Disclosed is a fishing reel comprising a rotating spool having a contact
surface; a drag plate assembly; the drag plate assembly comprising a drag
plate having a surface, a thermal insulating layer lining the drag plate
surface and a carbon fiber liner lining the insulating layer; the drag
plate assembly being disposed so that the carbon fiber liner abuts the
rotating spool's contact surface; and means for compressing the drag
plate assembly against the rotating spool so as to effect contact between
the drag plate assembly and the rotating spool contact surface; wherein
the thermal insulating layer is comprised from a material selected form
the group comprised of: cork, polyurethane, acetal, neoprene, Kevlar,
ceramic, and combinations thereof; and wherein the means for compressing
the drag plate assembly against the rotating spool is either a draw bar
type drag, a gear type drag, a hydraulic type drag or hybrids thereof.