It's an up-locking reel seat and that throws the balance off... Maybe you could duct tape the reel a little lower on the rod or get one of those cool band clamp thingies (make sure it is Stainless Steel for saltwater nad not those cheap chromed ones they rusted a rod of mine once)

And that reel would probably work better on a lighter rod because it probably won't hold a whole 8wt level line.

Mark Begich, Joaquin Jackson, and Heller resistance... Three huge reasons to worry about the NRA.