A reel for a fly rod is described. The reel includes a frame and a spool for holding a supply of fly line. The spool is rotatable about an axis relative to the frame. The reel includes a drag assembly coupled to the spool and the frame. The drag assembly is configured to control resistance to rotation of the spool relative to the frame. The drag assembly includes a first thrust plate that includes at least one ramp surface and a second thrust plate. At least one curved member is carried by the second thrust plate. The at least one curved member is configured to ride along the at least one ramp surface, such that rotation of the second thrust plate about the axis causes movement of the first thrust plate along the axis so as to control the resistance to rotation of the spool relative to the frame.
