An anti-backlash device for a fishing rod includes a retaining member mounted on the fishing rod. The retaining member has a slot for receiving a pointed tip portion of the anti-backlash device, to secure the anti-backlash device to the fishing rod. The slot in the retaining member receives the pointed tip portion of the anti-backlash device, so that the tip portion can be retained in the slot. In use, the anti-backlash device applies a retarding effect on a spool of a reel mounted on a fishing rod by application of pressure, preventing backlash and preventing knots and tangles of a fishing line. The anti-backlash device is sufficiently resilient and flexible so that it is disposed in tension against the reel sufficiently strongly to prevent knots and tangles but not so strongly as to prevent rotation of the reel during use thereof.