Troutnut.com Fly Fishing for Trout Home
User Password
or register.
Scientific name search:

> > Can I put an 8wt reel on a 5wt rod?



OgilvySeptember 12th, 2018, 8:12 pm
Alaska

Posts: 1
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.
RleePSeptember 13th, 2018, 5:10 am
NW PA - Pennsylvania's Glacial Pothole Wonderland

Posts: 398
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!
Flyguide1September 13th, 2018, 6:47 pm
East Tn

Posts: 15
The size of the reel is how much line it will hold with backing.So yes an 8wght will hold more line and backing.
MartinlfSeptember 13th, 2018, 8:11 pm
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3233
Lee, I use my old Okuma Sierra on my lightweight rods. Have landed a trout or two with them. Fine reel.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell
SerengetiDecember 3rd, 2018, 4:28 pm
Posts: 1It might throw your balance off a bit but it will work.

Quick Reply

You have to be logged in to post on the forum. It's this easy:
Username:          Email:

Password:    Confirm Password:

I am at least 13 years old and agree to the rules.

Related Discussions

TitleRepliesLast Reply
Re: Question about Fly reel # versus rod #
In Beginner Help by Noreaster
7Jul 2, 2012
by Martinlf
Michael Hackney’s fly reel making class
In General Discussion by Flymom
0
Re: What kind of replacement fly reel should I get
In Gear Talk by Cptenn94
1Sep 7, 2015
by PaulRoberts
Re: Automatic reel stuff...
In Gear Talk by Roguerat
3Aug 28, 2017
by Wbranch
Re: Pflueger Reels
In Gear Talk by Lastchance
10Mar 1, 2012
by Roguerat
Re: Backing
In Gear Talk by Trtklr
8Feb 2, 2009
by Trtklr
Re: Rod and Reel
In Gear Talk by TedderX
1Jun 2, 2016
by CaseyP
Re: Selecting a reel
In Beginner Help by AllanM83
35Jul 13, 2020
by Martinlf
Re: Fly line confusion please help
In Gear Talk by Maxmiko
1Jul 31, 2020
by Wbranch
Re: brand new to fly fishing. reel question
In General Discussion by Lalaleeza
2Oct 20, 2015
by Wbranch