Looking into fly fishing reels and rods

[Poolshark]

First of all, sorry if this is in the wrong forum... or if fly fishing is a forgotten method of bass fishing....I’ve been learning to fly fish for trout and small bass here in north GA. I’ve fallen in love with this style of fishing. I’m looking to upgrade from the starter combo (Cabela’s 5w bighorn), to a more substantial and more durable outfit. Are there any fly fisherman out there that can point me to a decent setup under $250? Looking for a machined reel and decent rod in a 5 to 6w for trout and bass that is well built and will last. I will probably end up purchasing an 8w combo as well for larger bass and inshore species in the same models and brands based on recommendations. 
 

are there any experts in this area? If so, what are your advice on quality rods and reels? 

[webertime]

Redington Vice for the rod

 

Redington Zero or Lamson Liquid for reels

 

 

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Don’t go overboard on the reel all it does is hold line. Just make sure it can accept spare spools. Don’t scrimp on the fly line. Weight forward is easiest and most versatile. Add a tapered leader. Have the fly shop load the backing and line for you. 

[Poolshark]

19 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Don’t go overboard on the reel all it does is hold line. Just make sure it can accept spare spools. Don’t scrimp on the fly line. Weight forward is easiest and most versatile. Add a tapered leader. Have the fly shop load the backing and line for you. 

Thank you for the advice! Would 90 dollars for a reel be of decent enough quality to last? ( I have been looking at an Orvis Clearwater).
In your experience, what are the advantages of a machined vs cast reels in terms of lifespan? 
 

Also, would you have any favorite or recommended Rods in the 150 to 200 range? 
 

44 minutes ago, webertime said:

Redington Vice for the rod

 

Redington Zero or Lamson Liquid for reels

 

 

 

 

Thank you. I will research both of these suggestions! 

[onenutinthewater]

Went down that rabbit hole last summer and did a ton of investigating both reading and speaking with others-  Ended up with an Echo Carbon xl 5 wt and Reddington Rise reel. 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

49 minutes ago, onenutinthewater said:

Went down that rabbit hole last summer and did a ton of investigating both reading and speaking with others-  Ended up with an Echo Carbon xl 5 wt and Reddington Rise reel. 

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A cast reel will be ok if your not rough with it. Of course machined is a higher quality. I build my own rods so I can’t speak to over the counter options with any degree of certainty. I would avoid too fast of an action as a new caster. Keep in mind that fly line weight on rods is as subjective as lure weight labels on a casting or spinning rod. Like any other rod look for something that feels good in hand and with a fast recovery (note whippy or noodley). No need to break the bank. Fly tackle tends to be more prone to higher priced name brand labels. 

[flyfisher]

All great advice.  What i will say is look at sierra trading post for deals on reels and fly rods.  if you sign up for their flyer you can get 20-25% off sails pretty regularly.  I have scores some really nice lamson reels for under half price there.