Abstract: A fishing reel including a reel body having a spool support shaft with an outer circumferential surface and a spool having a hollow spool hub with an inner circumferential surface for extending about the shaft adjacent the outer circumferential surface. A recess is formed along the circumferential surface of a first one of the support shaft and the spool hub. An axial passage is further formed in the circumferential surface of the first one of the support shaft and the spool hub. The axial passage communicates with the recess. A lug radially projects from the circumferential surface of a second one of the support shaft and the spool hub. In one preferred embodiment, the recess is helical. In one preferred embodiment, the spool additionally includes a line clip for releasably capturing fishing line adjacent the spool.

Abstract: A bail for a spinning fishing reel is provided. The reel includes a reciprocating spool for storing fishing line and a rotor mounted for rotation about the spool to retrieve and wind the line around the spool. The reel further includes a crank arm which, when actuated, causes reciprocating motion of the spool and rotation of the rotor. The bail includes first and second support ends and a central section coupled between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are coupled to the rotor at opposed locations and are pivotable with respect to the rotor to move the bail between an open and a closed position. In the open position a user may cast the line and in the closed position retrieve it. When the bail is in the closed position, the central section guides the line to a line guide. The bail further includes at least one counterbalance weight supported on the central section. The weight provides rotational balancing of the rotor to ensure smooth operation of the reel.