Abstract: A fishing reel of the type having a line spool which during casting is non-rotating and from which the fishing line is unwound in a substantially axial direction, a bail support member rotatable by means of a hand crank, a bail means pivotally mounted on the support member to be rotated therewith, the bail means being movable against spring action from an active position for winding up the line on the line spool to an inactive position in relation to the line for permitting undisturbed unwinding of the line during casting, a releasable latching mechanism for automatically and releasably locking the bail means in its inactive position and for automatically and releasably locking said rotatable bail support member to prevent pivoting of the bail and unintentional rotation of the rotatable member, respectively, during casting.