Ok, I have a Arbor reel that is a 6/7 from Bass Pro. It's the 270 series reel and I know its the best that Bass Pro has to offer. I also have a Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock thats a 4-6 weight reel. I'm wondering if I can match my 9' 5weight Orvis TLS Trident with the 6/7 270 reel and 5 or 6 weight line. I am hoping I can put the smaller Bar Stock Battenkill on my new 8'6" 3 weight TFO rod. Would this be overkill using a 4 weight line?

If it ballances on the rod ( feels good to you) use it. Line sizes on reels are suggestions not rules! Best Fishes Mike

It would never occur to me to do something like that, and I wouldn't. If on the other hand it feels good to you, why not?

Nimrod

I run a 5 wt. reel on my 3 wt. and a 6-8 wt. reel on my 6 wt. with the line appropriately sized to the rod. Look at the reel weights and diameters. I wouldn't put an 8 oz. reel on that 3 wt. If they are not too heavy for the rod, then what's the difference? ...a little more backing room!!! The saltwater folks do it all the time.

Hi BR...

Your Battenkill isn't really "overweight" for your TFO, especially since you don't have to fill it clear to the brim with backing.
The BP 270 (at 6.4oz.) is about 2 oz. heavier than anything I personally would put on a 5-wgt. but - you may like it - and it isn't likely to hurt anything.
My advice is: Put your equipment together and go fishing!

Best,
5/0

I have a rule of thumb - if you have a 4wt rod and you have a choice between a 3-4 or a 5-6 reel, always choose the 5-6 since you will either not get enough space for adequate backing and/or you will have to be very careful to reel in line so it doesn't drag with the 3-4 reel.

With that said, I use a 7-8 on my 6wt rod and a 3-4 on my 2 wt rod (was the reel for my 4wt rod before I came up with my rule of thumb) and am about to purchase a 5-6 for my 4wt rod.