Fishing reel mounting bracket

Abstract

A bracket 25 for mounting a fishing reel 24 to a fishing rod 30. The bracket 25 comprises a channel 26 for receiving a reel seat 23. The channel 26 is moveable between multiple positions longitudinall

Description

The present invention relates to a fishing reel mounting bracket for attaching a fishing reel to a fishing rod. Fishing is an extremely popular sport and pastime. Fishing is often carried out by using a fishing rod to cast a fishing line into or onto a body of water. The fishing line is typically unwound from and rewound onto a fishing reel which is mounted to the fishing rod via a mounting bracket. A conventional single-handed fly fishing rod is partly shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The fishing rod 10 has a pole 11 (partly shown) formed of one or more elongate sections for casting the fishing line (not shown), a handle 12 for manipulating the pole 11, and a reel seat 13 to which a detachable fishing reel 14 is attached via a mounting bracket 15. This type of mounting bracket 15 is often referred to as a “reel foot”. The reel 14 can be removed from the reel seat 13 by rotating a threaded ring 16 on a threaded portion 18 of the reel seat 13 in a direction which releases a retaining collar 17 from a first arm 8 of the mounting bracket 15 and thus allows a second arm 9 of the mounting bracket 15 to be removed from a retaining slot 19 in the handle 12 (as shown in Figure 1B). The fishing reel 14 (or a different fishing reel) can be reattached to the fishing rod 10 by inserting the second arm 9 of the mounting bracket 15 into the retaining slot 19, by sliding the collar 17 back over the first arm 8 of the mounting bracket 15, and by rotating the ring 16 on the threaded portion 18 in an opposite direction which holds the mounting bracket 15 between the collar 17 and the slot 19 in the handle 12 (as shown in Figure 1A). This arrangement allows the use of interchangeable fishing reels, for example which are pre-loaded with different fishing line and / or which have different construction. This arrangement also allows the reel 14 to be fitted to the reel seat 13 with a winding handle 6 facing to the left-hand side of the rod 10 (as shown in Figures 1A and 1B) or to the right-hand side of the rod 10. However, this arrangement has a number of disadvantages. In particular, the ring 16 can work itself loose during use and therefore needs regular retightening. Furthermore, the first arm 8, second arm 9, collar 17 and retaining slot 19 can be a poor fit, such that increased rotational force on the ring 16 is required to secure the bracket 15 in place. Indeed, the mounting bracket 15 may always be loose no matter how tightly the ring 16 is pressed against the collar 17. Movement of the mounting bracket 15 relative to the retaining slot 19 and collar 17 can also lead to wear and tear of those features over time, further exacerbating the above issues. Furthermore, the mounting bracket 15 only allows for coarse adjustments to be made which involve entirely replacing the fishing reel 14. It is therefore desired to provide improvements relating to mounting brackets for fishing reels. Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to a fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving a reel seat of the fishing rod, the channel being moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat by repositioning the bracket; and an engaging mechanism for maintaining the bracket at a selected one of the multiple positions along the reel seat. Similarly, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting system for a fishing rod, the mounting system comprising a reel seat and a mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to the fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving the reel seat, the channel being moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat by repositioning the bracket; and an engaging mechanism for maintaining the bracket at a selected one of the multiple positions along the reel seat. Similarly, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing rod comprising a reel seat and a mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to the fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving the reel seat, the channel being moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat by repositioning the bracket; and an engaging mechanism for maintaining the bracket at a selected one of the multiple positions along the reel seat. As will be appreciated, the present invention can provide a convenient way in which to mount a fishing reel to a reel seat of a fishing rod. In particular, by providing a bracket with a channel to receive the reel seat of the fishing rod, it is possible to avoid the need to use a conventional bracket with mounting arms as discussed in the background section above. Furthermore, the present invention can allow fine adjustments to be made by allowing the bracket to be positioned and then maintained at a selected one of multiple positions along the reel seat. This can, for example, allow a user to reposition the bracket on the reel seat in order to balance the fishing rod to suit their particular needs. In embodiments, the reel seat may comprise an end cap at a longitudinal end thereof. The end cap may protect the longitudinal end of the reel seat and / or may prevent the bracket from being removed longitudinally from the reel seat. Notwithstanding this, the channel may be configured to receive the reel seat longitudinally. In these embodiments, the reel seat may comprise an end cap for selectively retaining the bracket longitudinally on the reel seat. Thus, the end cap may be removable to allow the bracket to be removed longitudinally from the reel seat. The end cap may be threadingly attached to the reel seat. For example, the end cap may comprise a threaded shaft which is