EP3255985A1

EP3255985A1 - A fishing line measuring device

Info

Publication number: EP3255985A1
Application number: EP15709725.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Sherratt
Original assignee: Spotonfish Ltd
Current assignee: Spotonfish Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-11
Filing date: 2015-02-11
Publication date: 2017-12-20
Also published as: WO2016128697A1

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a fishing line measuring device (100, 200, 300, 400) for quickly and efficiently measuring line length. The fishing line measuring device, comprises a body (30) that houses a measurement spool (18) over which the line passes before, or after, being wound onto, or from, a reel (7); an apparatus (40) measures revolutions of the measurement spool; a memory (50) for storing the number of revolutions; the reel has a reeling mechanism and a means (70) for arresting the line; and a display (3), wherein the line measurement apparatus computes a length of line wound onto, or dispensed from, the reel.

Description

A FISHING LINE MEASURING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fishing line measuring device, particularly for indicating or recording fishing line lengths, and more particularly but not exclusively for carp fishing. Background

Set-up time for carp anglers can be considerable, often taking between one to one and a half hours. Carp anglers generally carry up to 5 rods and reels, namely a marker rod, spod rod, and three fishing rods. The marker rod is for casting around the lake to find and locate a spot to present bait, also to determine the depth of that spot, wherein the marker rod does not fish merely dragging across the lake bed for identification of bed surfaces. The spod rod is fitted with a spod that is repeatedly cast at the predetermined area to spread bait about the area.

A carp angler typically identifies a feature such as a clear, weed free area or gravel area on the lake bed as his/her spot and will be aiming to achieve this spot with his/her subsequent casts with the fishing rods. These rods are typically equipped with 'clips' that prevent reeling of the line beyond a definable length in order to coordinate the length of the fishing lines, they may be laid out with the marker rod line, and 'clipped up' accordingly, with obvious logistical problems. Alternatively, but time consuming, a user may wind the relative lines about poles and clip up accordingly.

Typically a carp angler will load a spot with a significant value of bait, and will return on different sequential days to fish that spot.

Accordingly a number of devices have been built in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar problems and some of these are described below. Prior Art

European Patent Application EP-A1-1 661 787 (Priednieks) discloses a fishing rod comprising an accelerometer for measuring acceleration of the fishing rod.

United States Patent US4 000 653 (Booth) discloses a trolling reel and lowering weighted control line to which fishing line I detachable secured. United States Patent US5 345 691 (Falk) discloses a fishing line meter that optically measures the length of the fishing line.

United States Patent US6 053 443 (Nanbu) discloses a fishing reel with display device, the display device disposed on an upper surface of the reel main body.

United States Patent Application US2004/0124297 A1 (Steer) discloses a fishing indicator which includes a magnet and a reed switch for detecting the magnet.

United States Patent Application US 2008/0072443 A1 (Powell) discloses a pivoting cable extension arm has a pivot sensor, the extension arm is mounted on a swivel frame having a swivel sensor.

International Patent Application WO97/19590 (Richards) discloses a device to measure length of fishing line drawn onto or from a reel on a fishing rod comprising a housing with a freely rotatable pulley wheel therefore around which line passes.

Japanese Patent Application JP 2003 088 281 (Terauchi) provides a device for measuring line the device includes means for detecting the number of revolutions capable of detecting the number of revolutions of a spool.

United States Patent Application US 5 286 972 (Falk) discloses an optical measuring device comprising: (a) a casing; (b) a reel mounted within the casing; (c) a line wound on the reel and extending through an opening in the casing, said line having a plurality of elongated marks spaced at predetermined increments from one another; (d) first and second sensors mounted within the casing for detecting the elongated marks on the line and producing detection signals as the line passes through the casing.

United States Patent US 5 503 341 (Kaneko) discloses a fish line length measurement device for a fishing reel having a spool rotatably mounted on a reel main body, comprising: spool rotation detecting means for detecting and counting a number of rotations of said spool.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a fishing line measuring device comprising: a body that houses a measurement spool over which the line passes before, or after, being wound onto, or from, a reel; an apparatus measures revolutions of the measurement spool; a memory for storing the number of revolutions; the reel has a reeling mechanism and a means for arresting the line; and a display, wherein the line measurement apparatus computes a length of line wound onto, or dispensed from, the reel.

