Fixed spool fishing reels

Reels using a fixed spool were in use in North America since the early 1870s. They were originally developed to allow the use of artificial flies, or other lures for trout or salmon (steelhead), that were too light in weight to be easily cast by bait casting reels. Fixed spooled reels are normally mounted below the rod. Spinning reels also solved the problem of backlash, as they did not have a rotating spool to overrun and foul the line. The earliest fixed-spool reels turned the spool 90 degrees in the body of the reel for retrieval, and then reversed it back into casting position. In casting position, line was drawn off in coils from the end of the fixed, non-rotating spool.