free spool1
/ˌfriː ˈspuːl/Angling
noun
A spool on a fishing reel which may be disengaged from the rest of the reel mechanism, enabling it to spin freely; the setting on the reel which allows the spool to do this; the action of spinning freely in this way.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Town & Country. From free + spool.
free-spool2
/ˌfriːˈspuːl/Angling
verb
[with object] To put (a fishing reel) on a setting that allows the spool to spin freely; to use or cast (bait) on a line with the reel on this setting. Also without object. Compare free spool.
Origin
1950s. From free spool. Compare earlier free spooling, free-spooling.