In this way a user can operate the device to quickly and accurately record a length of line received to the reel from a fishing rod.

Typically the fishing line measuring device facilitates the fast and accurate measuring of line when setting up a series of fishing rods. For example when used for carp fishing the length of line for the first cast line (test rod) is determined by reeling in the length of line that has been cast to the preferred location. Usually the test line has been cast and when the desired location has been found the line length is recorded on the fishing rod by means of a clip on the fishing rod reel. The line is then arranged on the fishing line measurement device at-a midpoint in the line and wound in on to the reel, passing over the measurement spool so as to calculate length.

Once the full length of cast line has been wound in, the length wound in is recorded and displayed on the display. The user now knows the length that the test rod was cast to. A user can then transfer the device on a second fishing rod to measure a predetermined length of line (as obtained from the first fishing rod) onto the reel from a second fishing rod. This predetermined length can then be marked on the second fishing rod, typically by a line clip. The line that has been accumulated on the device is then re-wound back on to the second fishing rod. Once this action is completed the second fishing rod can be cast to the fixed length marked on the fishing rod. This enables the second rod to be to cast to the desired distance of the first fishing rod. This procedure can be repeated on multiple rods. Advantageously the device reduces the time required to prepare and set multiple fishing rods at the same line length; such is the requirement when carp fishing.

Traditional methods require a first cast line from a marker rod to be manually wound in and measured in order to ascertain the length of line that was expelled to the chosen location. Once this line length is known the same amount of line is manually measured out from a second rod reel and marked (typically by a line clip) so that the second rod line can be cast to the same distance. This manual method is timely and can lack accuracy.

Advantageously as the device is portable it can be readily used on multiple rods whereby the device can be set up to record line length on one rod and then transferred to record line length on a second rod.

In preferred embodiments the body is substantially rectangular and provides a housing for component parts of the fishing line measurement device. Typically the body provides a structure for attachment and/or enclosure of parts of the device.

The body may also serve to waterproof some or all parts of the device by providing a cover that prevents ingress of moisture. In some embodiments the fishing line measurement device includes a line entrance which directs the line towards the measurement spool.

The line entrance defines a channel through which the line passes in use. Typically the channel may be substantially U-shaped or V-shaped so as to guide the line as it is received or dispensed. The line entrance helps guides the line to and from the measurement spool so that the line passes over the measurement spool causing it to rotate and thereby enabling a measurement to be obtained. In some embodiments the line entrance may be omitted.

In use the line is passed over the measurement spool and attached to the reel by the means for arresting the line. The arresting means are capable of trapping the line a mid-point or from a line end.

Typically the measurement spool and reel are arranged in a row so as to allow the line to be reeled on and off the reel via the measurement spool. In this way line can be reeled onto the reel and then from the reel always passing over the measurement spool.

In some embodiments the measurement spool may be movable with respect to the reel so as to position the measurement spool to have as much purchase for the line as possible. For example the measurement spool may be on an arm that can pivot. In some embodiments the measurement spool may be sprung so as to move in response to tension of the line.

In some embodiments the arresting means may include a clip to secure the line to the reel. Preferably the clip may comprise a flexible member attached at a first end to the reel and displaceable at a second end from the reel. Typically the flexible member is arcuate so as to concentrically match the reel. Ideally the clip sits flush against the reel and is displaced by a user in order to provide a space under which the line can be positioned before the clip is released. The clip may be bias so as to return to a position against the reel thereby trapping the line.

In another preferred embodiment the clip may be attached by a hinge in this way the clip can pivot to and away from the reel in order to accept and to release the line. In some embodiments the hinge may comprise a living hinge. The hinge may also be bias, for example being sprung so as to return to the barrel of the reel when the force applied to displace the clip is removed. In an alternative embodiment the arresting means may include an aperture arranged on a barrel portion of the reel for receiving the line and in particular an end of a line that may include a hook, flight and/or weights. In use the aperture receives the line end and any associated parts so the aperture serves to 'trap' the line so that it can be reeled on. Advantageously the associated parts of the line are therefore contained during reeling, preventing them from injuring a user or from the parts becoming tangled with the line during winding. In some embodiments an aperture may be provided below the clip so that when the clip is displaced from the barrel the aperture is revealed.

