Abstract: A retainer for retaining a lure attached to a fishing line extending from a fishing reel. The retainer preferably comprises an eyelet provided on the fishing reel. The eyelet is preferably integrally formed on the exterior of the reel.

Abstract: In a fishing reel, a handle (A) is mounted on a drive shaft of a take-up drive mechanism. The drive shaft is rotatably supported within a reel main body. The handle includes a handle arm, a T-shaped handle knob supported rotatably on one end portion of the handle arm by a support shaft, a balancer consisting of a balance forming member fixed to the other end portion of the handle arm by another support shaft, and a cap mounted on the handle arm. The handle arm includes a linear portion extending from the center portion of the handle arm toward one end portion thereof, a linear portion extending from the center portion of the handle arm toward the other end portion thereof, a bent portion formed such that it is bent outwardly in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a linear portion extending from the bent portion.

Abstract: A casting actuator having a slip-resistant contacting surface which flexes to accommodate the user's thumb. The casting actuator preferably comprises: an actuating lever; a support structure; a living hinge pivotably connecting the actuating lever to the support structure; and a flexible cover extending from the support collar over at least a portion of the lever. The flexible cover provides a flexible, slip-resistant contacting surface on the lever. The inventive actuator is preferably formed by an inventive method comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first material in a mold to form a unitary, molded structure and (b) while the first material is present in mold, placing a second material in the mold to form the flexible cover. The unitary, molded structure formed from the first material comprises: the actuating lever; the support collar; and the resilient hinge. The inventive casting actuator preferably includes a convex engaging surface for operably contacting a main shaft of the fishing reel.

Abstract: A fishing reel body includes a first side; a second line retrieval handle side opposite the first side; a bridge extending between the first and second sides, the bridge supporting a thumb rest portion; a convex surface on the second side configured to extend into the user's palm and an arcuate elevated contour on the second side and configured to extend within the notch between the user's thumb and index finger. The arcuate elevated contour preferably extends substantially adjacent to the thumb rest portion so as to support the user's thumb on the thumb rest portion away from the user's fingers.

Abstract: In a double-bearing type fishing reel, a front finger-placing section (50) is provided between the side boards (2a, 2b) of the reel body (1) above the spool (3) in such a manner that, when an angler grips the reel body (1), the thick part of the end portion of the thumb abuts against the front finger-placing section. A rear finger-placing section (55) is provided between the side boards (2a, 2b) of the reel body (1) behind the spool (3) in such a manner that the base of the thumb abuts against the rear finger-placing section (55). The double-bearing type fishing reel is exhibits an improved reel gripping characteristic.

Abstract: A balancer is integrally and projectingly formed on a boss of a handle arm. The handle arm has a support shaft opposite from the balancer, a knob is rotatably supported on the support shaft. A portion of the handle arm around and in the vicinity of the boss is formed into a smooth surface, and an outer periphery of the balancer is also formed into a smooth surface. Thus, a fishline is prevented from tangling onto the balancer.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a crank of a fishing-rod reel includes universally oting finger engaging members which function to prevent wrist sprains and fatigue and also assure uniform guidance of a lure.