with the first side being integral with the second end of the clevis support and with an aperture formed through the second side of the bracket. A first screw is secured within the aperture of the holder functioning to secure an object within the holder.

Abstract: A tool holder enables a person to remotely operate a manual tool through an elongate shaft. This tool holder is formed with a first tool holder section mechanically connectable to one end of the elongate shaft, and a second tool holder section mechanically connectable to the handle of the manual tool. The first and second tool holder sections are articulated about a given pivot axis to adjust their relative angular position in which they are subsequently locked. Therefore, the tool can be remotely and manually operated through the elongate shaft after the relative angular position between the first and second tool holder sections has been adjusted to facilitate remote manual operation of the tool.

Abstract: A portable fishing pole support holder. The holder includes support arms for holding the fishing pole in a variety of elevated, operable positions; legs which support the holder in a standing position; collapsing device for quick, easy, and efficient storage or transport thereof; and locking device for secure operation thereof.

Abstract: A shading apparatus (10) for use with a riding lawnmower mounts to the seat or other suitably stable part. A shader (12) is of sufficient diameter to shade the rider of a riding lawnmower under most conditions. The shader (12), typically an umbrella is supported by a single shaft (14). Shaft (14) is next inserted into umbrella support bracket (36), a cylindrical receptacle dimensioned to provide a snug fit. The umbrella support bracket (36) can be pivotally connected to a support flange (34) by connection means. The connection means can be a wing nut (26) penetrating both the bracket (36) and the flange (42). Support flange (34), in turn is connected to the riding lawnmower by a plurality of screws (32). Radial ridges on complementary surfaces (40a, 42) hold the umbrella (12) in position under normal conditions.

Abstract: An umbrella handle adapted to be temporarily attached to the side window or to the roof of a vehicle to overlie a door opening and provide protection for the user and to enable the user to have both hands free to load or unload articles into or out of the vehicle. The handle includes a mounting portion that carries one or more suction cups, either alone or together with a magnet. The mounting portion can be at the base of the handle, for temporarily securing the umbrella to a vehicle roof. Alternatively, the mounting portion can be an attachment panel that is laterally spaced from that umbrella handle, either in a fixed inclined position relative to the umbrella handle, or it can be pivotally connected with the handle to swing inwardly and outwardly. The attachment panel carries one or more suction cups, a magnet or magnetic strip, or a combination of suction cups and magnets. The suction cups permit mounting of the handle to a non-metallic surface, such as a vehicle window.

Abstract: A stand for supporting a tree having a bore, the stand including a base adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; a frame supported by the base for pivotal movement about a first generally horizontally extending pivot axis spaced above the horizontal surface, the frame having a first portion and a second portion supported by the first portion for pivotable movement about a second generally horizontally extending pivot axis, the second portion of the frame having a post extending below the second pivot axis and being adapted to be housed by the bore in the tree; a mechanism for moving the frame about the first pivot axis relative to the base; and a mechanism for moving the first portion of the frame about the second pivot axis relative to the second portion of the frame.

Abstract: A banner support bracket includes a plate-like member having a slightly concave rear surface to conform to a support post during mounting, and two spaced-apart upstanding walls defining a channel therebetween. A rod holder assembly is disposed within the channel and removably retains a banner rod through engagement with a cotter pin. The rod holder assembly is vertically movable and selectively securable at various positions along the length of the channel as well as variably tiltable through selected angles from the vertical axis of movement. The ability of the rod holder assembly, and thus the support rod, to assume variable angles permits a wide variety of banner configurations to be supported. Two such banner bracket supports are mounted to a standard in order to hold the longitudinal ends of the banner taut regardless of the angle of cut of the banner ends. A slight cantilever built in to the rod holder assembly helps keep the banner taut.

Abstract: A rod rest supporting device includes an tripod having a tripod socket, a rotary member mounted in the tripod socket and locked by a lock screw, a cradle fastened to the rotary member by a fastening screw to hold a rod rest, on which a fishing rod rests, wherein the rotary member can be turned on the socket of horizontally when the lock screw is loosened; the cradle can be turned on the rotary member vertically when the fastening screw is loosened.

