Abstract: A drag mechanism for a spinning reel for providing frictional resistance to the rotation of the spool of a spinning reel. The spinning reel includes a body having a rotor assembly coupled to the main body for rotating about a central axis. A crank handle is connected to the body for rotating the rotor assembly and oscillating a spindle passing through the rotor assembly. A spool assembly is disposed upon the spindle and defined by engageable structural features on the interior surface of a drag stack chamber to couple with spool washers having correspondingly matable engagement features. A drag knob assembly is connected to the spool assembly opposite the rotor assembly for controlling axial friction forces within the drag stack chamber and counter-rotation friction of the spool relative to the spindle. At least one spool washer is fixedly attached to the spool to provide a drag system for spinning reels that is more effective and with greater control.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided that substantially prevents a fishing reel from rotating in one direction. At least one race of a ball bearing assembly is formed integrally with the one-way clutch assembly, thereby improving functional performance by reducing tolerances and aiding in assembly.

Abstract: An induction type magnetic brake for braking a line spool of a fishing reel having a frame, in which the line spool is supported rotatably about an axis of rotation, and two side plates which are mounted on the frame, the line spool having an end wall fixedly connected thereto and extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation, has a plurality of permanent magnets for inductive cooperation with the end wall of the line spool and a magnet support carrying the magnets and located between one of the side plates and the end wall of the line spool. The magnet support carries the magnets in a first plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A shielding plate is arranged in a second plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and located between the first plane and the end wall of the line spool.

Abstract: A multiplier type fishing reel has a frame, two side plates which are mounted on the frame, a line spool which is mounted in the frame and rotatable about an axis of rotation, and a first and a second brake for braking the line spool. The braking effect of the first brake is adjustable with the aid of a first adjusting device which is turnable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation and the braking effect of the second brake is adjustable with the aid of a second adjusting device which is turnable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation. The first and the second adjusting devices are arranged in one of the side plates and have respectively a first and a second tooth portion.

Abstract: A spinning reel has a rotor assembly that is rotatable about the axis of a spool used to store fishing line. The rotor assembly contains a pivotable bail system which can be open or closed, to facilitate casting and retrieving, respectively, of the fishing line. The reel also contains a selective clutch. With the clutch in the “off” position the rotor assembly can be rotated in either direction. With the clutch in the “on” position and with the bail system closed, the rotor assembly can only be rotated in the line retrieving direction. The present invention allows the rotor to turn in either direction when the bail is moved from the closed position to a partially open position.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a spool rotatably supported in a bearing arrangement on a spindle unit. The spindle unit is a held-together unit incorporating an elongated spindle and a bearing housing supported on the spindle by at least two spaced apart rolling bearings. Annular end washers on the spindle shield off the interior of the housing from the surrounding environment via a small slot acting as a seal. The housing has at least one exterior radially extending shoulder and the spool has at least one internal projection intended to engage the shoulder of the housing to define the axial position of the spool relative to the bearings while also taking up axial load in one direction. A resilient member between the bearing housing and the spool gives play-free contact between the housing and the spool and gives a pretension of the spindle unit against the shoulder of the housing.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a planetary gear drive assembly where the spool rotates on a fixed shaft. A handle crank is coupled to a ring gear for driving planet gears and a pinion. The pinion rotates on the shaft and slides axially on the shaft to engage and disengage the planetary gear assembly to the spool. A carrier supporting the planet gears is coupled to a drag assembly for limiting rotation of the carrier.

Abstract: A bait cast fishing reel includes a frame, a spool rotatably coupled to the frame, at least one magnet having a magnetic field coupled to a first one of the frame and spool, at least one electroconductive coil coupled to a second one of the frame and the spool within the magnetic field, an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the at least one electroconductive member to store electrical energy generated during rotation of the at least one magnet and the at least one electroconductive member relative to one another during rotation of the spool, a sensor configured to generate spool rotation signals representing rotation of the spool over time, a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to generate a control signal based upon the spool rotation signal, and a braking mechanism coupled to the controller and to the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes an oscillating main shaft, a spool attached to the main shaft through a drag assembly and a rotor for winding fishing line onto the spool. The fishing reel includes an oscillating assembly including a rotating oscillating member having a cam that slides along a camming surface in a slider coupled to the main shaft. The recessed area of the slider has a first cam surface with a substantially figure-8 configuration and a second cam surface spaced from the first cam surface. The cam assembly coupled to the oscillating member has a first cam member that contacts the camming surface of the first recessed area and a second cam member contacting the camming surface of the second recess to produce an axial movement of the slider at a substantially uniform speed throughout rotation of the oscillating member. The cam assembly provides a constant ratio between the oscillating speed of the main shaft and the winding speed of the rotor.

Abstract: Fishing rods are molded with integral line guides or line guide stanchions for attaching conventional or only slightly modified line guides. The preferred line guides are made of metal or ceramic guide inserts in metal frames with one or two support feet. The molding process facilitates the automated manufacture of rods with line guides in proper alignment and positioning. The handle section of the blank can be molded to form an integral foregrip and/or reel seat.

Abstract: A gustatory stimulant component is described that can be molded into soft-bodied lures or mixed into doughbaits, gels, pastes, or viscous liquids. The stimulant contains a mixture of electrolytes that simulate or mimic the electrolytes in natural prey for enhancing the retention time of the bait within the fish mouth.