The lever-operated fishing reel is geared to rotate the line spool through several revolutions for each arcuate operation of a reciprocating rewind lever, to provide for single handed operation. The mechanical advantage provided through the gear train from the line spool back to the lever is obviated through a unidirectional rotational device, preferably a sprag, with another such device operating to prevent unwinding of the line from the spool as the lever is recycled. The gear train between the lever and spool may be disengaged to allow for casting, and the gear case may be oriented as desired relative to the spool housing to position the rewind lever as desired by the angler. The orientation of the mechanism may be reversed by opening the gear case, inverting the unidirectional rotational devices, and moving the rod attachment cleat from one side of the reel to the other.
