This invention relates to a hollow fishing rod assembly with an inventive mounting block that spaces a hollow rod apart from a fishing reel seat such that when the fishing reel is mounted to the seat the fishing line orifice of the reel is axially aligned with the core of the hollow fishing rod. The mounting bracket may be hinged so that the line opening of the fishing rod is moved above the fishing reel for easy access and threading of new or replacement fishing line through the rod.