The aperture may be filled with a resiliently deformable material such as a cellular structure for example foam or sponge. In this way the resiliently deformable material can be deformed in order to receive the line end accessories and to hold the accessories in a fixed position as the reel spins.

In preferred embodiments the reeling mechanism is motorised to improve ease and speed of winding line to and off the reel.

Preferably the reeling mechanism is contained within the body.

In preferred embodiments the reeling mechanism includes an automated winder or motorised reel.

Ideally the motorised reel is internally maintained wherein exterior use is not liable to damage the mechanism or more particularly the motorised reel is not subject to damage. In some embodiments a displaceable lid may be used, being partly or wholly transparent in some further embodiments, aiding in ensuring minimal ingress of water.

In other embodiments the mechanism may include a handle for winding the mechanism. In some embodiments at least part of the mechanism is visible or uncovered or external in use, in order that a user is enabled to monitor winding. For example the wound line or mechanism reel or barrel is partly or wholly uncovered. In this way a guide may be externally situated in order that the line can be reliably and visibly wound onto the reel with oversight possible.

The guide aids with evenly spreading the line on the reel. The guide may slide or move in order to position the line evenly on the reel. For example wherein the guide moves horizontally as the reel rotates about a horizontal axis or wherein the reel rotates about a vertical axis and the guide moves vertically to disperse the line about the reel.

The guide may include arms or projections, ring or loop or funnelling at the entrance. The guide ensures that line entering onto the mechanism is guided into a definable orientation, minimising snags and possibilities of mis-winding.

In use the action of the line passing over the measurement spool causes it to rotate and thereby enables length of line to be calculated. Preferably the measuring spool comprises, or is associated with, the apparatus for measuring revolutions of the spool.

Preferably each rotation of the spool defines a value that can be converted to a length. Typically the apparatus includes a counter to record number of revolutions in order to ascertain length. Line length may be calculated by multiplying the circumference of the barrel of the measurement spool by the number of revolutions recorded by the counter.

Advantageously by winding the line on the reel, as opposed to the measurement spool, the measurement spool does not have a varying circumference due to presence of wound line and therefore can provide a more accurate length reading.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus includes at least one optical sensor for use in detecting revolutions of the measurement spool in response to the line being drawn across it. Ideally the apparatus includes at least one encoder to convert the signal received by the optical sensor to another format that is transmitted to a microprocessor in order to compute a measurement based on the signal/data received. For example the apparatus may include a shaft encoder.

Preferably the optical sensor is in a fixed position on the body of the device and is arranged to detect a marker on the measurement spool or a rotating wheel that corresponds to the measurement spool, for example a wheel spinning on the same shaft.

Typically the marker may comprise a cut out portion of the measurement spool or corresponding wheel so that as the cut out portion passes the optical sensor a signal is generated.

Ideally the apparatus includes two markers or cut out portions equally spaced so on the measurement spool or corresponding wheel so as to detect each half revolution for improved accuracy. In some embodiments the apparatus may include two optical sensors equally spaced so as to detect each half revolution for improved accuracy.

In some embodiments the optical sensors may be mounted on the measurement spool or corresponding wheel so as to be moveable.

In other embodiments at least one magnet may be included in the apparatus for use in calculating revolutions wherein for example movement of a magnet past a sensor generates a signal. In some further embodiments magnets may be used to record number of rotations of the measurement spool. For example magnets may be located on the measurement spool and a reed switch may be provided to sense every time a magnet passes the reed switch. Each time the reed switch is passed by the magnet the switch is triggered so as to generate a signal that can be used to record number of revolutions. The recorded number of revolutions can then be used to calculate length of the line. In preferred embodiments the device includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB enables interaction between the apparatus and the display.

The display may include a visual display unit, light emitting diode screen, liquid crystal display, or other electronic or digital display.

In this way the user is enabled to easily read indications of length calculated by the apparatus. Advantageously the memory means enables measure lengths to be stored along with other stored parameters and/or histories.

In preferred embodiments the memory has a means for recordal of sequential values of length.

Preferably the memory means comprises a digital memory and data processing capability, operative in tandem with the display, so as to allow access to and recordal of user definable parameters or data.

