Looking to upgrade my rod/reels in the near future. Doing more fly fishing lately. Right now I got a 5 wt and a 8wt Bass Pro combo. Tried out Lusca's TFO and needless to say I saw where my 8wt was lacking . So I know the route I am going on my rods but I want some suggestions on reels that won't break the bank. Thanks

Hey David,

If you'll give us a window of how much you are willing/able to get away with spending, we can throw some accurate ideas at you.

Under $100 guess would be a good start. Right now I got a Orvis Clearwater on my 5wt and a Hobbs Creek on my 8wt

The last two times I bought a reel for a fairly light rod I found a coupon for 20 bucks off at Orvis so I bought one of their Battenkill reels. I now have one each of the regular and the mid-arbor. With the coupon you get to the hundred buck range and I like both of them a lot. These coupons are mailed out a few times a year.

I have paid much more for reels in the past reght now I can't remember why.

Have fun with this stuff.

Big Dale

What kind of fish are you after? I've never had a bass or peacock bass get me into the backing... even the 5 to 8 pounders. I use a large arbor reel with a drag on it... the lighter and the cheeper the better. It's just for storing the fly line.
Now if your going for big salmon or bonefish... that's a whole different story.

http://waterworks-lamson.com/products/lamson-konic/

This is one of the best reels you can buy, sealed drag. You may want to fish saltwater someday. NOT a lot of money but QUALITY.
Good luck on your buying your rod.
Buy quality and it will last forever.
Just my .02.

prism cast reels from TFO are a good option and all under $100. I have 2. Extra spools are $40ish and they, like their rods, have lifetime warranties.

i like ORvis mid arbor reels, about 140 bucks I also have a couple Okuma reels that are half that price & just as good (although not finished quite as nicely)