I want to buy a St. Croix Panfish Series Casting Rod which is meant to cast 6lb line. The reel that I would like to pair with it is an Arden Apex Grand which is meant to cast 12lb line. Does it matter it I use 6lb line on this reel? Any help would be appreciated. Want to know what to buy for my local creek, but I don't know If I can use my Ardent reel on this rod. Thanks

                                 rod                                                                      

https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater/products/panfish-series-casting-rods

                                 reel

https://ardentoutdoors.com/freshwater-reels-2/freshwater-reels/apex-grand-detail

The bigger problem is that the rod is rated for lures 1/8 - 1/4oz and the reel will likely have a hard time casting those weights. Its also a very light weight rating for bass lures. 

 

If you insist on that type of rod and light lures, pair with a crappie reel. 

  

18 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

The bigger problem is that the rod is rated for lures 1/8 - 1/4oz and the reel will likely have a hard time casting those weights. Its also a very light weight rating for bass lures. 

 

   This is true. Very true. You can try it, though. Always a good idea to learn first-hand rather than just take what other people say.

   I had a cleaned-up Shimano Curado 70 on a Daiwa model SMD 702ULFB rod, rated 1/32 to 1/4. I could cast 1/8 oz. lures with 8 lb. line. Basically I did it to see whether it could be done. I got my answer; yes, it can be done. It's not something I want to do all day, because it takes concentration.

   There are a couple guys on here who dabble in BFS (baitcast finesse system). They can probably tell you more than you want to know, because ultra-light baitcasting is a rabbit hole you may no want to go down; it's expensive.

   @Bass_Fishing_Socal might be one to help you.

 

   Good luck!    JJ

If you are looking to cast those light baits for pan fish, I would get a spinning rod & a 2000 size spinning reel. I use spinning gear with line up to 10 lb. test.  At that point I am using a little heavier baits & can get away with casting gear.

That rating does not mean you can't use 6lb line. It's a spool capacity rating.its not a rating of what it can cast. I use a Lews Tournament Pro to cast 1/10 oz Ned rigs on 8lb line.