In some further embodiments the memory may be mechanical or analogue. Preferably the display displays line length, namely a number or figure indicating the length of winding.

In preferred embodiments the mechanism includes an automatic cease mode, wherein the user can define a line length for winding in and allow the mechanism to wind the line to that length automatically.

Advantageously a preferred automatic cease mode may comprise a resistance based mechanism which mechanism ceases winding on encountering resistance against winding of the line.

In this way the apparatus in such embodiments is enabled to account for hindrances or extraneous interferences with winding as well as ensuring that where clips are in use the clip will prevent further winding of the mechanism. In this way the clips may be used as a means of measuring the line length for a marker rod that has already been clipped to a correct length; wherein the device is capable of recording that length and the fishing lines of subsequent fishing rods may be measured to the same length by the device.

The length of line wound in prior to the clip can be remembered by the memory, and can be used for subsequent uses on the lines for fishing wherein an automatic cease function can be operated to stop winding a4 the desired length.

In some embodiments the length of the first line under the automatic cease mode is stored automatically and used on subsequent line lengths via the automatic cease function, until the device is turned off and/or the memory reset.

Ideally the display means includes controls wherein the user is enabled to read the line length and/or allow entirely automatic operation of the mechanism. In some embodiments the device may be remotely operable, for example having a remote controller or being controllable through an application on a device such as a mobile telephone, tablet and/or computer.

Preferably all devices are waterproof so as to be suitable for outdoor use.

In some preferred embodiments the device includes a connector arranged on the bank stick so as to allow the device to be connected to an object such as a stand. In this way the device is maintained stationery at the desired height and orientation during use.

The object such as the stand may comprise a pole rest for receiving one or more fishing rod(s).

In some embodiments the connector may comprises a screwthread so as to permit the device to be screw fitted to an object, for example atop a pole with a corresponding screwthread.

In some embodiments the device may include global positioning software (GPS) and hardware in order that the device may be interfaced or tagged with a GPS location or locational data. In preferred embodiments the device includes a magnetic compass and/or spirit level in order that the device can be used to aid in situating the fishing lines on different days and/or times. In some further embodiments the device may include a framing device for example wherein the user may be enabled to look through the device to frame their situation and aid in memorising the location for later use to aid in situating the fishing lines on different days and/or times. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an overview of a preferred embodiment of the line measuring device with part of the body removed;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the embodiment in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a front view of the embodiment in Figure 1 ; Figure 4 shows a left side view of the embodiment in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows a right side view of the embodiment in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a top view of the embodiment in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the embodiment in Figure 1 ; Figure 8 shows an overview of a second embodiment of the line measuring device with part of the body removed;

Figure 9 shows a rear view of the embodiment in Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a front view of the embodiment in Figure 8; Figure 11 shows a left side view of the embodiment in Figure 8;

Figure 12 shows a right side view of the embodiment in Figure 8; Figure 13 shows a top view of the embodiment in Figure 8;

Figure 14 shows a bottom view of the embodiment in Figure 8;

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a third embodiment of the fishing line measuring device;

Figure 16 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device in Figure 15;

Figures 17A and 17B show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 15;

Figures 18A and 18B show rear and fron: views of the embodiment shown in Figure 15;

Figure 19 shows an isometric exploded vew of the embodiment shown in Figure 15; and

Figure 20 shows an overview of a forth embodiment of the device. Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of a fishing line measurement device 100. The device 100 has a body 30 that houses a measurement spool 18 over which the line (not shown) passes before, or after, being wound onto, or from, a reel 7.

An apparatus 40 measures revolutions of the measurement spool 18 so as to aid with calculating length of line passed over the measurement spool 18.

The measurement spool 18 comprises a barrel that rotates about a shaft 18A. The shaft is fitted to the body by a pair of brackets 31. Typically the bracket includes at least one bearing so as to allow smooth rotation of the measurement spool 18. An outer face of the barrel that interfaces the line in use has a friction surface so as to prevent slippage of the line as it passes over the measurement spool 18. The friction surface may be a coating or layer of material such as rubber.

The apparatus 40 has an optical sensor 41 (shown in Figure 6) for recording revolutions of the measurement spool 18.

