Automatic hooksetting fishing rod holder

Claim 1

An automatic hooksetting fishing rod holder comprising: a mounting member formed of a single continuous strap including a stake section, a first loop section at the top of said stake section for providing a handgrip for inserting and removing said stake section, and a return section extending from said first loop section along said stake section, pivot means carried by said mounting member and a second loop formed integrally in said strap below said pivot means for receiving a portion of the fishing rod handle; a holder arm member pivotably connected to said mounting member at said pivot means and including a forward portion extending on one side of said mounting member for engaging a fishing rod handle; spring means interconnected between said mounting member and said holder arm member to urge said forward portion of said holder arm upwardly; and latching means including a pawl pivotably attached to one of said members for restraining upward motion of said forward portion of said holder arm member until a downward force on said forward portion disengages said pawl and seat.