Disclosed is a fishing reel. A brake dial is provided in the side of an outer cover outside of a spool cover. An externally controllable brake device is provided between the brake dial and the spool cover such that the brake device is operated according to adjustment of the brake dial. A brush-type brake unit is fixed to the externally controllable brake device in the side of an inner surface of the spool cover so as to control the rotary force of the spool while laterally moving in response to actuation of the externally controllable brake device.