Abstract: A portable basketball system that in a preassembled state is capable of disposition within an outer relatively flat container to assist in shipping. The basketball system comprises a pole, a backboard, a basketball goal, and a hollow ballast-receiving base. The pole has a proximate end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of pole sections. The backboard may be connected to the pole near the distal end of the pole. The basketball goal may be connected to the backboard. The hollow ballast-receiving base supports the pole in a stationary, substantially upward position when connected to the pole near the proximate end of the pole. This provides a pole upon which the basketball goal may be suspended at an elevation above a playing surface and the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clamping device and more particularly to a clamping device which can be attached to articles such as patio chairs to mount a holder for umbrellas and the like in a variety of positions. The device comprises a main body including a barrel and a first clamping arm extending laterally in one direction from one end of said barrel, a second clamping arm pivotally mounted at the other end of said barrel and adapted to cooperate with the first clamping arm to engage an article upon which the clamping device is to be mounted, a holder extending laterally from said one end of said barrel in a direction other than said one direction, means for mounting said holder on said barrel to provide a position permitting pivotal movement and a position in which the holder is locked, spring means within the barrel acting to bias the mounting means to a locked position while permitting movement of the mounting means to the position permitting pivotal movement.

Abstract: A banner support bracket includes a plate-like member having a slightly concave rear surface to conform to a support post during mounting, and two spaced-apart upstanding walls defining a channel therebetween. A rod holder assembly is disposed within the channel and removably retains a banner rod through engagement with a cotter pin. The rod holder assembly is vertically movable along the length of the channel as well as variably tiltable through an angle of 180.degree. from the vertical axis of movement. The ability of the rod holder assembly, and thus the support rod, to assume variable angles permits a wide variety of banner configurations to be supported. Two such banner bracket supports are mounted to a standard in order to hold the longitudinal ends of the banner taut regardless of the angle of cut of the banner ends. A slight cantilever built in to the rod holder assembly helps keep the banner taut.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for casting and spinning reels including a holster portion for receiving a rod and a flexible clamp rotatably mounted in a recess on one end of the holster for retaining a reel within the holster. The flexible clamp is discontinuous with an opening less than the diameter of the circumferential slot whereby the opening must be widened by flexing the clamp when assembling the clamp in the recess. The holster includes support flanges extending therefrom and straddling the recess for supporting the clamp in the recess and for providing stops to the rotation of the clamp when locking a rod in the holster or when releasing the rod from the holster.

Abstract: A golf cart umbrella holder comprising a mounting device fastened to the frame of a golf cart by a screw, a clamping device fastened to the mounting device by a screw to hold a socket for holding an umbrella. The clamping device has teeth on a contact wall to the mounting device around a circle respectively meshed with teeth on the mounting device. By changing the meshing order between the teeth on the mounting device and the teeth on the clamping device, the angular position of the umbrella relative to the golf cart is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting assembly for a pole, such as a pole light conventionally carried by a stern of boat hulls. The mounting assembly provides for the use of a ratchet mechanism having a pair of cooperating members, with the pole being secured to one of the ratchet members. A bracket secures the ratchet mechanism to a stable body, such as the hull of a ship, or the housing of a motor. The pole can be positioned in any of a plurality of selected positions by rotating the pole against the engagement of the ratchet teeth between the two members. A spring continuously pulls one ratchet member against the second ratchet member, preventing disengagement thereof, while allowing a limited lateral movement between the ratchet members.

Abstract: A portable water-filled device for supporting a basketball system including a base configured to hold a ballast material for supporting the basketball system in a substantially rigid position during us of the system to play the game of basketball. A pole is pivotally mounted to the base such that the pole may move between a generally vertical position and a tilted position with the base configured with a beveled hole for restraining the pole from pivotal movement substantially beyond the tilted position. A contractible sleeve is utilized to pivotally attach support arms to the pole. The sleeve includes an adjustment wheel for securing the sleeve to the pole and a bubble level for vertically positioning the pole. The base is configured with an orifice through which water may be inserted into the base. A plug for closing the orifice includes an anchor for loosely connecting the plug to the base when the plug is disengaged from the orifice.

