One exemplary embodiment of the invention is a translation stage including a receiving portion adapted to receive a fishing reel, a mounting portion adapted for mounting to a fishing pole, wherein the receiving portion is movably affixed to said mounting portion along a first direction and a force measurement device configured to produce a response indicative of the force between the base portion and the mounting portion along the first direction. Another embodiment is a fishing reel including a frame for supporting a line spool, a base portion, a line spool rotatably mounted within the frame, a mounting portion adapted for mounting to a fishing pole, the base portion is movably affixed to the mounting portion along a first direction and a force measurement device.
