Abstract: A reel, such as a spincast reel, provides increased cranking power by eliminating sliding contact associated with a line pickup mechanism when the reel is in line retrieval mode. Fishing line is retrieved by locating a cam member proximate a body spool boss during a casting state for positioning the cam member to be acted on by cam engaging structure of the body spool boss. The cam member is rotated relative to the body spool boss. The cam member and a pick up pin are moved radially outwardly by the cam engaging structure. The cam member is axially moved away from the body spool boss. The cam member may then be rotated relative to the body spool boss during a line retrieve state, wherein the cam member and the body spool boss are spaced apart from one another for facilitating frictionless relative rotation.

Abstract: A reel, such as a spincast reel, provides increased cranking power by eliminating sliding contact associated with a line pickup mechanism when the reel is in line retrieval mode. Fishing line is retrieved by locating a cam member proximate a body spool boss during a casting state for positioning the cam member to be acted on by cam engaging structure of the body spool boss. The cam member is rotated relative to the body spool boss. The cam member and a pick up pin are moved radially outwardly by the cam engaging structure. The cam member is axially moved away from the body spool boss. The cam member may then be rotated relative to the body spool boss during a line retrieve state, wherein the cam member and the body spool boss are spaced apart from one another for facilitating frictionless relative rotation.

Abstract: A fishing reel designed to retain rotational functionality under load. The reel has a spool and spinner head assembly. A first pin arm is pivotally mounted to a plate portion of the spinner head assembly. A plate facing surface of the first pin arm has at least a portion that defines a planar surface from the first pivot end to the first pin arm for providing deflection resistance. A first pick-up pin selectively extends the first pin arm through a first pick-up pin orifice in a wall portion of the spinner head assembly. A first pick-up sleeve is rotationally mounted on the first pick-up pin for engaging fishing line when fishing line is wound onto said spool.

Abstract: A fishing reel designed to retain rotational functionality under load. The reel has a spool and spinner head assembly. A first pin arm is pivotally mounted to a plate portion of the spinner head assembly. A plate facing surface of the first pin arm has at least a portion that defines a planar surface from the first pivot end to the first pin arm for providing deflection resistance. A first pick-up pin selectively extends the first pin arm through a first pick-up pin orifice in a wall portion of the spinner head assembly. A first pick-up sleeve is rotationally mounted on the first pick-up pin for engaging fishing line when fishing line is wound onto said spool.

Abstract: A fishing reel, such as a spincast reel, that includes a body having a frame that defines a thumb button attachment member on a rear side of the frame. A spool and spinner head are rotatably mounted forward of a front side of the frame. A front cover is secured to a front side of the frame to enclose components. A thumb button is pivotally secured to the thumb button attachment member. The thumb button has an actuating post that extends forwardly for applying force to a rearward end of a center shaft when the thumb button is depressed. A back cover is affixed to the rear side of the frame. The back cover defines a thumb button orifice for allowing a user to access the thumb button when the back cover is secured to the frame.

Abstract: A fishing reel designed to minimize line snag and simplify clicker operation. A frame mounted spool includes a forward flange defining a circumferential groove for receiving a smooth surfaced ring that is loosely mounted therein for minimizing line interaction. A spinner head assembly has pin arms that are pivotally secured to a rearward face. The pin arms present a substantially smooth rear surface for minimizing line snags. Pin springs are mounted on the opposite face of spinner head member and communicate with the pin arms via pin arm posts that extend through openings. An enclosure is affixed to the forward face of the spinner head for permitting the pin springs to have freedom of movement, but for enclosing pin springs and posts to prevent interaction with fishing line. A dual clicker passes through the frame for engaging the spool and the drag adjusting wheel.

Abstract: A fishing reel cover comprising: (a) a first cover piece having an exterior and (b) a second cover piece having a second piece wall. The second piece wall includes at least one aperture provided therethrough. The second cover piece is positionable over the first piece such that the exterior of the first cover piece is visible through the second piece aperture. The second cover piece preferably includes a plurality of apertures through which the exterior of the first cover piece is visible. Most preferably, the second cover piece includes a plurality of such apertures arranged to form a gripping structure.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a lure attached to a fishing line extending from a fishing reel. The retainer preferably comprises an eyelet provided on the fishing reel. The eyelet is preferably integrally formed on the exterior of the reel.

Abstract: A casting actuator having a slip-resistant contacting surface which flexes to accommodate the user's thumb. The casting actuator preferably comprises: an actuating lever; a support structure; a living hinge pivotably connecting the actuating lever to the support structure; and a flexible cover extending from the support collar over at least a portion of the lever. The flexible cover provides a flexible, slip-resistant contacting surface on the lever. The inventive actuator is preferably formed by an inventive method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first material in a mold to form a unitary, molded structure and (b) while the first material is present in mold, placing a second material in the mold to form the flexible cover. The unitary, molded structure formed from the first material comprises: the actuating lever; the support collar; and the resilient hinge. The inventive casting actuator preferably includes a convex engaging surface for operably contacting a main shaft of the fishing reel.

Abstract: An anti-reverse apparatus for a fishing reel comprising: (a) a ratchet member mounted on a main operating shaft of the fishing reel and (b) an engaging structure incorporated in a crankshaft assembly of the fishing reel. The engaging structure is operable for directly engaging the ratchet member to thereby prevent reverse rotation of the main operating shaft and of the crankshaft assembly. The engaging structure is preferably received in a recess provided in a crankshaft drive gear. The inventive apparatus preferably also comprises a boss projecting from the reel frame for retaining the engaging structure in the recess. The engaging structure preferably comprises: a plate having a first side and an aperture extending through the plate; a first arm extending from the first side for engaging the ratchet gear; and a second arm extending from the first side for contacting the frame boss in order to limit the axial and rotational movement of the engaging structure.

Abstract: A fishing reel designed to minimize line snag and simplify clicker operation. A frame mounted spool includes a forward flange defining a circumferential groove for receiving a smooth surfaced ring that is loosely mounted therein for minimizing line interaction. A spinner head assembly has pin arms that are pivotally secured to a rearward face. The pin arms present a substantially smooth rear surface for minimizing line snags. Pin springs are mounted on the opposite face of spinner head member and communicate with the pin arms via pin arm posts that extend through openings. An enclosure is affixed to the forward face of the spinner head for permitting the pin springs to have freedom of movement, but for enclosing pin springs and posts to prevent interaction with fishing line. A dual clicker passes through the frame for engaging the spool and the drag adjusting wheel.