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Whats everyone’s thoughts on matching rod/reel WTs? Would it be the end of the world putting a 8wt reel on a 9wt rod?
Matching rod wt & reel wt
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As long as there is enough backing for whatever fish you are targeting it is fine.
I'm no expert on the subject but what will happen is that the setup will be out of balance. A setup should balance at the front of the cork about where rod pivots on a cast. I think about an inch up or down that point is acceptable. I'll see if I can find a youtube explanation and add it as an edit.
I have a Nautilus NV 7-8 that I find is much better suited for my 9wt.
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I’m certainly not an expert, but I don’t see it being an issue.
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Thanks for all the feedback. I currently use my TFO Mangrove 8wt with a Galvan 8wt reel. Just was thinking about purchasing another Galvan 8wt reel and throwing it on a TFO 9wt rod, and wasn’t fully sure how freaked up it would be. Im down in South LA targeting reds mostly
I think it comes down to knowing the possible effect it can have on the performance. If you sight cast then the fewer cast may make it a non issue if out of balance. If blind casting then you may fatigue earlier due to more casting and therefore make it less fun to use the setup.
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That’s a question that’s almost impossible to answer! Take a look at today’s heavily ported reels that weigh next to nothing and compare the same size (suggested) reels from yesteryear that had little or no porting. Today’s “8 weight” reel probably weighs less than a “4 weight” from days gone by. I guess what I’m getting at is, depends on the reel?
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I feel like this was just recently posted. I use 8W reel on my 6W rod in salt. Just more backing and a 6W line. My 6W meridian has a Nautilus 8W FWX which weighs less than my Freestone.
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Some 8 wt reels are heavy some say 8-9 wt, also some are light weight. I think we can figure out what makes an out of balance rod
So if reels are meant to be in "balance" with the rod then why is it the biggest names in the business like TFO and Orvis have reels that cover 3 different WTs but individual rod WTs???
I don't believe there is any perfect balance to a rod/reel combination. I think you throw what feels comfortable to you and fits your casting technique. Sure I match my 8WT rods with 7/8/9WT reels but is it really that crazy to throw a 9WT line on that same setup and get a little bit more load out of the 8WT rod while casting? Some guys may like that it helps load the rod while casting. Some guys may hate it in which case I'd say yeah move up to a 9WT rod then.
It's all preference and to be honest I think there are far more important factors than "balanced" gear that will help in catching more fish.
I don't believe there is any perfect balance to a rod/reel combination. I think you throw what feels comfortable to you and fits your casting technique. Sure I match my 8WT rods with 7/8/9WT reels but is it really that crazy to throw a 9WT line on that same setup and get a little bit more load out of the 8WT rod while casting? Some guys may like that it helps load the rod while casting. Some guys may hate it in which case I'd say yeah move up to a 9WT rod then.
It's all preference and to be honest I think there are far more important factors than "balanced" gear that will help in catching more fish.
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Thank y’all so much for all the feed back
Put a fish on the end of your line and balance is out the window.
Your rod, add a reel for functionality. Balance to me is secondary to function.
Your rod, add a reel for functionality. Balance to me is secondary to function.
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the only time I ever thought about balancing the reel to the rod while fishing, was when I was Euro nymphing. I hate euro nymphing and haven't done it for a while, but I'll use a Nautilus ccf-x2 10-12 on my 8 wt with no issue. The need to balance is blown way out of proportion.
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Line weight designations on fly reels mean next to nothing. Take a look at Sage: they're a fly rod manufacturer first and foremost so if "balance" meant anything you'd assume their reels would take it into account. A quick look at their website reveals a 4 1/4" x 1 3/8", 9 3/8 oz Enforcer reel labeled as a 7/8 and a 4" x 1 3/8", 6 oz Spectrum LT reel labeled as a 7/8. Which one properly balances a #8?
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Try casting with the reel in your pocket or on the ground. Obviously, it would be difficult to fish this way, but it may change your perspective on "balance." For me, lighter is better, regardless of balance. Lighter makes it feel like you are casting the line more directly, rather than waving a weight with the line on the other end.
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