Abstract: The invention contemplates incorporation into a reel of the type having a rotor with an associated bail that is movable between closed and open positions and automatically returns to a closed position upon the operation of a crank handle. According to the invention, structure is provided for selectively, removably attaching a trigger and a bail supporting member so that the reel can be used with the quick-release or manual systems and readily converted between the two systems as desired by the user.

Abstract: An improved drag assembly is provided and comprises replaceable cartridge assemblies which can be precalibrated for a range of drag settings. Different cartridge assemblies are provided. The reel has a drag knob assembly which supports a selectively replaceable spring and is latched to the reel housing with the spring bearing on the cartridge assembly. A knob is used to turn the drag knob assembly for advancing or retracting the knob assembly to increase or decrease tension on the spring and to increase or decrease the drag setting for controlling tension on the line. Cartridge assemblies and springs are calibrated and rated and paired with a particular rated test line for use in particular types of fishing. A method of changing cartridge assemblies and springs is included.

Abstract: An improvement in a fishing reel of the type having a housing, a line-carrying spool which is rotatable upon line being drawn off the spool, a friction generating structure rotatable with the spool and drag applying structure for biasably engaging the friction generating structure to produce a drag force resisting rotation of the spool. A first drag actuating means is provided for movement in a first manner to adjustably increase bias of the drag applying structure against the friction generating structure at a first rate. Second drag actuating structure is provided for movement in a corresponding first manner to adjustably increase bias of the drag applying structure against the friction generating structure at a second rate, that is different than the first rate. The user can selectively operate the first and second drag actuating structure depending on the desired rate of drag change.

Abstract: A dual anti-reverse and self-centering mechanism is disclosed for use in an open face style spinning reel. The mechanism provides for multiple stop positions for the reel rotor in a counterclockwise direction. The mechanism also provides a centering position for the rotor with the bail located in the most advantageous position for pivoting to the casting position. Both functions can be enabled by actuating an actuator for the bail centering mechanism.

Abstract: Skirted style and conventional style spinning reels are provided with a positive drag applying mechanism that operates directly on both sides of the line spool. The drag mechanism includes friction means acting on one axial surface of the spool and a second friction means acting on the other axial surface of the spool to apply uniform and effective drag to the spool. A unique clicker member is included that audibly indicates that the drag force is exceeded.

Abstract: A bait clicker that can be simply slip-fit into a bore in the reel housing. The clicker consists of an external control knob formed integrally with an elongate bifurcated body which secures the clicker with the housing. The legs are deformed by the housing as they are introduced through the bore. With the clicker in assembled relationship with the housing, the housing is closely captured between the control knob and a lip formed integrally at the free end of one of the legs, which lip seats behind the inside wall of the housing once the lip is fully through the bore. From the other leg extends an integrally formed, resilient elongate finger which engages with the teeth of one of the gears either on the centershaft or on the crankshaft to produce an audible clicking sound upon rotation thereof in either direction. The finger is angularly inclined from the axis of the bore so that upon rotation of the clicker, the finger can be moved selectively either in or out of engagement with the gear.

Abstract: A rear mounted drag mechanism (50) for a fishing reel (1) having a shaft (300) rotatable to pay out fishing line. The drag mechanism (50) has at least one member (428) keyed to the shaft (300) for rotation therewith and for axial movement therealong and having at least one radially outward extending surface (434) coupled thereto and has at least one other member (440) restrained against rotation and movable toward and away from said one member (428). At least a pair of washers (448) separate said radial surface (434) from the reel housing (400) and from said washer (448). Means (416, 414, 450) are provided to selectively exert a bias upon the other member (440) to create frictional interengagement between said other member (440), said washers (448) and said radial surface (434) and said housing (400) thereby exerting a drag effect against rotation of said shaft (300).

Abstract: A spinning reel is provided with a housing, a rotor, a crank, drive assembly for rotating the rotor, an anti-reverse assembly for selectively preventing reverse rotation of the rotor, a centershaft with a line spool, a front drag assembly between the spool and the centershaft and a rear drag assembly between the housing and the centershaft. A locking means is provided on the rotor for locking the spool to the rotor and for locking the rotor to the housing so that long casts can be made with the reel. A bait clicker assembly is associated with the rear drag and is provided with a plunger which, when in the "off" position, will engage a ratchet wheel on the rear drag which will lock the rear drag, clicker and centershaft against rotation. Putting the plunger in the "on" position with the anti-reverse assembly in the "on" position will disengage the ratchet wheel so that the rear drag is operative.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a means for coupling an oscillator mechanism of a fishing reel to the spool of the fishing reel so that the spool will reciprocate back and forth as the fishing line is wound thereon. The spool shaft is received in a mounting mechanism associated with the yoke strap cam follower portion of the oscillating mechanism. An undercut groove on the shaft facilitates its fastening to the yoke strap.

Abstract: An improved drag assembly is provided and comprises replaceable cartridge assemblies which can be precalibrated for a range of drag settings. The reel has a drag knob assembly which supports a selectively replaceable spring and is latched to the reel housing with the spring bearing on the cartridge assembly. A knob is used to turn the drag knob assembly for advancing or retracting the knob assembly to increase or decrease tension on the spring and to increase or decrease the drag setting for controlling tension on the line. Cartridge assemblies and springs are calibrated and rated and paired with a particular rated test line for use in particular types of fishing. A method of changing cartridge assemblies and springs is included.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a means for coupling an oscillator mechanism of a fishing reel to the spool of the fishing reel so that the spool will reciprocate back and forth as the fishing line is wound thereon. The spool shaft is received in a mounting mechanism associated with the yoke strap cam follower portion of the oscillating mechanism. An undercut groove on the shaft facilitates its fastening to the yoke strap.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a small drag assembly that is conveniently mounted in the rear part of the housing of the spinning style fishing reel. The drag assembly includes a knob mounted at the rear of the housing. A pocket is provided in the housing to accommodate the small and simple drag system.