A braking apparatus for a fishing reel. The braking apparatus includes a braking
assembly. A contacting structure surrounds the braking assembly. A plurality of
braking elements are slidably located within the braking assembly. The braking
elements slidably move from a retracted position to an extended position. In the
extended position, the braking elements make braking contact with the contacting
structure. Each braking element has a protuberance that extends into an indentation
on a selector. The selector is adapted to restrict selected braking elements from
contacting the contacting structure. By rotating the selector, protuberances on
selected braking elements are radially aligned with an outer wall segment of an
indentation that is a desired distance from the selector axis and brake assembly
axis. Therefore, selected braking elements are restricted from full radial movement,
thereby controlling braking by selectively permitting greater or fewer braking
elements from contacting the contacting structure.
