Abstract: A fishing rod is provided with a handle defining a receiving area. A selectively closable latch member allows for quick attachment and release from a carrying member, such as a loop on a backpack, a tackle box receptacle, towel, or other object or point of attachment. The receiving area is partially defined by an inside surface of the handle. A gap is defined by a first surface on a latch receiving portion and a second surface on a latch mount portion. A latch member is mounted on the latch mount portion for selectively obstructing the gap. The latch member may be biased towards a closed position and may have a long side and a short side for biasing the latch member towards the closed position.

Abstract: An improved harness lug of increased strength for affixing a deep sea fishing reel to a harness tie. A fishing reel has a reel body having a frame that is affixed to a rod. A right lug ring and a left lug ring are adjacent to the right and left sides of the reel body, wherein the lug rings mate with the right and left sides of the reel body, respectively. Right and left lugs are integrally formed with the right and left lug rings, respectively. The lugs protrude from the reel body for receiving harness ties. Preferably, the right lug ring and the left lug ring have an outside diameter that is greater than the outside diameter of the frame for aesthetics and to protect the reel body. Right and left side covers are adjacent to an outside of the right and left lug rings.

Abstract: A clicker mechanism for a fishing reel is described. A typical fishing reel has a spool defining an orifice and a shaft passing through the orifice. A component having an irregular surface, such as a gear-like component with teeth or a ring defining a serrated inner surface engages the shaft. A clicker assembly may be affixed to the spool. The clicker assembly includes a clicker for engaging the clicker gear. The clicker alternately moves from a first position to a second position. The clicker assembly utilizes a magnet that provides a magnetic force to return the clicker to the first position from the second position. Two magnets may be used to exert magnetic force against one another, either with an attracting or a repelling force.

Abstract: An improved bail assembly for a spinning reel which, in one aspect includes a bail arm with a roller hood having an outer converging end portion wherein a bail wire extends from the converging end portion in an initial substantially straight manner such that there are no bends in the bail wire in proximity to the roller hood. In another aspect, the improvement comprises a converging extension piece which extends from the bail arm, the bail wire extending from the extension piece in a substantially straight manner such that there are no bends in proximity to the extension piece. The extension piece preferably also constitutes a connector for the bail wire which is effective for reducing corrosion of the bail assembly.

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 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: 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 braking apparatus for a fishing reel comprising: a carrying structure for carrying a braking surface; at least one turnable cam including at least one ramp segment having an outer end and a base end; and at least one interacting member, projecting from the carrying structure, for interacting with the cam. The cam can be turned to selectively move the interacting member to any position between the base end and the outer end. When the interacting member is in contact with the base end, the braking surface will be located at a first position. When the interacting member is in contact with the outer end, the braking surface will be located at a second position different from the first position. The braking surface is positionable at any point between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a fishing reel comprising: a side cover; a brake dial rotatably positioned in the side cover such that the brake dial is externally accessible and operable from outside of the side cover, the brake dial having a plurality of predetermined positions; at least one cam lobe provided on either the brake dial or the side cover; and a V-spring operably attached to the other of the brake dial or the side cover for interaction with the cam lobe such that, when the V-spring is positioned against a portion of the cam lobe and the brake dial is not located in one of its predetermined positions, the V-spring will act against the portion of the cam lobe to urge the brake dial to rotate to one of the predetermined positions.

Abstract: A fishing reel wherein is incorporated a spool free mechanism comprising: a crank handle nonrotatably secured to a crankshaft which rotates a drive gear. A mating pinion gear includes an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder which are supported by bearings, and a feature for drivingly engaging the spool shaft. The inner and outer shoulders are slidable within the supporting bearings such that, in a first position, the pinion gear is drivingly engaged with the spool shaft for rewinding the line and, in a second position, the pinion gear is disengaged from the spool shaft, allowing the spool to freely rotate during casting. In the second position, there is no contact between the spool shaft and the pinion gear, hence, the pinion gear does not cause unnecessary friction during a casting operation.