Abstract: A level-wind mechanism for fishing reels using a line-laying element having two parts normally reciprocable by means of a slide operated by a hand crank via a transmission. The two parts are disengageable and reengageable relative to said slide by rotation of the latter in one or the other direction on a guide. The slide is rotatable in a direction for disengagement from said line-laying element by means of said slide guide by rotation of the latter by means of an operating member which also is adapted to disengage the line spool during casting so that said level-wind mechanism and said line spool are disengaged by one and the same disengagement operation.