receivable in a threaded bore in the longitudinal end of the reel seat. The threaded shaft may comprise a first threaded shaft portion, a second threaded shaft portion, and an unthreaded shaft portion between the first and second threaded shaft portions. The first threaded portion may be configured to retain the end cap adjacent to the longitudinal end of the reel seat in a fully assembled state in which the bracket cannot be removed longitudinally from the reel seat. The second threaded portion may be configured to retain the end cap at a distance from the longitudinal end of the reel seat in a semi-assembled state in which the bracket can be removed longitudinally from the reel seat but in which the end cap is still attached to the reel seat. The unthreaded portion may be configured to allow the end cap to be moved between the fully assembled state and the semi-assembled state. These embodiments can provide a convenient way in which to remove and replace the bracket, but in which the end cap does not need to become fully detached from the reel seat during that process. This can help to prevent the end cap from becoming lost. In other embodiments, the reel seat may not comprise an end cap at a longitudinal end thereof. In embodiments, the engaging mechanism may be configured to bear against the reel seat to maintain the bracket at a selected one of the multiple positions along the reel seat. The engaging mechanism may comprise a resiliently deformable element configured to bear against the reel seat. The resiliently deformable element may comprise a spring, such as a leaf spring. The resiliently deformable element may be provided in the base of the channel to bear against the underside of the reel seat. The engaging mechanism may also or instead comprise a cam mechanism configured selectively to bear (directly or indirectly) against the reel seat upon rotation of the cam mechanism. The cam mechanism may comprise a cam shaft having an eccentric portion configured selectively to bear against the reel seat upon rotation of the cam mechanism. The cam mechanism may be configured to bear against the reel seat to a lesser extent in a first rotational orientation (to allow longitudinal movement of the bracket along the reel seat) and to bear against the reel seat to a greater extent in a second rotational orientation (to substantially prevent longitudinal movement of the bracket along the reel seat). The cam mechanism (e.g. cam shaft) may be rotatably mounted through and / or to the walls of the channel. The cam mechanism may comprise a handle, such as a knob or lever arm, to facilitate rotation of the cam mechanism. In embodiments in which both a resiliently deformable element and a cam mechanism are provided, the cam mechanism may bear against a first side (lower side) of the resiliently deformable element which in turn may cause a second side (upper side) of the resiliently deformable element to bear against the reel seat. In embodiments, the channel may also or instead be configured to receive the reel seat laterally. These embodiments can allow a fixed end cap to be provided or a double-handed fishing rod to be provided in which a handle is located on either longitudinal end of the reel seat. In some embodiments, the reel seat may comprise a first longitudinal region that allows the channel to receive the reel seat laterally and a second longitudinal region that retains the channel on the reel seat laterally. The first longitudinal region may have a lateral span which is narrower than the lateral span of the second longitudinal region. The first longitudinal region may comprise a flattened region of the reel seat. The second longitudinal region may comprise a ridged or grooved region of the reel seat. In embodiments, the engaging mechanism may be reconfigurable between an unclamped state (e.g. that allows the channel to receive the reel seat laterally and / or longitudinally) and a clamped state (e.g. that retains the channel on the reel seat laterally and / or longitudinally). Thus, in these embodiments, the engaging mechanism may be configured selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat. The features of this clamping arrangement are considered to be new and advantageous in their own right and not merely in combination with the above mentioned aspects and embodiments. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to a fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving a reel seat of the fishing rod; and an engaging mechanism for selectively maintaining the bracket in position on the reel seat, wherein the engaging mechanism is configured selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat. Similarly, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting system for a fishing rod, the mounting system comprising a reel seat and a mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to the fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving the reel seat of the fishing rod; and an engaging mechanism for selectively maintaining the bracket in position on the reel seat, wherein the engaging mechanism is configured selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat. Similarly, according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing rod comprising a reel seat and a mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to the fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving the reel seat of the fishing rod; and an engaging mechanism for selectively maintaining the bracket in position on the reel seat, wherein the engaging mechanism is configured selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat. As will be appreciated, the present invention in these aspects again provides a convenient way in which to mount a fishing reel to a reel seat of a fishing rod. In particular, by providing a bracket with a channel to receive the reel seat of the fishing rod, it