Abstract: A keyed spool bearing for a fishing reel of the type having a reel frame body or deck plate, there being a forwardly projecting cylindrical support or hub with a cylindrical bore therein on the reel frame body. A cylindrical center shaft bushing having an axial center shaft receiving bore is inserted into the bore of the cylindrical hub with a portion of the bushing extending forwardly from the cylindrical hub. The keyed spool bearing is mounted on the extending portion of the bushing. A line spool having a cylindrical bore of a predetermined diameter is mounted on the spool bearing. The keyed spool bearing has an annular body with an axial bore therein for receiving the forwardly protruding portion of the bushing. An integral key or tab extends axially and rearwardly from the annular body, the tab being configured to be received in a slot in the reel frame to secure the spool bearing against rotation relative to the reel frame upon rotation of the line spool.