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Fly fishing: I have an 8'6'' quality rod 6WT but need a good reel.?

Can I use a 7/8 reel on a 6WT fly rod. If not then do I have to match the rod with a 6. I'm new to this sort of rig and dont really know the terminology well enough to select the right balanced outfit. Can someone help please

Public Comments

1. Fly rods are designed to use line weights one above or one below the "listed" weight. You should be fine with a 7/8 reel and 7wt line on your rod. There is also nothing wrong with filling your 7/8 reel with backing and a 6wt line.
2. the line is more important than the real... doesn't even really use ours...
3. The reel shouldn't make too much of an impact on the fishing. However i would suggest you get a reel rated for a 6WT rod-simply since one for a 7/8wt line will be heavy and unbalance the rod when casting. If you really want to use the 7/8wt reel then more backing will allow a 6wt line to be spooled, but you have the issue of the excess weight of the reel and the general size of it. If you want an ultra light, tough reel thats very reasonably priced for what you get and will last a lifetime look no futher than the Orvis Battenkill, they offer world wide shipping too http://www.orvis.com/store/productchoice.aspx?pf_id=40C7&dir_id=758&group_id=768&cat_id=7627&subcat_id=7643
4. if you have a ton of money, the nee plus ultra is the ABEL reel. especially with their gorgeous fish colors.
5. The length and weight of that rod would indicate only rare use for casting heavy flies for big game fish. Any rim control reel sold today will suffice. In case you simply appreciate spending lots of money for high quality products, then a rim control Pfleuger Medalist will serve many years. Spend some money on spare spools so it will be easy to change from floating to intermediate and to sinking line. Treat yourself to high quality floating line first. I recommend the Medalist because they have been making them for decades and there are plenty around in garage sales and infrequent repairs are easy. The newer ones made in China are inferior in design and workmanship, but still work fine.