The device for retaining fishing line on a fishing rod includes first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members has a clamping portion and a handle portion. The first and second jaw members are connected for pivotal movement between a first position, wherein the clamping portions are proximate each other, and a second position, wherein the clamping portions are remote from each other. A spring is provided for biasing the jaw members toward the first position. First and second resilient members, each having an interior planar surface and an arcuate exterior surface, are fixed to different ones of the jaw members such that when the jaw members are in the first position, the interior surfaces of the first and second resilient members face each other and can retain the fishing rod and fishing line therebetween.