To provide a better experience for ice fisherman and fisherman generally, the present inventor devised, among other things, apparatus, assemblies, components, and methods for holding a fishing device, such as a fishing rod. One exemplary apparatus includes an adjustable rod holder pivotably mounted or coupled to a base structure. The rod holder, which can be strapped or otherwise attached to one or more types of fishing rods or poles, has an adjustable center of gravity and/or an adjustable pivot point. The adjustable center of gravity and/or pivot point allows users to balance the fishing rod at various tip angles, up or down, and thus to position the rod in a way most suitable for the type of desired fish. The exemplary apparatus is particularly suitable as a replacement for the conventional tip-ups used in ice fishing, because it provides advantages of conventional rod & reel fishing with those of conventional tip-down fishing.
