A brake device for a fishing reel which covers a threaded portion of a handle shaft between a handle and an adjusting member to prevent entry of foreign matters. A cylindrical portion is formed on an adjusting member, which is threadedly engaged with a handle shaft to rotationally adjust the drag brake force. The cylindrical portion extends from the adjusting member 4 and is received by an annular recessed portion formed in a handle which is mounted on the outer end portion of the handle shaft. The threaded portion of the handle shaft between the handle and adjusting member is surely covered with the cylindrical portion.