I'm planning my first trolling rods. First of all, I'd like to build a 30 lb, 6' to 7' stand up rod. I've thought about using these Aftco lighweight roller guides, that seem to be more resistant (against hits and so) than SIC guides.

Has anyone tested them for 30 lb trolling?. In the catalog texts they seem to be more used for casting than for light trolling.

Are these guides feet already prepared to be wraped or it will be still neceary to use the file with graphite foot?


Any other possibility you'd like better?.

Well, I have used them for both boat rods and casting rods, the boat rods use lead core or wire line. To answer your question on guide feet, they are pretty much ready to wrap, unless you get a smaller guide and are at the tip end of the rod, sometimes you need to use a rat tail file to shape the bottom to match the rod.
Other than that, the people I have built them for are happy with them..

Give a set a try, they are very inexpensive.

Tight lines,

Art

I use them on my kingfish rods and love em. Caught big bonita, kingfish, blackfin tuna to 26 lbs, and cuda on them. Line goes out smooth and they sound cool when spinning. Lightweight too. I use mine for 20lb. Some pics of fish I caught on them on the photo page somewhere. Phil

A.k.a. Tacklejunky

Nice rods, Phil. I specially like white looks.

Can you give me more info regarding the one you're fighting the tuna with?. I think there are 9 guides + tip. Are they all this light Aftco?. How long is this blank?.

Daniel

Daniel, like rod blanks,guides are similar in that they don't know what their use is intended for. As others have stated,they will do fine. They are also much better in construction than their 2 footed plastic predecessors of 30+ years ago.
As for prepping them,I prefer to scrape the upper edge of the foot to remove the rough surface. While I am sure some builders are ok with that,and may even prefer it,I am not. You may wish to consider using the Forhan locking wrap,especially towards the tip.
Have fun with them as they are great guides and they will give you many years of use and versatility.
Chuck