Abstract: A modular spinning reel is made with a modular gearbox that includes a one piece gearbox shell that encloses a drive gear within. The modular gearbox permits components subject to wear and damage to be readily replaced without disassembling the precision gears while also providing a drive component that can be manufactured in quantity with high precision.

Abstract: A bail release mechanism for a spinning fishing reel having a spring guided by a drive shoe having no fixed pivot to drive a bail support arm from an open-bail position to a closed-bail position. A ramp integral with a bearing cover on the reel drives a trip spring in the form of a Z-shaped wire which moves the bail support arm from a near-over-center position past an over-center position to a remote non-over-center position. A sliding drive shoe couples a bias spring to the bail support arm to drive the bail support arm to one of the open and closed positions. A manually operable trigger engages the bail support arm to drive the bail support arm to the open position.