Abstract: A fishing reel includes a spool disk, a handle disk mounted coaxially and in juxtaposition with the spool disk, a winding handle or crank affixed to the handle disk, and a brake mechanism, including an actuator incorporated in the handle, for applying a drag braking torque between the spool disk and the handle disk. The braking torque is controllable by a user by squeezing the handle while holding the handle for cranking. Accordingly, the user does not have to let go of the winding handle in order to apply or vary the drag.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming a fly fishing reel having a device to engage or release a preset amount of drag from a spool of line. A spool of line is mounted on a spindle on the fly fishing reel. A drag mechanism is adapted to apply resistance against rotation of the spool. The device is adapted to engage or release the drag mechanism from the spool so that the preset amount of drag is enabled or disabled.

Abstract: A unidirectional coupling arrangement for sense-selectively coupling the rotation of a fishing reel spool to a braking or drag arrangement. First and second relatively rotatable elements of the coupling arrangement connect by interlocking teeth which on the first element are carried by an axially-deflectable discrete rotor entrained by a surrounding ring. In the coupled sense of rotation a cam engagement between the rotor and surrounding ring keeps the rotor axially against the complementary teeth on the second rotational element. The onset of rotation in the opposite sense creates a cam engagement between the rotor and surrounding ring which slides the rotor axially away from the second element, disengaging the coupling teeth. This avoids the clicking sound associated with conventional sprung pawls in the uncoupled condition.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a spool rotatably mounted in a reel body and having two end portions each formed with a disk-shaped wheel. A supporting bracket is fixedly mounted on the reel body and includes an inner wall. A braking device is pivotally mounted in the supporting bracket and includes a first end portion formed with two braking arms each detachably abutting on the wheel of the spool and a second end portion extending outwardly from the supporting bracket. A torsional spring includes a first end urged on the inner wall of the supporting bracket and a second end urged on the second end portion of the braking device.

Abstract: A friction brake for a fishing reel comprises an arcuate strip of bendable plastic that is cantilevered from a fixed flange of a fishing reel and extends over and generally concentrically with a rotating flange of the reel. When braking action is required to stop or restrain the playing-out of fishing line, pressure on the free edge of the brake causes contact between a brake surface and the outer periphery of the rotating reel flange. The degree of braking depends upon the area of the brake that is brought into contact with the rotating reel flange by the fisherman and upon the magnitude of force applied by the fisherman's hand onto the brake. The brake attaches at its fixed edge to the non-moving portion of the reel by means of an adhesive layer. Alternative embodiments that contact the fishing line extend from fixed portions of the reel.

Abstract: A mechanism for the automatic control of a fishing line on a rotating spool fishing reel in order to prevent over runs comprises a clip which can easily be clipped on to and off the reel, two cranks and a yoke. The cranks are pivotally mounted on the clip and are joined to the yoke, the inner ends of the cranks have brake pads in the forms of elastic bands stretched around small tabs which bear against the rim of the spool of the fishing reel in order to brake it if the fishing line is slack. When the fishing line tautens as in a cast it lifts the yoke in turn thereby lifting the brake shoes off the spool rim to allow it to rotate freely during the cast but as soon as the tackle and bait hit the water or for any other reason such as an uneven cast the line slackens allowing the yoke to drop and the brake shoes to come down on the spool rim and brake it to prevent an over run.

Abstract: An improved fishing reel having a rim acting reel brake is disclosed. The presence of a transverse handle, placement of the brake on the reel and the mechanical advantage gained about the pivot provide for sufficient braking ability for use during big game fishing. The reel brake allows instantaneous response and the "feel" for the fight, provided by the brake, aids in the control of the fisherman while fighting a fish.