I am making a 4wt fly rod on a SCII 7'6" blank for trout. I bought some Hopkins & Holloway single foot stand off fly guides (TiN). I was wondering if I should use the Forhan locking wraps for these type of guides or would it be overkill?

Thanks in Advance,

Russ

For actual fishing use, I don't think that any rod actually requires forhans. But for the amount of security they provide in general handling and transportation, for so little material and effort, it's hard not to use them. I use them on every single foot guide I wrap.

I agree with Mick. For the very little effort the Forhan wrap requires I wouldn't and don't wrap a single foot guide with out using one.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Overkill. But you should use a blocking wrap ahead of the foot as it blocks the tunnel, allows for a neater finish, and arguably adds that extra strength you want. I do use a Forhan on strippers on occassion. I must be all thumbs, as I find it difficult to add a Forhan without cutting the thread free of the spool. I don't have to do this with a blocking wrap. The H&H standups are pretty neat. I use a #6 for a stripper on some ultralite flyrods.

The Forhan security wrap is the best way I know to keep single foot guides of any kind from being knocked crooked or off a rod. Don, I disagree, IMO it isn't overkill. All my single foot guides, from 50 mm. spinning to the smallest single foot fly guide get a Forhan security wrap. I'm clumsy, many of my repair customers are rough on tackle, and I'd rather not redo the same rod repair if I can help it. Don, if you will hold down the thread near the guide foot and then make the loop around the foot you'll have less problem keeping those three loops where you want them. I just put my finger against the wraps on the far side and loop the thread once around the guide uh, ankle, and go around again until the third security loop is done, then tie it off like Rich says. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Considering how easy they are to do,I can't think of a single reason not to do them on all single foot guides.