A spool brake device is configured to brake a spool capable of winding thereabout a fishing line having a terminal tackle. The spool brake device includes a spool braking part, a spool controlling part, a rotational speed detecting part, and a water landing determining part. The spool braking part is configured to electrically brake the spool in releasing the fishing line. The rotational speed detecting part is configured to detect a rotational speed of the spool. The water landing determining part configured to brake the spool in a predetermined timing after starting of casting with a braking force greater than a predetermined braking force, and to determine whether or not the terminal tackle is in a water landing state in accordance with a detection result of the rotational speed after releasing of braking. The water landing state indicating that the terminal tackle is in water.