is possible to avoid the need to use a conventional bracket with mounting arms as discussed in the background section above. Furthermore, the present invention in these aspects can still allow for rapid adjustments to be made to the bracket (e.g. repositioning and / or replacement of the bracket) by selectively clamping the channel to the reel seat. These aspects may include any one or more of the features of any other aspect or embodiment as desired. For example, in embodiments, the channel may be moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat by repositioning the bracket. Similarly, the engaging mechanism may maintain the bracket at a selected one of the multiple positions along the reel seat. However, in other embodiments, the channel may not be moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat by repositioning the bracket, i.e. there may be only one position at which the bracket can be attached to the reel seat. In any of the above aspects and embodiments, the engaging mechanism may comprise a first clamping member for engagement with a first side of the reel seat and a second clamping member for engagement with a second (e.g. opposite) side of the reel seat. The distance between the first clamping member and the second clamping member may be selectively reduced to allow clamping of the reel seat. In some embodiments, the engaging mechanism may comprise a cam mechanism selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat. The engaging mechanism may comprise an operating lever having a cam surface for selectively clamping the channel to the reel seat. The engaging mechanism may comprise a shaft operably coupled between the first clamping member and the operating lever. The shaft may be provided with a threaded portion and / or a threaded fastener to allow adjustment of the distance between the first clamping member and the operating lever. The operating lever may be pivotably mounted to the shaft. Operation (e.g. pivoting) of the operating lever may cause the cam surface to bear against the second clamping member thereby pulling and / or holding the first clamping member and the second clamping member closer together. The operating lever may comprise a locking mechanism for selectively locking the operating lever in a clamped state. The locking mechanism may comprise a locking lever or button that selectively prevents operation (e.g. pivoting) of the operating lever. The locking mechanism may be located within the operating lever. The locking mechanism may be pivotably mounted to the operating lever. In a locked state, the locking mechanism may prevent operation (e.g. pivoting) of the operating lever by bearing against an end of the shaft. In an unlocked state, the locking mechanism may allow operation (e.g. pivoting) of the operating lever by no longer bearing against an end of the shaft. The locking mechanism may be biased (e.g. with a resilient member such as a spring) into a locked state that prevents operation (e.g. pivoting) of the operating lever. The first clamping member may be biased away from the second clamping member by one or more resilient biasing elements (e.g. springs), e.g. located between the first clamping member and the channel and / or bracket. Alternatively, the second clamping member may be biased away from the first clamping member by one or more resilient biasing elements (e.g. springs), e.g. located between the second clamping member and the channel and / or bracket. These embodiments can allow the first and second clamping elements to separate (unclamp) under the force of the one or more resilient biasing elements. In other embodiments, the engaging mechanism may comprise a shaft operably coupled between the first clamping member and the second clamping member. The shaft may comprise a threaded portion threadingly coupled to the first clamping member and a head portion that (e.g. rotatably) contacts the second clamping member. The shaft may be rotatable (e.g. via the head portion) to allow adjustment of the distance between the first clamping member and the second clamping member. The shaft may be rotatable (e.g. via the head portion) using a tool (such as a screwdriver or key), which may be stored in a longitudinal end of the reel seat. In embodiments, the first clamping member and the second clamping member may at least partially define the walls of the channel. At least one of the first clamping member and second clamping member may protrude (e.g. slidably) through an opening in a wall of the channel. Alternatively, the walls of the channel (e.g. the first clamping member and / or the second clamping member) may be deformable (e.g. resiliently) outwards to receive the reel seat therebetween. In embodiments, the walls of the channel (e.g. the first clamping member and / or the second clamping member) may comprise ridges or grooves configured to be mountable to opposed longitudinal grooves or longitudinal ridges which extend longitudinally along opposed sides of the reel seat. In some embodiments, at least one face of the ridges or grooves of the channel may contact at least one face of the longitudinal grooves or longitudinal ridges of the reel seat. These embodiments can help to resist unwanted lateral removal of the reel seat from the channel. In other embodiments, two or more (e.g. upper and lower) faces of the ridges or grooves of the channel may respectively contact two or more (e.g. upper and lower) faces of the longitudinal grooves or longitudinal ridges of the reel seat. In these embodiments, the greater contact area between the faces can help to increase frictional contact and thus resist unwanted longitudinal movement of the channel along the reel seat (when in a clamped state) whilst still allowing wanted longitudinal movement (e.g. when in an unclamped state). In some embodiments, the bracket may be configured to slide longitudinally along the reel