So I have never fly fished in my life.. but am eager.

For Christmas - I received a Sage launch 5 wt. 8'6" rod

I live in Kansas City.. so there are smaller trout streams in southern MO I have access to.. also have in-laws in Colorado.. so I could be fishing larger streams/rivers.. and I have plenty of lakes to fish from as well.

So I've done enough research to know there is not a perfect one size fits all..

But you I'm looking for the good reel for value that will fit my rod nicely..
I have been looking at a lot of the $50 or so reels.. and some of the $100 or so models.. I would rather spend less.. but I want a good reel for the money too..

So if you have some free advice.. I'm open to sugestions.

Thanks!

I am a big fan of reels that are made from machined bar stock aluminum. Tolerances are much tighter, so there is less play between spool and reel body. There aren't any inconsistencies in barstock aluminum. Because of the computer aided design, machined reels are usually ligher.

There are a handful of reels that are machined at the $100 to $120 price points. One reel is the Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock.

AB

I have the same exact rod. I chose the tried and true Ross Cimmaron which is a work horse and never fails. Its inexpensive and a excellent value at $150. I also agree with the Orvis Battenkill recommendation. My wife has that reel and its a performer as well. Either reel will serve you well.

Welcome! You will love this sport!

I have both the Orvis BBS Reel and the Ross Cimarron. Both are great, and very similar in quality and style. For the money the Orvis gets my vote (about $50 less).

If you want a less expensive reel, look at the Ross Flystart. For about $50 you can get a quality reel that will handle just about any 5 wt situation. Good Luck!!

Well thanks for the input!

I ordered the Orvis BBS II today.. you guys were right, both reels had a lot of good reviews.. I had been leaning towards the Ross Cimmaron, but I read a site that said it was being discontinued... being on a budget I didn't want to order an extra spools right away. (I will plan on getting an extra spool or two in a few months, after doing some fishing)

So thanks again!