Abstract: An anti-reversing mechanism for a reel comprises an overriding clutch within the drive gear of the reel, a sleeve rotatably mounted within the overriding clutch and a retainer for restricting axial movement of the sleeve to retain the sleeve within the clutch. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted in the reel and a locking member is mounted upon the periphery of and movable axially length of the drive shaft. The locking member and drive shaft include cooperating opposed flat surfaces for limiting rotation of the locking member relative to the drive shaft. The locking member and the sleeve have interengaging teeth to constrain the rotation of the locking member relative to the sleeve. In addition, there is a lever for moving the locking member axially along the drive shaft between a first position of disengagement with the sleeve and a second position of engagement with the sleeve.