seat between multiple positions. For example, the channel may comprise opposed ridges or grooves configured to slide longitudinally within longitudinal grooves or on longitudinal ridges which extend longitudinally along opposed sides of the reel seat. These embodiments can allow continuous adjustment of the longitudinal position of the bracket along the reel seat. In other embodiments, the bracket may be configured substantially to prevent (continuous) longitudinal sliding along the reel seat between the multiple positions. For example, the bracket may comprise a (e.g. lateral) blocking element configured to engage with structures on the reel seat (e.g. lateral grooves and / or lateral ridges which extend laterally across the reel seat). The blocking element may be provided in the base of the channel. For example, the shaft of the engaging mechanism discussed above may function as the blocking element. In these embodiments, the channel may be removed (e.g. laterally) from the reel seat and then repositioned (e.g. laterally) on the reel seat. In embodiments, the mounting bracket may have a fishing reel attached thereto. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may be removably attached to the fishing reel, e.g. with one or more fixings such as one or more threaded fixings (screws or bolts). In other embodiments, the mounting bracket may be an integral part of the fishing reel. In embodiments, the fishing rod may comprise a fishing pole for casting a fishing line. The fishing pole may be formed of one or more elongate sections. The fishing rod may comprise one or more handles for manipulating the fishing rod. For example, a (e.g. single) handle may be provided adjacent to one end of the reel seat. For another example, a first handle may be provided adjacent to one end of the reel seat and a second handle may be provided adjacent to the other end of the reel seat. These embodiments can allow double-handed manipulation of the fishing rod. By way of example only, embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a conventional single-handed fly fishing rod; Figure 1B is a perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 1A in a disassembled state; Figure 2A is a perspective view of a fishing rod having a mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 2A in a disassembled state; Figure 2D is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 2A in a disassembled state; Figure 2E is a perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 2A in a semiassembled state; Figure 2F is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 2A in a semi-assembled state; Figure 3A is a perspective view of a fishing rod having a mounting bracket according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B is a perspective view of a cam mechanism for the mounting bracket of Figure 3A; Figure 4A is a perspective view of a fishing rod having a mounting bracket according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4B is a perspective view of a cam mechanism for the mounting bracket of Figure 4A; Figure 5A is a perspective view of a fishing rod having a mounting bracket according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5B is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 5A; Figure 5C is a perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 5A in a disassembled state; Figure 5D is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 5A in a disassembled state; Figure 5E is a closeup perspective view of the mounting bracket of Figure 5A; Figure 5F is an alternative closeup perspective view of the mounting bracket of Figure 5A; Figure 5G is a rear perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 5A; Figure 5H is an alternative rear perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 5A; Figure 6A is a rear perspective view of a fishing rod having a mounting bracket according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6B is an alternative rear perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 6A; Figure 7 A is a perspective view of a fishing rod having a mounting bracket according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7B is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 7A; Figure 7C is a perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 7A in a disassembled state; Figure 7D is an alternative perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 7A in a disassembled state; Figure 7E is a rear perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 7A; and Figure 7F is an alternative rear perspective view of the fishing rod of Figure 7A. Figures 2A-2F show a fishing rod 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fishing rod 20 has a pole 21 (partly shown) for casting a fishing line (not shown), a single handle 22 for manipulating the pole 21, and a reel seat 23 to which a detachable fishing reel 24 is attached via a mounting bracket 25. The mounting bracket 25 is removably attached to the fishing reel 24 with screws (not shown) such that the mounting bracket 25 could be retrofitted to various fishing reels. The mounting bracket 25 comprises a channel 26 that receives the reel seat 23 longitudinally (see arrows in Figures 2C and 2D). The walls of the channel 26 have opposed ridges which slide within longitudinal grooves 27 on opposed sides of the reel seat 23. Thus, the mounting bracket 25 is moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat 23 by sliding the channel 26 along the reel seat 23 (see arrows in Figures 2A and 2B). In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 25 comprises an engaging mechanism in the form of a resiliently deformable leaf spring 28 in the base of the channel 26 for maintaining the mounting bracket 25 at a selected position on the reel seat 23 by bearing against a flattened underside of the reel seat 23. The reel seat 23 further comprises an end cap 29 for retaining