A flush mount fishing rod holder has a tubular rod holding tube adapted to be received through an opening in a panel of a watercraft, a mounting flange surrounding the top end the rod holding tube. An attachment member on the upper surface of the mounting flange has an upwardly extending curved portion defining a pad eye opening therebetween and an attachment point for connecting a flexible tether line attached to a fishing rod supported in the holder or to other onboard to items to maintain it tethered to the watercraft and prevent accidental loss of the rod or other item should it be dropped or pulled overboard or the watercraft overturns.
