Axial delivery reels are those in which the spool is supported such that line wound upon the spool can pay-off longitudinally of the spool axis during a line cast. A major advantage is that they do not cause backlash. A common group of such reels are the spincast type having shroud covered spools. The casting line passes through an aperture in the shroud to guide the line. A line engaging and line releasing device rotates about the spool during winding. Spincast reels are convenient to operate, but friction caused by the shroud results in relatively short casts.
A group of axial delivery reels that produce longer casts than the spincast type are spinning reels having an open face. They include an open spool partly surrounded by a line pick-up. The pick-up usually comprises a wire bail which leads the cast line onto a guide or roller. During winding the pick-up is driven by a crank to rotate about the normally nonrotating spool.
Though spinning reels produce longer casts, they are not as convenient to operate as the spincast group. To prepare for a cast, the user must reach down with the index finger of the hand that holds the rod and reel to lift the casting line above the roller. He then holds the line on his finger while opening the bail. During the cast swing, he must straighten his finger to let go of the line at the right instant. Since this is an awkward and fairly difficult maneuver to perform with precise timing, the casts tend to be erratic in distance and accuracy.
In the embodiments of the subject invention, a mechanical finger performs the functions of the user's index finger, but with greater speed and precision. One embodiment improves a conventional spinning reel. Another embodiment improves an axial delivery reel in which the crank drives the spool rather than the line pick-up. The latter method of winding has an important advantage when relatively strong or heavy lines are reeled. The advantage relates to the issue of line twist which is explained in the following paragraphs.
As mentioned, when line is cast from any axial delivery reel, the line peels off of the spool longitudinally of the spool axis. With a nonrotating spool, a full twist occurs in the outstretched line for each turn that unravels from the spool. Conventional spinning reels and spincast reels correct the twist problem by rotating the line pick-up during line retrieval in order to reverse the twist. This works well for relatively thin monofilament.
When using heavy service lines, however, such as braided lines or monofilament having a test strength of 40 lbs. or greater, the outstretched line automatically untwists when being retrieved (assuming a swivel is attached). This occurs before the line reaches the line pick-up of the reel. Consequently, a rotating or spinning line pick-up of a conventional reel twists the straightened line as the latter is wound. This results in the spool being loaded with twisted line.
In an axial delivery driven spool reel wherein the crank drives the spool (not the pick-up) during winding, twist is prevented when the heavy service lines are reeled. This winding method can be used to advantage. Limper monofilament lines have been developed and are now being marketed in 40 lb. test strength and over. Hence, the new lines can pave the way to a successful future for open face driven spool reels. They could be used for fishing or for other applications including rescue operations.
The subject invention can be applied to great advantage in improving conventional spinning reels, especially for using lines of under 40 lb. test. The invention can also improve open face driven spool reels, especially for using lines of 40 lb. test or greater.