A holder is provided for a fishing rod and reel combination and comprises a base and a locking mechanism. The base includes opposed side edges, front and rear ends, and a length. A guide is formed in the base and extends a selected distance along the base. The locking mechanism, which is slidably mated to the guide, is shaped and dimensioned to slide within the guide. The locking mechanism includes opposed sides edges and a latch hingedly connected to each of the opposed side edges. The latch is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the latches are moved to the closed position and the locking mechanism is slidably moved within the guide, the locking mechanism is retained in the closed position by the base so that the fishing rod and reel combination cannot be inadvertently removed.