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3. Matching a rod to Reel

So, I've been really enjoying getting into fly fishing this summer using a basic beginner setup I've had laying around the house for a couple of years. Just a 8'6" 5wt with what ever reel and line came with it. However, a close relative recently passed along an Orivs 8/9 battenkill reel that she doesn't have much use for any more.

My question is can fix this heavier reel to my rod or does something like necessitate a 7-9 wt rod?

With the 'news' reel attached the balance point is moved back to about the middle of the grip but whole set up doesn't feel that off kilter to me.

Thanks for the advice!

Its made for a 8/9 weight rod,but if it feels good to you go for it.You can use extra backing if you like,to fill up the larger spool.

What does that reel, loaded with line and backing weigh? No point lugging extra weight around if you don't have to...Disregard any earlier posts referring to my over weighted vest.:)

If you are fishing a small stream with trout or smallies, your chances of needing backing are slim to none...If you are fishing that big saltwater pond near you, well...That's another question.

BTW, I was born in Newport...Don't remember anything about it...I was a Navy brat and we moved before my memory was working.

Spence

Marshall, take that nice big reel and some birthday/Christmas/bonus money and get an 8/9 rod to match. Orvis makes one for every pocketbook, and so do a lot of other rod companies. some internet research will help here. either buy from a shop that will let you try it out with your reel, or order from an internet source that will let you return it if it doesn't "feel right." fly rods can be just as personal as a car.

then take that nice set-up off to the outlet of a salt pond. the big rod will cast further and bring in bigger saltwater fish better.

there's really no reason to put a big line and reel on a 5 wt you're happy with; much better you open up new possibilities!

Yeah, don't try to match up a 5wt rod with an 8/9 weight reel. It's not impossible, but it won't feel right and there's no real benefit to having that kind of a mismatched set-up. Just hold on to it until such time as you can get a fly-rod to match.

Don't worry about getting anything expensive. I know folks that have started out with cheap-as-dirt Scientific Angler setups from Walmart and that's been just fine for them for a few years. Unless it's actually dysfunctional, it will be a few years until any fly-fisher has the skill to make the rod's limitations matter. An 8/9 weight will be a specialist rod anyway, for saltwater or monster bass/pike.

Thanks so much for all the advice everyone. What a huge help. I guess I better start a christmas list...

Marshall,

What are you going to be fishing for? If you plan on chasing stripers and bluefish off the surf then the 8/9 reel will do a fine job but if you are after stream trout and panfish on the #5 weight rod then that reel is really going to be uncomfortable to use with that rod. Of course you can do it but it would be akin to hunting rabbits with a 30/06 cartridge. Overkill. There are many manufacturers of low to mid priced fly reels you can match to that rod. I have gotten some great deals of higher end fly reels on Ebay auctions.

Thanks everyone for your considerate responses. I've had real luck in small streams and ponds not much bigger than puddles with my starter 5wt rod / reel. Now I'm looking for some bigger (fresh) water in the Rhode Island area. I'll be sure to check in more frequently, but honestly I've been out fishing...

Good for you! Keep at it.

Just want you to know, that "out fishing" is the only excuse here that we'll accept. :)

Spence