Abstract: A closed face fishing reel is modified or initially formed to provide a seat adjacent the opening through which the fishing line passes. The seat may be formed as a separate member attachable in any suitable manner to the face of the reel or the reel body itself may be formed during manufacture to provide a seat of the proper size and position. An annular member, which is employed as a strike indicator, is made of such size as to be frictionally received on the seat for convenient storage when not in use. Further, it is made so as to be easily removable from the seat when it is desired to place the annular member in a strike-indicating position for use. When it is desired to utilize the strike indicator, it is simply removed from its position in engagement with the seat and allowed to fall by its own weight to a position in slack in the line. It is thus clearly visible when the fishing rod is positioned, as it is normally expected to be when in use, in a supported inclined position.