Baitcaster with line guide mechanism

A fishing rod comprising:

• a rod;
• and
• a baitcaster for retrieving a fishing line, the baitcaster comprising:
• a first frame member comprising a first slot;
• a second frame member positioned apart from the first frame member and comprising a second slot;
• a spool positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member, the spool configured to be rotated about a spool axis to take up the fishing line;
• and
• a guide member extending between the first slot of the first frame member and the second slot of the second frame member, the guide member selectably transitionable between a first position and a second position along the first slot and the second slot and configured to rotate about an axis extending centrally through the guide member;
• a lever positioned on an opposite side of the spool as the guide member, the lever extending between the first frame member and the second frame member, the lever translatable along a pair of slots of the first frame member and the second frame member, the lever selectably transitionable between a first lever position and a second lever position at opposite ends of the pair of slots;
• a line guide mechanism for transitioning the guide member between the first position and the second position, the line guide mechanism configured to be driven by the lever to drive the guide member to transition between the first position and the second position wherein the line guide mechanism is coupled with the first frame member and comprises:
• a first linkage coupled with the guide member;
• a second linkage coupled with the first linkage and the lever at opposite ends;
• and
• a release linkage pivotally coupled with the first frame member and configured to be driven to pivot by an engagement portion of the second linkage, the release linkage pivotable between a locked position and a released position, the release linkage configured to limit rotation of the guide member when in the locked position;
• wherein transitioning the lever from the first lever position to the second lever position drives the guide member from the first position to the second position for take up of the fishing line and drives the release linkage to the released position so that rotation of the guide member is not limited;
• wherein the guide member is configured to engage the fishing line when in the second position for take up of the fishing line and disengage the fishing line when transitioned into the first position for let out of the fishing line.