A fishing reel has a frame and a lock ring that engages locking structures on the frame. A cover assembly defines cover locking structures for locking engagement with outside lock ring locking structures on the lock ring. A brake spool cover is secured to an inside surface of the cover assembly. A brake ring support is adjacent to the inner side of the brake spool cover. The brake ring support is axially positionable with respect to the brake spool cover and defines a plurality of guide holes that receive prongs defined by a slide spring retainer.