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hello everyone,
With the traditional train of thought is your reel is matched to offset the weight of the rod and makes for a balanced outfit. With my saltwater gear we frequently used smaller reels that had strong drag systems and if we were concerned with line capacity we used spectra backing. So with these new fly rods being all light now days does anyone see or heard of any issues with doing the same. example using a 6wt reel on an 8wt rod? I would think the rod doesnt care and would cast the same. Line capacity could easily be off set by using spectra backing if needed. The decreased mass would be less fatiguing. Any opinions?
Cheers, J
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Absolutely. I have the largest Battenkill Bar Stock reel on my eight weight. But my eight weight is a Winston BIIx which weighs less than most 5 weights.
Never used Spectra for Backing but I don't see why not. Smaller diameter. I mostly fish for trout and never much worry about them spooling me.
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Only draw back is that spectra can tend to pull down into itself and cause tangles. An outer line under pressure can work its way into lower layers.
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Good point on the Spectra, I can definitely see that. I know thin Gel Spun can do that.
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When you have a saltwater fish ripping into the backing, the spectra, kevlar, and other "super braids" can cut your fingers like a knife. That, coupled with the "digging in" already mentioned make it a no-no for me. The braids are dangerous when they're slicing through your fingers, or even when reeling it back in and using your fingers to guide the line properly back on to the reel. I use traditional soft braided dacron on my tarpon reels. The newer large arbor reels are the way to go. They're fast and plenty light, with good line capacities. I use a mid-sized Mirage for my 8-wts.
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Thanks everyone for good points. When we fished long range we would fish "bigger" spectra so even if the reel was rated for 20 lb we would use a bigger test that was still thinner then the equal mono. With conventional tackle we would just make sure to thumb the line side to side in a pattern that would prevent the line from digging in. I guess that would be an issue with a fly reel. A plus would be that spectra does not degrade like dacron. Anyway I checked the reel and rod combo out and the balance point is pretty close. I think that will be the way I go. Thanks again everyone!
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