A fishing reel includes a drag gear coupled to a spool gear, and a drag engagement lever configured to be actuated between a first position to engage the drag gear with the spool gear and a second position to disengage the drag gear from the spool gear. The fishing reel further includes a first plurality of friction washers located on a first side of the drag gear and a second plurality of friction washers located on a second side of the drag gear and that match the first plurality of friction washers. The fishing reel further includes a first pressure pad and a second pressure pad, a star gear lever configured to rotate about a second axis, and a nut such that rotation of the star gear lever actuates the nut at least one of towards or away from the first pressure pad to increase or decrease drag.