Abstract: A fishing reel with an electronics module enclosed by an exterior housing of the fishing reel is disclosed. The electronics module provides a watertight environment for a plurality of circuits. The circuits are useful to perform a variety of functions, including but not limited to determining a status of a fishing environment, controlling reel functions, or otherwise.

Abstract: A modular fly fishing reel includes a frame with a side wall, a generally cylindrical axle cartridge removably mounted in a mounting socket of the frame side wall and also having an outer rotatable axle tube, and a spool having a hub removably secured on the axle tube by a quick release mechanism. The axle cartridge includes a drag assembly adjustable by a drag nut positioned adjacent the frame side wall and acting on the rotatable axle tube and spool. The quick release mechanism includes a detent that is spring biased through the spool hub to engage the axle tube, and releasable by a slide button or push button mounted on a spoke of the spool. The spool has a rim defining a line pocket and the side walls and bottom wall of the line pocket are convex for high strength and low weight.

Abstract: A battery-powered lighted fishing rod including: a handle having a forward end; a shaft extending from the forward end of the handle; an electroluminescent lamp secured the shaft; and a power source for supplying electrical power to the electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the handle includes a housing which houses a battery and a DC-to-AC inverter for converting the relatively low battery voltage to a relative high AC voltage suitable for driving the electroluminescent lamp and a cover. The cover mates with the housing to form a gripping surface on the handle.

Abstract: A spinning reel has a drag assembly in its spool on one end of the reel body, and an adjustment knob for the drag assembly on another end of the reel body, where it is conveniently accessed during use of the reel. The reel has a handle arm with two slidably disposed handle arm portions, which are releasably secured together at selected positions to provide a variable length handle arm.

Abstract: A fishing reel with an integrated barometer sensor, a temperature sensor, and a weight sensor forming a sensorized fishing reel to enhance the fishing experience of an angler is disclosed. The sensorized fishing reel includes; an exterior housing supporting a display and enclosing the barometer sensor, the temperature sensor, the weight sensor as well as a controller. The controller selectively interacts with each sensor to obtain sensory readings provided by each sensor, and delivers the obtained sensory readings to the angler via the display.

Abstract: A fishing reel with an electronics module enclosed by an exterior housing of the fishing reel is disclosed. The electronics module provides a watertight environment for a plurality of circuits. The circuits are useful to perform a variety of functions, including but not limited to determining a status of a fishing environment, controlling reel functions, or otherwise.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a fishing reel. The braking apparatus includes a braking assembly. A contacting structure surrounds the braking assembly. A plurality of braking elements are slidably located within the braking assembly. The braking elements slidably move from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, the braking elements make braking contact with the contacting structure. Each braking element has a protuberance that extends into an indentation on a selector. The selector is adapted to restrict selected braking elements from contacting the contacting structure. By rotating the selector, protuberances on selected braking elements are radially aligned with an outer wall segment of an indentation that is a desired distance from the selector axis and brake assembly axis. Therefore, selected braking elements are restricted from full radial movement, thereby controlling braking by selectively permitting greater or fewer braking elements from contacting the contacting structure.

Abstract: A spinning reel has a drag assembly in its spool on one end of the reel body, and an adjustment knob for the drag assembly on another end of the reel body, where it is conveniently accessed during use of the reel. The reel has a handle arm with two slidably disposed handle arm portions, which are releasably secured together at selected positions to provide a variable length handle arm.

Abstract: A spinning reel has a drag assembly in its spool on one end of the reel body, and an adjustment knob for the drag assembly on another end of the reel body, where it is conveniently accessed during use of the reel. The reel has a handle arm with two slidably disposed handle arm portions, which are releasably secured together at selected positions to provide a variable length handle arm.

Abstract: A fishing reel which displays an estimated weight of a fish on the fishing line while the fish is reeled-in including: a line spool; a load cell for measuring an outward force pulling on the line; a processor in communication with the output of the load cell such that the processor can periodically read the outward force on the line; and a display for displaying an estimated weight of the fish to a fisherman. Based on forces measured between the time a fish strikes the hook and the landing of the fish, the processor calculates and displays an estimated weight.

Abstract: A drag washer of ceramic material is provided in a drag assembly for a fishing reel. The ceramic drag washer surprisingly provides the unique combination of hardness and surface finish to render desirable performance characteristics for a high quality drag assembly.

Abstract: A battery powered lighted fishing rod comprising: a handle having a forward end; a shaft extending from the forward end of the handle; an electroluminescent lamp secured to the shaft; and a power source for supplying electrical power to the electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the power source includes a battery and a DC-to-AC converter for converting the relatively low battery voltage to a relative high AC voltage suitable for driving the electroluminescent lamp.

Abstract: A fishing reel which displays an estimated weight of a fish caught on a hook attached to fishing line attached to the fishing reel while the fish is reeled-in that includes a line spool; a load cell for measuring an outward force pulling on the line; a processor in communication with the output of the load cell such that the processor can periodically read the outward force on the line; and a display for displaying an estimated weight of the fish to a fisherman. The processor calculates an estimated weight and updates the display which displays the estimated weight, based on forces measured between the time a fish strikes the hook and the landing of the fish.

Abstract: In a baitcast type fishing reel, there is provided a unitary cylindrical ceramic member secured about the crankshaft of the reel, the ceramic member having a sleeve portion extending through a one-way clutch. The ceramic member may include one or more substantially planar surfaces extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion to affect operation of a drag mechanism.

Abstract: A drag adjustment mechanism for a spincast reel which includes a drag adjustment wheel, accessible from the exterior of the reel, which is configured to rotate in a plane parallel to the front-to-back axis of the reel. In a preferred embodiment, the drag adjustment wheel includes: a first axle projecting from a first face; a drive gear extending from a second face; a second axle extending from the drive gear; and a gripping surface formed circumferentially about the perimeter of the wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel is of a two-part construction wherein all of the components of the wheel, except the gripping surface, are die cast from metal and the gripping surface is molded over the die cast wheel.