A fishing pole holder and catching device which may be removably clamped to a supporting member in a boat or the device has a spike that may be driven into the ground for supporting the device. The device has an arm for holding a fishing rod and the arm is swingably secured to a base. Novel adjustable means holds the arm and fish pole in an operative and inclined position preparatory to catching a fish. This adjustable means includes a spring biased pawl and a ratchet for holding the arm and fishing rod in the operative position into which they have been swung. A leaf spring swings the arm and fish pole into a vertical position when the spring biased pawl is automatically freed from the ratchet when there is a pull on the fish line and pole due to a fish being caught by the fish hook.