A pivoting fishing rod holder for a kayak having a structure pivotally holding a pair of existing fishing rods, the structure comprising, a pair of identical L-shaped mounts configured for spaced apart mounting to the existing kayak, a pair of identical upright members, pivotally affixed to the L-shaped mounts, a tubular rod holder affixed at an angle to a distal end of each upright member, the angle within a range of about 20-45 degrees upwardly from a horizontal, a pair of diametrically opposed rounded insets disposed within each holder outer end, and a horizontal crossbar connecting the distal ends.