the mounting bracket 25 longitudinally on the reel seat 23. The end cap 29 is received in a threaded bore 34 at a longitudinal end of the reel seat 23. The end cap 29 has a first threaded shaft portion 31 that is screwed into the bore 34 to retain the end cap 29 adjacent to the end of the reel seat 23 in a secured state in which the mounting bracket 25 cannot be removed longitudinally from the reel seat 23 (as shown in Figures 2A and 2B). The end cap 29 also has a second threaded shaft portion 32 that allows the end cap 29 to be deliberately unscrewed to remove the end cap 29 entirely (as shown in Figures 2C and 2D) but also to prevent inadvertent removal by retaining the end cap 29 at a distance from the end of the reel seat 23 in a semiassembled state in which the mounting bracket 25 can still be received and removed longitudinally from the reel seat 23 (as shown in Figures 2E and 2F). The end cap 29 also comprises an unthreaded shaft portion 33 between the first and second threaded shaft portions that allows the end cap 29 to be rapidly moved between the assembled state and the semi-assembled state. Figure 3A shows a fishing rod 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The fishing rod 30 of this embodiment comprises features which are similar to those of the fishing rod 20 of Figures 2A-2F, and those similar features have accordingly been provided with the same reference numerals, and so a description of those similar features will not be repeated. However, in this embodiment, the engaging mechanism further comprises a cam mechanism 35 which bears against a lower side of the leaf spring 28 which in turn causes an upper side of the leaf spring 28 to bear against the flattened underside of the reel seat 23. Figure 3B shows the cam mechanism 35 in more detail. As is shown, the cam mechanism 35 comprises a cam shaft 36 having an eccentric portion 37 configured to bear (in this case indirectly via the leaf spring 28) against the reel seat 23 to a greater extent upon rotation of the cam mechanism 35 from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation. In this embodiment, the cam mechanism 35 comprises a knob 38 to facilitate rotation of the cam mechanism 35. Figure 4A shows a fishing rod 40 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The fishing rod 40 of this embodiment again comprises features which are similar to those of the fishing rod 20 of Figures 2A-2F, and those similar features have accordingly been provided with the same reference numerals, and so a description of those similar features will not be repeated. However, in this embodiment, a fixed end cap 39 is provided and the bracket 25 instead receives the reel seat 23 laterally (see arrows) via a first longitudinal region 41 which is flattened so as to have a narrower lateral span than a second longitudinal region in which the grooves 27 are present. In other embodiments, the fixed end cap 39 could be replaced with a second handle for manipulating the pole 21. In these double-handled embodiments, the pole 21 may extend through both handles and the reel seat 23. Also, in this embodiment, the engaging mechanism does not comprise a leaf spring and instead comprises a cam mechanism 42 which bears directly against the flattened underside of the reel seat 23. Figure 4B shows the cam mechanism 42 in more detail. As is shown, the cam mechanism 42 again comprises a cam shaft 36 having an eccentric portion 37 configured to bear (in this case directly) against the reel seat 23 to a greater extent upon rotation of the cam mechanism 42 from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation. However, in this embodiment, the cam mechanism 42 comprises a lever arm 43 to facilitate rotation of the cam mechanism 42. Figures 5A-5H show a fishing rod 50 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The fishing rod 50 again has a pole 51 (partly shown) for casting a fishing line (not shown), a single handle 52 for manipulating the pole 51, and a reel seat 53 to which a detachable fishing reel 54 is attached via a mounting bracket 55. The mounting bracket 55 again is removably attached to the fishing reel 54 with screws (not shown) such that the mounting bracket 55 could be retrofitted to various fishing reels. The mounting bracket 55 again comprises a channel 56 that receives the reel seat 53, in this case laterally (see arrows in Figures 5C and 5D). The walls of the channel 56 again have opposed ridges which engage with longitudinal grooves 57 which extend longitudinally along opposed sides of the reel seat 53. However, in this embodiment, the engaging mechanism selectively clamps the channel 56 to the reel seat 53. Also, in this embodiment, the mounting bracket 55 is only moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat 53 by unclamping the channel 56 and removing the mounting bracket 55 laterally from a first position on the reel seat 53 and then replacing the mounting bracket 55 laterally at a second position along the reel seat 53 and clamping the channel 56 in place again. This can help to prevent inadvertent longitudinal movement of the mounting bracket 55. As is shown in Figures 5E and 5F, the engaging mechanism is in the form of a first clamping member 58 for engagement with a first side of the reel seat 53 and a second clamping member 59 for engagement with a second side of the reel seat 53. In this embodiment, the first clamping member 58 protrudes slidably through an opening in a wall of the channel 56. The first clamping member 58 is also biased away from the second clamping member 59 by biasing springs (not visible) located between the first clamping member 58 and the channel 56 of the bracket 55. The distance between the first clamping member 58 and the second clamping member 59 can be selectively reduced to allow clamping of the reel seat 53 using a cam mechanism. In this embodiment, the cam mechanism comprises