the present invention relates to a fishing reel of the type wherein a pinion forced to mesh with a main gear rotated by a handle is fitted on a main rod to be slidable in the axial direction . a clutch cam is disposed between a clutch lever secured to the pinion and a base plate so that coupling between the pinion and the main rod is disengaged by rotating the clutch cam . the pinion is caused to reengage the main rod when a ratchet wheel coaxial with the main gear is rotated . in addition , there is provided a kick lever interlocked with the clutch cam , a slider mounted on the base plate to be slid by the kick lever , and a kick plate pivotally mounted on the slider . one end of the kick plate engages the ratchet wheel , and a spring is provided for urging the kick plate to engage the ratchet wheel .