Abstract: A tubular housing is mounted to an outside bulkhead of a vessel with a tubular outrigger pole socket mounted at a first end to the tubular housing. An outrigger pole is mounted to the pole socket at a second end. A connecting strut, attached to a movable bracket at a first end, moves at one end within a slot in the tubular housing. The connecting strut, attached to a slidable bracket at a second end, moves at a second end within a slot in the pole socket. A collapsible strut supports the pole socket. A piston is hydraulically driven upwards within the tubular housing to retrieve the outrigger. The outrigger is deployed by pumping hydraulic fluid back to a pump reservoir. The pump is controlled electrically by a switch mounted on the vessel's steering panel.

Abstract: Fishing rod holder apparatus includes a support member having an upstanding wall with a pin-receiving aperture formed therein. A tubular holder member includes a mounting clevis with a pair of spaced legs. A pin extending between the spaced legs is received in the aperture of the support member. The support member includes a convex edge surface with flat portions for different positions of the tubular holder.

Abstract: An umbrella stand designed to be used principally in conjunction with a beach umbrella with the stand to be located on sand. The umbrella shaft is to be optionally mounted either in a vertical position or inclined position on the stand. The stand is to include a container to which is to be added a quantity of a weighty substance such as the sand to provide a heavy enough base to prevent tipping over of the umbrella during usage.

Abstract: An improved striking fishing rod holder for permanent installation on the cockpit gunnel or other location of a fishing boat is disclosed that enables hook-setting movement of the rod upon a fish strike of the bait trolled from the rod without removal of the rod from the holder. The new holders include a mounting plate assembly, a depending tubular member hinged to the plate assembly that swings from a troll position to a hit position and a detent assembly to releasably hold the tubular member alternatively in the troll or hit position. Advantageously, the holder also has an adjustment unit to vary the force required to override the detent assembly to release the tubular member for movement between its troll and hit positions. When a fish hits the bait being trolled from the rod held in the improved holder, movement of the rod in the new holder from the troll position to the hit position, alerts the fisherman that a fish strike has been made.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a plurality of fishing rods to be selectively used while fishing from a boat in different locations, as in tournament fishing. The apparatus has a rod holding plate, a support arm pivotally interconnected with the rod holding plate and the rod holding plate having a series of longitudinally spaced slots extending transversely of the rod holding plate. A tongue extends from the support arm and penetrates a selected slot to support the rod holding plate at a selected angle, and a keeper engages the tongue to keep the tongue in the selected slot. The fishing rods are releasably held on said rod holding plate.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for mounting artificial tree branches to an artificial tree trunk. A series of bracket guideways, each bridged by a horizontal pin, are adapted for pivotal engagement each with a branch member for movement between stowed and operative positions. Each branch mounts a hinge piece adjacent to one end adapted for pivotal engagement with the horizontal pin as the branch moves between stowed and operative positions, the hinge piece suspending the branch radially from the tree trunk when in an operative position. Snaps secure the branch in a groove on the hinge piece to restrict movement of the branch about the bracket when in either a stowed or an operative position. Extended bracket guideways and a hinge piece back stop also assist in securing the branch to the hinge piece and restricting radial movement of the branch about the bracket.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder (10) has a tube member (20), a support (22), a spacer (24), and a clamp (26). The clamp (26) has a base (100), a first platen (102) attached to the base (100) at a first hinge (134), and a second platen (104) attached to the base (100) at a hinge (134), and a second platen (104) attached to the base (100) at a second hinge (136). The clamp (26) attaches to a gunwale (12) or like surface by setting the base (100) upon the gunwale (12) and collapsing the first platen (102) and the second platen (104) about the sides (16, 18) of the gunwale (12) by folding at the hinges (134, 136) and inserting a bolt (158) through a hole (120) in the base (100) and a hole (142) in the first platen (102) to secure the first platen (102). Likewise, the second platen (104) is secured by inserting a bolt (160) through a hole (122) in the base (100) and a hole (152) in the second platen (104).