an operating lever 61 having a cam surface 62 for selectively engaging the clamping mechanism. The cam mechanism further comprises a shaft 63 operably coupled between the first clamping member 58 and the operating lever 61. The shaft 63 has a threaded portion and a threaded fastener 64 to allow fine adjustment of the distance between the first clamping member 58 and the operating lever 61. In the clamped state, as shown in the Figures, the operating lever 61 has already been pivoted about axis 67 in the direction of arrow A such that the cam surface 62 bears to a greater extent against the second clamping member 59 thereby holding the first clamping member 58 and the second clamping member 59 closer together. To move to the unclamped state, the operating lever 61 can be pivoted about axis 67 in the direction of arrow B. The first clamping member 58 is then able to move at least partially out of the channel 56 under the force of the one or more biasing springs. However, to prevent moving to the unclamped state inadvertently, the operating lever 61 comprises a locking mechanism in the form of a locking lever 65 embedded within the operating lever 61 for selectively locking the operating lever 61 in the clamped state. In the locked state, as shown in the Figures, the locking lever 65 prevents rotation of the operating lever 61 by bearing against a flat surface 66a (not visible, but the general location of which is indicated) on a bulbous end 66 of the shaft 63. To move to an unlocked state, the locking lever 65 can be pressed inwards at one end against the bias of a spring (not visible) in the direction of arrow C so to pivot about axis 68. Upon doing this, the other end of the locking lever 65 no longer bears against the flat surface 66a on the end 66 of the shaft 63 and this then allows pivoting of the operating lever 61 towards the unclamped state in the direction of arrow B. In this embodiment, the end 66 also has a second flat surface 66b (visible in Figure 5F). The other end of the locking lever 65 can bear against the second flat surface 66b when tightening the threaded fastener 64. This can help to set an optimum distance between the first clamping member 58 and the operating lever 61. Pivoting the operating lever 61 beyond the second flat surface 66b in the direction of arrow B then places the operating lever 61 in the fully unclamped state. In this embodiment, the shaft 63 also provides the function of acting as a lateral blocking element which prevents longitudinal sliding along the reel seat 23 by engaging with lateral ridges 69 which extend laterally across the reel seat 53 (see Figures 5C and 5D). Although the shaft 63 is shown as having a circular cross-section, the shaft 63 could have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular (including square) or hexagonal, which act to provide lateral blocking. Figures 5G and 5H show that, when in the clamped state, at least the lower faces of ridges on the clamping members 58, 59 of the mounting bracket 55 engage with lower faces of the grooves 57 on the reel seat 53 to prevent lateral removal of the bracket 55. Figures 6A and 6B show a fishing rod 60 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The fishing rod 60 of this embodiment comprises features which are similar to those of the fishing rod 50 of Figures SASH, and those similar features have accordingly been provided with the same reference numerals, and so a description of those similar features will not be repeated. In this embodiment, when in the clamped state, the lower faces of the ridges on the clamping members 58, 59 of the mounting bracket 55 engage with the upper faces of longitudinal ridges 71 on the reel seat 53 to prevent lateral removal of the bracket 55. Figures 7A-7F show a fishing rod 70 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The fishing rod 70 of this embodiment comprises features which are similar to those of the fishing rod 50 of Figures 5A-5H, and those similar features have accordingly been provided with the same reference numerals, and so a description of those similar features will not be repeated. However, in this embodiment, the engaging mechanism comprises a shaft 72 operably coupled between a first clamping member 78 and a second clamping member 79 which define the walls of the channel 56. The shaft 72 comprises a head portion 73 that abuts the second clamping member 79 and a threaded portion 74 threadingly coupled to the first clamping member 78. The head portion 73 of the shaft 72 is rotatable using a tool (not shown) so as to allow adjustment of the distance between the first clamping member 78 and the second clamping member 79, and thereby clamp or release the bracket 55. Although not shown in this embodiment, the tool (e.g. a screwdriver or key) may be stored in a longitudinal end of the reel seat 53. Although the channel 56 can receive the reel seat 53 longitudinally in this embodiment via a rounded end 80, the clamping members 78, 79 can also be resiliently deformed outwardly so as to receive the 5 reel seat 53 laterally therebetween. This can, for example, allow for the provision of a fixed end cap or double handled arrangement. It will also be appreciated that the cam mechanism of Figures 5A-5H and 6A-6B could be replaced with the shaft 72 of Figures 7A-7F and vice versa. Figures 7E and 7F show that, when in the clamped state, both upper and lower faces of ridges 76, 77 on the clamping 10 members 78, 79 of the mounting bracket 55 engage with upper and lower faces of the grooves 57 on the reel seat 53 to prevent lateral removal of the bracket 55. This greater contact area between the faces can help to increase frictional contact, and thus help to prevent unwanted longitudinal movement of the bracket 55 along the reel seat 53, when in the clamped state, thus reducing the need to 15 provide lateral ridges on the underside of the reel seat 53.

