[smallie311]

What would happen if I were to use a 5 weight line on a reel made for 3/4 weight or 7/8 weight. There is a .2 ounce difference between the reels but the 7/8 holds almost 50 more yards of backing. I won't be catching any fish that would run through that amount. Also would there be any balance issues with the smaller or larger size reel.

[Jakeway]

It shouldn't make much difference, as long as the weight of the reel isn't too great to throw off the balance of the rod. I've got some reels marked "7/8" that weight 3 oz less than reels marked "5/6". One other thing to consider beside weight and amount of backing: if the reel is traditional rather than large arbor, the smaller spool diameter may cause heavier lines to have more coils, especially in cold weather.

I tend to use larger, but lighter reels than the line. For example, my 4 wt rod has an Okuma SLV 56 reel that weighs only 5.3 oz and is 3.25" spool diameter. It weighs 2 ounces less than a fully loaded conventional 4 weight-sized reel I used to use, which had a spool slightly smaller than 3 inches.

I have 3 of the same model reel, plus an extra spool, loaded with WF-4-F, WF-6-F, WF-7-F, and WF-7-ST lines. If I bought a 9 weight for striper, I might use the same reel, or go up to a size or two larger reel. I like the versatility, and the larger spools only have an inch more line retrieve per turn.

[smallie311]

The reel I'm considering is the Pflueger Summit but the place I buy from doesn't have the 5/6 weight in stock but they have the 3/4 and 7/8.

1634 3-1/4" 31/32" 6.3 oz. Up to #4 30yds./20#
1656 3-1/2" 31/32" 6.6 oz. Up to #6 30yds./20#
1678 3-3/4" 31/32" 6.8 oz. Up to #8 80yds./20#

I'll be matching it with an 8' 5wt St. Croix premiere and Scientific Angler Headstart 5wt. line. After reading what you posted, I'm thinking about just getting the 7/8 reel and maybe not use so much backing. Just wanted to double check that there shouldn't be a problem. (Still new to all this, lots to take in)

[BigCliff]

Seeing that the "7/8" size is only supposed to hold 80 yds of backing with an 8wt line, I would say you're likely fine with that reel, but the fact that the 5 wt you're interested in is only 8' long complicates that. The weight difference between the 9' and 8' versions of that rod may be less than a half ounce, but the "swing weight" difference will be much greater. With that 8' rod, I would wait until the "5/6" reel comes in, or pick another that will fit that rod better.

That Headstart fly line is a gem though. You'll likely love it and be spoiled into getting good lines for the rest of your days.