[bananabob]

I think it's more important to find which LINE your particular rod likes. Lot of 8wts out there that should be labeled "9"wt and so on. Why there are SOOOOO many different lines out there.
Once that's figured out the reel doesn't matter as much since as noted above a lot of reels are are rated 7-9wt etc.
I can't cast 100 feet so I always snip 20 off. Gives me more backing that wat too. But I would never put a 10-11wt reel on a 6wt rod and vice versa.
Mostly matters is what feels good to you.

 

[cmor_fish]

Reelly (ha), depends on the real and the rod combo so they are balanced. Some real makers have recommendations in their specs.

 

[thatwasmullet]

I'm no expert, but I had a 9+ Lamson speedster on an 8wt rod and it worked fine. The speedster is pretty lightweight, so as long as your setup seems balanced it should be fine.

 

[KyleOneil66]

Mix & match. The only guidelines are balance and weight of the reel with the rod and enough line for the fish you are after. I like as light a reel as possible. A larger arbor is nice for line recovery. View attachment 229845

Pretty picture too! I’m looking to get another Galvan 8wt and throw it on a Mangrove Coast 9wt

 

[dynaflow]

I’m certainly not an expert, but I don’t see it being an issue.

It can be an issue.Modern light fly rods demand a commensurate reel,and a reel that's too heavy will affect the rods balance.YMMV.