I cut the hook-and-loop closures off an old pair of shoes and attached one to the rear crossbar of the frame of my conventional reel by opening the closure, passing one end inside the crossbar and closing the fasteners. Now when I want to put some pressure on a running fish, I flip the flap up. With my thumb pressed on the flap, I can bear down on the line – and the fish – with no fear of burning my thumb. – Mickey Reidlinger, Ocala, Florida |