Co-worker is thinking about having me build him a surf rod. Are the lowrider surf guides smaller ringed than regular guides? He uses some sort of knot that connects 25 lb line to 80 lb leader and is wondering if the knot will pass through these guides.

Also, anyone recommend a blank - 12.5 foot, up to 12 ounce weight, moderately priced? Right now we are considering the Mudhole Special or the Cascade - $116-135. Thanks all.

Phil,
Check out the deals on the rainshadow surf blanks at fishsticks4u.com.The BULG guides work great on the blanks for casting.We use a 12r top so the knot will pass through. hope this helps.
capt. ray

I'd skip those guides unless you're using braid and having problems with the line wrapping around the butt guide. I don't think they were even made for the US market. Good old regular casting frame guides are the ticket!

Hi Phil i read a post the other day
andy dear from lamar reel seats is having a post show sale on surf rods
heres the link




[www.rodbuilding.org]

Sante Morrone
the fisherman

BULG guides are made for heavy duty Offshore fishing, not surf casting. WHy add a TON of weight to a rod for absolutely not reason whatsoever?

The LowRiders have been in the UIS market for 3 years already, they are now carried in Alconite rings as well as SIC.

That big knot does pose a problem if it's going to run through the guides. I don't build many surf rods, but I think you'd want to use a size 16 as the smallest guide for knot clearance, whichever guides you choose. If you are going to build a beast casting rod, I wouldn't jerk around with unproven blanks. Stick with what has been proven, Lami, All Star, Seekers & Rainshadow. IT makes no sense to consider putting a set of $80 guides, on a cheap blank, imo.

Phil, I'm currently building what your co-worker is looking for. I bought the same blank that your looking at. Cascade 12' 6" two piece from mud hole. I'm using Pac Bay guides starting with a size 25 then two 20's, three 16's, two 12's and a 12 tip top. I'm very pleased with the blank, and hope to finish it soon.

I am building that mudhole cascade 1502 as well, and I test casted it last night, I threw 12 oz 100 yards consistantly and with 6 oz, i cleared about 4 telephone lines, I was casting at a little league field, corner of outfield to corner. I was very impressed, I pretty sure it will be lighter than my 12' tica but throws 12oz as well as the tica did 8oz. I Think i am going to use a alconite bmnag 30, 20 and then 4 or 5 blnag 16's to the tip. with an sic tip. Those lowrider guides were primarily made for braided line on spinning reels. good luck.