The present invention provides a fishing reel that allows the caster to cast from either side of the spool or an in-line position. Starting from a spool position with the line on the spool in the same direction as the retrieve referred to as the in-line position, the line can be cast from this position, or the spool can be rotated 90 degrees in either direction from the in-line position for the cast. After the spool is rotated, the cast is discharged from the side of the spool in a direction perpendicular to the line on the spool. After the cast, the spool is returned to the starting position of the in-line position, with the line on the spool in the same direction as the retrieve. The line is then retrieved by turning a handle connected to a series of gears that engage the spool and thereby reel in the line.
