US Patent 9288973 Thumb button for fishing reels

A fishing reel, such as a spincast reel, that includes a body having a frame that defines a thumb button attachment member on a rear side of the frame. A spool and spinner head are rotatably mounted forward of a front side of the frame. A front cover is secured to a front side of the frame to enclose components. A thumb button is pivotally secured to the thumb button attachment member. The thumb button has an actuating post that extends forwardly for applying force to a rearward end of a center shaft when the thumb button is depressed. A back cover is affixed to the rear side of the frame. The back cover defines a thumb button orifice for allowing a user to access the thumb button when the back cover is secured to the frame.