The spincast reel of the invention provides a thumb button system of extended length and shorter displacement travel for engagement and disengagement that enable anglers having small hands, lower grip strength and/or lower dexterity. Such features provide new tools to bring the sport of fishing to more potential anglers. In particular, the extended and lowered thumb portion of the reel optionally combined with a rod handle portion of greater elevation at the reel seat allows the user to use more of a downward motion to engage the casting mechanism of the reel rather than the forward rotational movement of prior spincast reels. The thumb button system is especially well suited for young anglers.