The optical sensor 41 is fixed to the body and a corresponding wheel 40 mounted on the same shaft 18A as the measurement spool 18 rotates in the same manner as the measurement spool 18.

The corresponding wheel 40 has two cut out portions 43 that serve as markers for the optical sensor 41. The cut out portions 43 are evenly spaced, being opposed and marking half a revolution.

The device includes a memory 50 for storing the number of revolutions of the measurement spool 18. In this way the number of revolutions can be recorded and used to calculate length of line.

The reel 7 has a reeling mechanism located under a cover 60 to turn the reel 7 so as to reel line on to and from the reel 7.

The reel is fixed to the body by a pair of brackets 32. Typically the bracket includes at least one bearing so as to allow smooth rotation of the reel 7.

The reel mechanism includes a motor 17 located beneath the cover 60 that drives the reel 7 forwards and backwards in order to wind or unwind the line. The motor 17 has a gear (not shown) that engages with a toothed portion 7A of the reel 7 in order to drive reel 7.

The motor is powered by batteries (not shown). The batteries are arranged in a battery housing 61. The reel 7 includes a means for arresting the line so as to trap the line so that it can be wound from the point at which the line is trapped.

The arresting means 70 includes a clip 71 that provides an anchor for the line. The clip is circular and raised from the reel 7 and an arm (not shown) so that a turn or line may be passed around the clip 71 so as to secure the line to the clip.

The barrel also includes an aperture 72 that is located near the clip 7. The aperture

72 offers an alternative way of attaching the line to the reel 7. The aperture 72 can be used to store line accessories such as weights, flights or hooks during winding (if connecting to the end of the line).

The clip 71 and aperture 72 are concealed by a flap 73. In some embodiments the clip may not be located under the flap.

The flap 73 is arranged concentrically around part of the barrel of the reel 7. The flap

73 is attached to the barrel by a hinge (net shown) and the flap 73 can be displaced (opened) in order to position the line onto the clip 71 or in the aperture 71 before repositioning (closing) the flap.

The reel 7 includes a catch 75 for receiving the flap 73 so as to hold the flap 73 in position when closed.

The reel 7 includes a recessed finger grip 74 so as to allow the flap 73 to be easily displaced from the reel 7.

Figure 3 shows a display 3 for displaying line length. The display 3 is linked to a printed circuit board (PCB) 80 and powered by batteries (not shown). It is appreciated that the body may include front and rear sections (not shown) that enclose parts of the device such as the PCB, battery housing 61 an apparatus 40 so that these parts are concealed during use and therefore protected.

Figures 8 to 14 show a second embodiment of the fishing line measuring device 200. Like parts have been give the same references. The reel mechanism includes a motor 17 that drives the reel 7 forwards and backwards in order to wind or unwind the l^:ne.

The motor 17 has a gear 63 that engages with a toothed portion 7A of the reel 7 in order to drive reel 7.

The motor 17 is powered by batteries 62. The batteries 62 are arranged in a battery housing (not shown). Figures 8 and 9 show rear views of the device 200. In use, the rear of the device is covered at least particularly by the body, although this section of body is removed for purposes of the drawings in order to show internal parts of the device.

The batteries 62 are arranged in a different orientation to that shown in the first embodiment (Figures 1 to 7).

Figure 10 shows a front view of the device 200 having a display 3 and a selection of controls 4 for operating the device 200. Figures 15 to 19 show a third embodiment of the device 300.

The device 300 has a display screen 3 is used to display details regarding for example the line length, recorded line length data, positional data or any audiovisual features.

The device is supported in use on a rest 1 , having a screwthreaded mount 2 and a sprung collar or cam clamp 8 allows the device to be positioned on the top of a standard 3/8 inch thread rod rest. A number of controls 4 are provided namely a winding control, reset control, input line length, record line length, delete line length, and on/off control . The device takes two AA batteries under a displaceable and ideally weatherproof hatch 10. Ideally the device is entirely ruggedized and/or waterproof. A guide 6 acts to guide the spooling line into and onto the reel 7 and comprises positioning hoops 12, through which the lire is passed, and a positioning slide slot 13 in which the guide 6 moves. If the reel is manually rotated while the motor is off, the clutch spring on the crown wheel axle will compress, disconnecting the crown wheel from the mechanism

The line passes through holders 11 and the disc counter 9, wherein the line is passed between an inner disc 15 with magnets, and an outer disc 22, wherein an extension spring 23 grips the two together so that when the line is pulled through, the disc rotates, the magnets attached trigger the reed switch sensor 16. This can be used to work out exactly how much line has been wound, to the nearest half turn.

