A drag mechanism for a fishing reel having a dual braking configuration to provide efficient drag control is provided. A spool is rotatable on a drag shaft. A first braking pad and a second braking pad are disposed on opposite ends of the spool. A first braking surface engages the first braking pad, and a second braking surface engages the second braking pad. Means are provided for translating each of the first braking surface and the second braking surface on the drag shaft to control the engagement with each of the first braking pad and second braking pad, respectively. More braking force is provided when the first braking surface and the second braking surface are translated toward the longitudinal center of the spool.
