The invention compensates or normalizes for the non-linear oscillation speed of the spool in a fishing reel through use of a special shaped guide slot. The guide slot can be shaped through combining a number of curves into the length of the slot. In particular, for each end of the guide slot there is contained a curvature section, such that both ends of the guide slot are curving toward the spool side in one design or away from the spool in the other design. This general shape of the guide slot improves the contact position between the pole and the level wind bracket, and also compensates for the non-linear speed of the spool. The shape of the guide slot also reduces the wobbling or jiggling that occurs during operation of the reel when compared to conventionally designed reels.