A support stand assembly for a rod and reel combination comprises a vertical support member, adapted for extending from a support surface. The support member includes a horizontal top surface and at least one vertical side surface. A T-shaped slot is positioned adjacent the at least one vertical surface of the support member and extends a selected distance into the support member from the top surface thereof. A leg of the T-shaped slot intersects the at least one vertical surface of the vertical support member. An attachment member is secured to the rod of a rod and reel combination proximal the balancing point thereof. The attachment member engages with the T-shaped slot of the support member to support the rod and reel combination in a horizontal position. The attachment member disengages from the T-shaped slot of the support member upon upward movement of the rod and reel combination.