I grew up fishing Wonderods and still have several in the shed. From what you're describing it should handle a WF8F Bass Bug Taper great. I even used a 9wt. on mine with big bugs and short casts. Would power them out without false casting at all. Shakespeare did make some lighter rods but most of their stuff was for 7wt. and up in the 8'6" rods. I have a nice 8' that is great with a 6wt. but 5wt. just doesn't load it enough. Loved those old rods and have given several away to various charity groups but still have a few of them and Fenwick Ferrulites in the shed.