To begin, I have been lurking on this site for over a month now and have obtained tons of information on my soon-to-be new hobby – this is a great site! I have found myself buying books (Kirkman, Clemens, etc.), building equipment (rod holders, thread holders, drying assembly, reamers, etc, etc.), and practicing my thread wrapping techniques. I would like to say thanks for all your help thus far.

Now for the question at hand: I am building a 12-foot heavy action (Rainshadow ISA1446) salmon rod for casting/bottom-bouncing for large King Salmon (typically 20 – 40lbs) in large rivers. I will be using a spiral guide configuration. I am considering using the Fuji MNAG series of guides for the transition guides and then the LAG series for the running guides (size 10 or 8). Would these be a good choice, or should I use the MNAG’s all the way, or perhaps the YAG series for the running guides? Any thoughts?

I am thinking the LNAG’s would be too light-duty for my purpose.

Thanks in advance;
Richard S.

I do not know about that fishing, but for me personally I wouldn't use the single foot L or UN guides on a rod rated over 20 & fish that big. I think they' hold up just fine, but in my head I seem to think the heavier the rod, the more I'll beat it up. For me I would go with all BLNAG's, which are lighter than the MN's. IFor me it would be a durability choice, I don't think the guides would be a problem with fish that size.

It' a personal preference thing though. Oh - if you are going with MNs because you need a size 20 stripper, just use that and then go right to LN's. imo.

Im new to this also... My current project is the 1509 rain shadow for long distance casting. Its not spiral, but I got the Fuji, Alconite guides... BMNAG 30,25,20,16,12,12,12, BMNAT12, top.. They are light, and are tough enough for big fish.
I know nothing about spiral wrapping, but hope this helps.