Abstract: A control system for outrigger sport fishing includes a highly maneuverable outrigger mounting mechanism attached to a portion of a boat on both the starboard and port sides. The movements of either outrigger mounting mechanisms are controlled through joysticks near a control console. The joysticks provide independent control for movement of each outrigger mechanism. The mechanisms are powered and operated by an electro-hydraulic control system which among other components includes an n-port solenoid operated manifold, a motor, pump and a reservoir for storage of the fluid. The operator controlled joystick providing an input signal representing the desired position of the pole. The controlled movement of the outrigger poles includes raising and lowering from positions parallel to the longitudinal axis of the keel and in directions pointing vertically perpendicular to the keel.

Abstract: A stand for Christmas trees comprised of a base plate with a pair of spaced-apart upright brackets mounted thereon. The tree holder receptacle is pivotally mounted between the upright brackets so that is can move about a horizontal axis in order to orient the tree trunk to a generally vertical position. A pair of locking levers are associated with the upright brackets so that they can be releasably clamped to orient the tree holder receptacle in any desired position. A set screw is provided to accept the tree into the tree holder receptacle.

Abstract: A base for an umbrella and the like includes four legs set at substantially ninety degree angles with respect to one another and a tiltable umbrella pole receptacle. The four legs are restable upon a planar surface such as the ground or pavement. The legs are interconnected by tension rods whereby a first pair of adjacent legs are adjoined by a first tension rod, a second pair of adjacent legs are adjoined by a second tension rod, a third pair of adjacent legs are adjoined by a third tension rod, and a fourth pair of adjacent legs are adjoined by a fourth tension rod. The receptacle is pivotably mounted to the legs whereby the angle of the umbrella pole may be altered relative to the surface upon which the base is set at rest. The receptacle may be locked into a selected angle by a pair of adjustment rods fixed to two of the legs.

Abstract: A mechanical bracket for mounting a telecommunication antenna on a metallic tower comprises a pipe section to secure the bracket to the tower. The angular position of the pipe section about its longitudinal axis is selected to appropriately orient the bracket. A transversal pivot bridges a pair of spaced apart parallel plates of the bracket. The antenna comprises a pole member with a free end pivotally mounted on the pivot between the two plates. A bolt and nut assembly traverses the pole member and two arcuate slots respectively made in the parallel plates. In operation, the pole member is rotated about the pivot with the bolt sliding in the two arcuate slots, and the bolt and nut assembly is tightened when a desired position for the pole member, and therefore for the antenna, is reached to thereby lock the pole member and the antenna in this position.

Abstract: An aid to locating vehicles in crowded parking areas comprises a bracket which engages a vehicle side window and a flagstaff which is supported in the bracket. The angular orientation of the flagstaff relative to the bracket is adjustable without the aid of tools to place the flagstaff in a vertical orientation regardless of the vehicle body style and corresponding side window configuration.

Abstract: A swivel base for a downrigger which can be easily unlocked, rotated to a new angle and relocked. The base comprises a swivel plate rotatably mounted over a fixed plate. The plates have toothed locking rings which are engaged or disengaged by the cam action of an adjusting ring.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder apparatus is set forth wherein a spring biased fishing pole holder is secured in a lowered first position with a hook link and is biased to a second position upon release of the hook link on tensioning of the holder by a fish getting caught by an associated hook of the fishing pole arrangement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fishing pole holder having a tubular sleeve to receive the butt end of a fishing pole and a mounting bracket secured to the sleeve with an adjustable directional plate. The sleeve has a stud with at least one flatted surface which is received in a central, multi-flatted aperture of a mounting clamp, thereby permitting the clamp to be indexed to any of a plurality of orientations on the mounting stud. The directional block is removably secured to the mounting block which is one member of a clamp formed of two blocks. Each of the blocks of the clamp has a central V-groove and these V-grooves are opposed to define a clamp passage therebetween.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder for casting and spinning reels includes a holster portion for receiving a rod with a rigid clamp rotatably mounted on one end of the holster portion for retaining a reel within the holster portion. The rigid clamp includes an integral appendage which locks into said holster portion a spinning reel depending from a rod outside of the holster. The fishing rod holder further includes a support post rotatably attached to the holster portion and a mount which is attachable to a base structure, the mount including a barrel portion for receiving the support post. Shoulders on the post and on the holster portion limit the forward pivot of the holster. The support post includes a protrusion on one end with the barrel including a groove in its inner surface for receiving the protrusion, whereby the post can be partially inserted into and rotated within the barrel with the protrusion preventing removal of the post from the barrel unless the protrusion is aligned with the groove.

