1. Troutnut Forum
›
2. Fly Fishing Gear
›
3. Can I put an 8wt reel on a 5wt rod?

I am new to fly fishing and am considering buying a 5 weight rod for rainbow trout and grayling fishing in Alaska. I have an old 1970's 8 weight right hand retrieve Pflueger Medalist and can't afford to buy a new reel. I am curious of whether I can load the reel with five weight line and put it on a five weight rod without too greatly interfering with the performance of the rod. The reel is not too heavy and I am just wondering if it would be awkward casting with a larger reel on a light rod.
Thanks in advance.

The reel should be fine on your lighter rod. If you want, you can get the Pflueger model # off the reel frame and go online and see what the manufacturer's recommended capacities are for line size and backing. A larger reel, like the Pflueger 1494 1/2 for example, will take a 5 wgt. line, you'll just need to put more backing on the spool to take up space not being used by the lighter line.

The only other possible (but unlikely..) issue I can think of is to be sure the reel foot will mount on your lighter rod. it almost certainly will, but put the reel on the rod first to be sure.

Finally, if $ for a new reel is a concern, don't automatically assume that you really need an expensive, high end reel for what you want to do. There are lots of lower priced reels that have decent drag systems that would probably work just fine for you. Look at any of these: Echo Base, Okuma Sierra or L.L. Bean Quest. All are decent, serviceable reels that will set you back less than $50. These are just a few. There are many more...

Good Luck!

The size of the reel is how much line it will hold with backing.So yes an 8wght will hold more line and backing.

Lee, I use my old Okuma Sierra on my lightweight rods. Have landed a trout or two with them. Fine reel.

It might throw your balance off a bit but it will work.