Abstract: A drag mechanism for a fishing reel includes a frustoconical brake element having a large surface area and a brake drum having a correspondingly large complementary surface in frictional contact with the frustoconical brake element. The brake drum is urged with variable force against the frustoconical brake element by engagement with a threaded adjustment member which is threadedly received on a shaft of the reel. The frustoconical brake element and the brake drum are sized to be received within a recess defined by a flange at the end of the line spools of conventional fishing reels.