Abstract: A mount for connecting a satellite television antenna to a pipe mast. The mount includes a support assembly of a linear upright member and a cross member which are adapted for attachment to a peripheral portion of a parabolic dish antenna and a fitting attached to a lower end of the upright member which connects with a pipe mast so as to enable or prevent rotation of the support assembly with respect to the mast axis and to enable or prevent varying the angle of inclination of the upright member with respect to vertical.

Abstract: A sunshade holder which has a U-shaped rod fastened to the tubular structure (A) of the deck chair or baby carriage, by means of devices (2), fastened on its free ends, while on the rod (1) a device is slidingly assembled, which fastens the sunshade, consisting of a pin (12) around which a spacer sleeve (15) is assembled, and on the latter, an assembly of parts duly secured to each other by rivet (17).

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an antenna pole mounting assembly for a dish antenna or the like includes an elongated base bracket, a pivot bracket, scissor arms for connecting the base and pivot brackets to one another in various offset positions, and a pole clamp ring secured to the pivot bracket in a manner that allows full rotation orientation, whereby the base bracket can be secured to a wall in other than a horizontal position with the clamp ring in the vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fishing rod. The apparatus comprises a body member having a top surface for supporting the rod thereon, at least one shoulder member formed at one end of the body member to define a first channel, and a clasp member mountable to said body member at an opposite end to define a second channel. The first channel has an open side substantially parallel to the body member's top surface, and the second channel has an open side substantially perpendicular to the top surface. The second channel is configured to resist certain forces imposed on the rod tip. The rod is placed in the rod holder to extend between the first and second channels with the butt of the rod extending beyond the second channel. The body member may be pivotally mounted at one end thereof, with an arm mounted at this one end. Means may be connected between the arm and a point spaced from the pivotally mounted end of the body member for dampening movement of the body member.

Abstract: A receptacle for releasably attaching an umbrella having a bulb type handle to an article such as a golf buggy. The receptacle has several upstanding forked petals capable of resilient radial deflection and a locking ring capable of maintaining the petals in a closed position about the bulb of an umbrella handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soldering iron stand (10) comprising a base unit (11) a body unit (12) and a sleeve unit (13); wherein said body unit (12) and sleeve unit (13) are mounted for relative motion with respect to one another and said base unit (11), and the base unit (11) is further provided with a body receiving portion (15) whereby the body unit (12) may be disposed at a variety of angles with respect to said base unit (11).

Abstract: A device for supporting at least one surf fishing rod at an appropriate angle for fishing to alleviate the need for the person fishing to hold the fishing rod while fishing. The device is adjustable to allow the fisherman to adjust the direction of the rod or rods. The height of the device is adjustable for the convenience of the person fishing. An additional rod support means is provided to facilitate rod preparation. The entire device is constructed to be water-tight and contains a flotation insert to prevent the device from sinking in water. In an additional embodiment, the fishing rod holder may be used as a handle for a bait bucket fitted with wheels.

Abstract: A hinge for pivoting down rigger booms from a horizontal to a vertical position and vice versa. The hinge comprises two elements, one stationary and adapted to removably attach to conventional fishing down rigger bases, the other rotatable about a pivot having removable connection to a down rigger boom. The hinge is designed so that the stationary element has a "U" shaped member adapted for mating with an insert member of the rotatable element, the two elements being apertured so that a pin or bolt rotatably connects them together. Interlocking lips formed from the two hinge elements provide automatic holding of the boom in a horizontal position. A circularly curved surface on the stationary element and a circularly curved surface on the insert member of the rotatable element, in concert with the pivot point, form a guide for rotating the boom.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder uses a spring loaded tubular receptacle within which the rod is placed. A fixed locking element extends within the tubular receptacle and provides a fulcrum on which the rod pivots such that force applied to the rod tip increases the gripping force applied to the rod. Removal and insertion of the rod is accomplished by pivoting the tubular receptacle relative to the locking element.