I have a St. Croix ice rod kit. (the 28" ultralight). There are 6 guides in the kit (inculding the tip top). This seems like a lot.

Couldn't find a guide spacing chart on their web site, do you guys have one?

Should I not use all six guides that came with the kit?

6 guides??? On an ice rod?

I only ice fished it northern MN where I grew up. Up there, it's grab the line hand over hand. Rod action plays no part in the game. When wearing heavily reinfornced leather choppers (Randy migh know what a northern chopper is) rod action isn't a priority. The only purpose of the rod is to hold the line holding equipment!

I've built summer walleye rods with 6 guides. I dunno where you would put 6 guides on a 2 foot rod.

Ive built 43 of theys rods ,there is only 4 guides including the tip on the 28 inch rod,still have 13 to go,hope this helps or email me i will give you the spacing,merry xmas

Depending on the reel to be used and the weight line, I have them run with 3 or 4 guides, max!! Many times it will work out with 2 and a tip top. Remember, it's not being cast, so you don't have those related concerns. As few as possible is the way I build my ice rods. I have had many rod come in to have guides removed and changed, low and behold, the action of the rod is totally different! One thing I see many ice rod builders ignoring, proper guide foot preperation. These rods are flexed a great deal at times. I took of a set of guides yesterday that you could cut you hands on. Burrs, sharp edges, etc. In time that thread will weaken or cut. Maybe they are hoping for repair work or new sales. Take the extra time, and build a quality product regardless of the end user. Just my 2 cents worth. Merry Christmas to all.
Ray

Hi Tim,

Ditto what Ray said... file those feet! Not only will they wear the thread, but more importantly, burrs on the bottom will file away at the blank and eventually cause a break. Guide size, spacing on the ST Croix Premier, ML 28" is 20, 12, 10, at 3", 6 3/4", 12 7/8", measured from the tip without the tip top on the blank. I'm guessing the UL will be the same, but you may wish to downsize the guides one- ie 16, 10, 8. Sorry I don't have the UL handy to tell if it is the same. Good luck with your wraps!

STeve