Disclosed herein is a fishing rod holder, comprising a rod holder pivotably attached to a base member; the rod holder comprising a main pivot arm, a trigger pivot arm and a resilient member attachment point, a trigger pivotably attached to the rod holder at the trigger pivot arm; the base member comprises a main pivot support having at least one trigger groove disposed therein, which is attached to the base member, a trigger resilient member attached to a main pivot end of the main pivot support, wherein the trigger is dimensioned to releasingly engage the trigger groove, and wherein the trigger resilient member is dimensioned and arranged to engage the trigger, and a main resilient member attached between the base and the resilient member attachment point. The fishing rod holder has a cocked configuration and a released configuration. A method of using the fishing rod holder is also disclosed.