Abstract: A fishing reel includes a lipped seal in the axial direction of the pinion of the fishing reel. An axial seal, rather than radial seal, provides a contact seal that relies less on manufacturing consistencies of the parts within the fishing reel.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a lipped seal in the axial direction of the pinion of the fishing reel. An axial seal, rather than radial seal, provides a contact seal that relies less on manufacturing consistencies of the parts within the fishing reel.

Abstract: A locking telescopic fishing rod includes a plurality of telescoping sections; a plurality of locking guide frames, one of which is secured to each rod section, each locking guide frame having a generally tubular body with a first end and a second end; the second end forming a male portion of a connection; and wherein male connection portion of a first locking guide frame for a distal rod section is configured to engage one of the inner diameter of a distal tip for an adjacent proximal rod section or the first end of a second locking guide frame, the distal tip for the adjacent proximal rod section or the first end of the second locking guide frame forming a female portion of the connection.

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: 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.