The present invention relates generally to the field of fishing reels, and in particular, one type of reel described herein is a “bait cast” reel, specifically one designed for the particular styles of fishing commonly referred to as “flippin' and pitchin'”, wherein several improvements over the art are disclosed, including a highly durable and smooth line retainer element on the spool, a line retainer element, and a drag lock system that can be either adjustable or permanent.