Abstract: A scuba diving reel comprising a hand held frame rotatably mounting a line receiving spool on which a length of line is wound. A coupling member is provided on the terminal end of the line for attaching the line to an object such as a buoy so that when the scuba diver moves away from the buoy, the spool will rotate and pay out line. Anti-backlash mechanism is provided for preventing the freewheeling of the spool when tension force thereon is removed. Rotatable pinch mechanism is provided for maintaining taut the line portion between the pinch mechanism and the spool.