Abstract: A drag device for use with a fishing reel is provided that allows an angler to switch between a main drag mode and a secondary drag mode. The main drag mode is traditionally used to provide drag when trying to reel in a fish, while the secondary drag mode is traditionally used to provide finely-tuned drag when fishing with live bait. The drag device preferably includes a lever member that, when engaged, causes the fishing reel to switch between the main drag mode and secondary drag mode, as well as adjust the drag force of the secondary drag.

Abstract: The spincast reel of the invention provides a thumb button system of extended length and shorter displacement travel for engagement and disengagement that enable anglers having small hands, lower grip strength and/or lower dexterity. Such features provide new tools to bring the sport of fishing to more potential anglers. In particular, the extended and lowered thumb portion of the reel optionally combined with a rod handle portion of greater elevation at the reel seat allows the user to use more of a downward motion to engage the casting mechanism of the reel rather than the forward rotational movement of prior spincast reels. The thumb button system is especially well suited for young anglers.

Abstract: A drag device for use with a fishing reel is provided that allows an angler to switch between a main drag mode and a secondary drag mode. The main drag mode is traditionally used to provide drag when trying to reel in a fish, while the secondary drag mode is traditionally used to provide finely-tuned drag when fishing with live bait. The drag device preferably includes a lever member that, when engaged, causes the fishing reel to switch between the main drag mode and secondary drag mode, as well as adjust the drag force of the secondary drag.

Abstract: Spinning reels for left or right-handed use have reduced internal friction by a selectively disengageable seal at the unused connection port.

Abstract: A fishing rod butt cap for use on one end portion of a multi-piece fishing rod having a base section and a rod tip section, the butt cap including an elastic member attached to the butt cap and stretchable so as to overlay and engage the rod tip when the rod tip section is positioned along the length of the base section. The butt cap may also include a slot for receiving the elastic member when not in use, and an additional opening for allowing a user to grasp the elastic member when stored in the slot. An additional elastic member is attached between the joining end portions of the base section and rod tip section for securing those end portions of the fishing rod when the rod tip section is stored along the length of the base section.

Abstract: Spinning reels for left or right-handed use have reduced internal friction by a selectively disengageable seal at the unused connection port.

Abstract: An automated fishing data collection and processing system is provided that can automatically collect real-time data associated with the use of a rod and reel, in combination with real-time environmental and other data, and automatically record the data with minimal or no user input. Electronic components installed in, on, or with the rod and the reel automatically collect information, and automatically transmit the information via a wired or wireless means to a hand-held communication element, which in turn, combines the information with real-time environmental data and stores the information to a memory device, or transmits the information to a PC or cloud storage using a wired or wireless communication means to create a fishing log of data points. The fishing log can be stored in the hand-held communication element, PC, memory storage device, or cloud storage for access by the user or multiple users as permitted.

Abstract: A bobber, including a buoyant body having a cavity at a first end connected with a passageway through the bobber, and a first shielding structure extending from the body at the first end and at least partially surrounding said cavity. When gravity and/or acceleration forces cause the bobber to slide down the fishing line, the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the bobber body is sufficiently greater than the diameter or size of the first shielding structure to shield or hide the barbed tip of a fishing hook when a portion of the hook is disposed in the bobber cavity and the tip is disposed outside of the first shielding structure.

Abstract: A bobber, including a buoyant body having a cavity at a first end connected with a passageway through the bobber, and a first shielding structure extending from the body at the first end and at least partially surrounding said cavity. When gravity and/or acceleration forces cause the bobber to slide down the fishing line, the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the bobber body is sufficiently greater than the diameter or size of the first shielding structure to shield or hide the barbed tip of a fishing hook when a portion of the hook is disposed in the bobber cavity and the tip is disposed outside of the first shielding structure.

Abstract: An oscillation mechanism for use with a spinning fishing reel includes an oscillation gear with a guide pin, rotatably supported within the reel. A slider is disposed within the reel and includes a guide slot formed therein that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a first curved portion including a concave side disposed toward a forward edge of the slider and a second curved portion including a concave side disposed toward a rearward edge of the slider. The lower portion includes a first curved portion including a concave side disposed toward the rearward edge of the slider and a second curved portion including a concave side disposed toward the forward edge of the slider. Rotation of the oscillation gear causes movement of the slider along a horizontal center axis of the guide slot.

Abstract: A modular food dehydrator utilizing a heater blower assembly located on a top surface of a dehydrator module. The heater blower assembly includes a motor driven fan, a heating element and an air distribution portion for directing heated air across the support surfaces. The heater blower assembly is preferably releasably attachable to the dehydrator module. In a first embodiment, the dehydrator module has a central opening extending generally vertically through the support surfaces in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing heated air radially outward across the plurality of support surfaces. The dehydrator module preferably includes outlet vents on an outer perimeter surface for exhausting the heated air. At least one outlet vent is preferably located between each of the plurality of support surfaces.