Claims

1. A mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to a fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving a reel seat of the fishing rod, the channel being moveable between multiple positions longitudinally along the reel seat by repositioning the bracket; and an engaging mechanism for maintaining the bracket at a selected one of the multiple positions along the reel seat.

2. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel is configured to receive the reel seat longitudinally.

3. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel is configured to receive the reel seat laterally.

4. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a resiliently deformable element configured to bear against the reel seat.

5. A mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a cam mechanism configured selectively to bear against the reel seat upon rotation of the cam mechanism.

6. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the engaging mechanism is configured selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat.

7. A mounting bracket for mounting a fishing reel to a fishing rod, the mounting bracket comprising: a channel for receiving a reel seat of the fishing rod; and an engaging mechanism for selectively maintaining the bracket in position on the reel seat, wherein the engaging mechanism is configured selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat.

8. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a cam mechanism selectively to clamp the channel to the reel seat.

9. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises an operating lever having a cam surface for selectively clamping the channel to the reel seat.

10. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 9, wherein the engaging mechanism comprises a shaft operably coupled between a first clamping member and the operating lever.

11. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 10, wherein operation of the operating lever causes the cam surface to bear against a second clamping member thereby pulling and / or holding the first clamping member and the second clamping member closer together.

12. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the shaft is provided with a threaded portion and / or a threaded fastener to allow adjustment of the distance between the first clamping member and the operating lever.

13. A mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 9-12, wherein the operating lever comprises a locking mechanism for selectively locking the operating lever in a clamped state.

14. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism is located within the operating lever.

15. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the locking mechanism is pivotably mounted to the operating lever.

16. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the locking mechanism is biased into a locked state that prevents operation of the operating lever.

17. A mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket is configured to slide longitudinally along the reel seat between multiple positions.

18. A mounting bracket as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the bracket is configured substantially to prevent longitudinal sliding along the reel seat between multiple positions.

19. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bracket comprises a lateral blocking element configured to engage with lateral grooves and / or lateral ridges which extend laterally across the reel seat.

20. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lateral blocking element is provided in the base of the channel.

21. A mounting bracket as claimed in claim 19 or 20, when dependent on claim 10, wherein the shaft of the engaging mechanism functions as the lateral blocking element.

22. A mounting system for a fishing rod, the mounting system comprising a reel seat and a mounting bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

23. A mounting system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the reel seat comprises an end cap at a longitudinal end thereof.

24. A mounting system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the end cap comprises a threaded shaft which is receivable in a threaded bore in the longitudinal end ofthe reel seat.

25. A mounting system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the threaded shaft comprises a first threaded shaft portion, a second threaded shaft portion, and an unthreaded shaft portion between the first and second threaded shaft portions.

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