An internal motor 17 drives a gearing system 20, clutch spring 14, and a series of cogs connecting the motor to the reel and making it rotate, wherein a last gear also drives a crown wheel 21 , and slider 19 which in turn pushes the guide backwards and forwards, guiding the line to wrap evenly around the reel.

Figure 20 shows a device 400 having a full body 30 that encloses parts of the device leaving the reel 7 exposed and providing a line entrance 90 about the measurement spool (not shown).

The device 400 has a connector 8 so as 1o enable the device 400 to be fitted on to a stake during use.

The reel 7 has an aperture 72 in to which line end accessories can be received.

In use therefore sequence of events is as follows once the marker rod has been used to find a suitable lake position, and the line has been clipped at this length:

Position the device on a rod rest using the connector and/or clamp. Place the marker rod so that the end is next to the device. Press the power button to turn on the device. Clip or slot the end of the line into the reel, guiding the line through the locating hoops and sprung roller on the back so that it is held in tension. Press the Forward Wind button on the device. Wine the line onto the spool until resistance from the line clip stops it. The main reading on the display will give the length of the marker rod line. This can then be entered into the memory by pressing the Memory Input button. Unwind the marker rod line using the Backward Wind button. Wind the line back onto the rod reel. Reset the distance reading by pressing the Reset Button. All memory input can be erased by holding this button in for 3 seconds, otherwise they will be stored for use next time. Ensuring that all the rest of the rods are on 'free spool' reattach a new rod and follow the same process to wind this line out to a matching length. If the line is over-wound, the Backward Wind button can be used to correct it. Clip the rod at this length and use the Backward Wind button to unwind the line, winding it back up on the rod reel. Repeat with all rods. Lines can now be cast in the same direction as the marker rod, and should land at the same distance. After use, turn off the device, unscrew from the rod rest and store with otner fishing equipment. In use once the marker rod has been used and clipped up the user places the rod on a rest and attaches the line to the device and pulls the line off the marker rod until the clip is hit. The distance of the spot is there-^'ore registered.

The device is then staked into the ground and the marker rod line reeled back onto the marker rod reel. The spod rod and fishing rods are placed on rests and the lines pulled until a required length of line has been drawn and each rod is clipped up. The user then reels in the lines and in addition has a record of the measurement for a fishing diary. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A fishing line measuring device comprising: a body that houses a measurement spool over which the line passes before, or after, being wound onto, or from, a reel; an apparatus measures revolutions of the measurement spool; a memory for storing the number of revolutions; the reel has a reeling mechanism and a means for arresting the line; and a display, wherein the line measurement apparatus computes a length of line wound onto, or dispensed from, the reel.

2. A fishing line measuring device according to claim 1 wherein the reeling mechanism is motorised.

3. A fishing line measuring device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the measurement spool includes a friction surface to prevent slippage of the line as it passes over the measurement spool.

4. A fishing line measuring device including a line entrance that directs the line towards the measurement spool.

5. A fishing line measuring device according to any preceding claim wherein the measurement apparatus includes at least one optical sensor.

6. A fishing line measuring device according to any preceding claim having a connector for connecting to an object.

7. A fishing line measuring device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the measurement spool is movable with respect to the reel.

8. A fishing line measuring device according to any preceding claim wherein the arresting means comprises a clip.

9. A fishing line measuring device according to any preceding claim wherein the arresting means comprises an aperture arranged on the reel for receiving line and/or accessories connected to the line.

10. A fishing line measuring device according to any preceding claim wherein the means for arresting the line includes a flap.

11. A fishing line measuring device according to claim 10 wherein the flap is arranged to cover the aperture.

12. A fishing line measuring device according to any preceding claim wherein the measurement spool is sprung.

13. A fishing line measuring device according to any of the preceding claims wherein said apparatus comprises a reed switch.

14. A fishing line measuring device as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.