Abstract: A fishing reel drag mechanism includes a spool for a fishing line, a brake drum attached coaxially to the spool, and a resilient circular brake shoe positioned inside the brake drum. The outer diameter of the brake shoe is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the brake drum. A gap is provided on the brake shoe, and a movable spreader is positioned in the gap. When the spreader is moved to a first position, the brake shoe is in a relaxed position spaced from the brake drum, so that the spool may rotate with zero drag. When the spreader is gradually moved to a second position, the gap is gradually expanded by the spreader, and the brake shoe is gradually expanded against the brake drum. The drag on the brake drum is thus adjusted by changing the width of the gap with the spreader. Grooves arranged concentrically around the brake shoe provide additional compliance which improves smoothness in drag application and the range of drag force provided.

Abstract: A casting reel (10) has a reel housing (22). A reel spool shaft (14) is rotatably mounted in the reel housing. A magnetic disc (12) is connected to rotate with the shaft (14). An electrical coil (20) produces an output signal in response to movement of the disk (12). A control circuit (28) is connected to receive the output signal from the electrical coil (20). The control circuit (28) has a thyristor (52) which produces a drag signal that varies based on the output signal from the electrical coil. The electrical coil and magnetic disk provide a variable drag on the reel spool shaft (14). The variable drag changes based on the drag signal from the thyristor (52).