I just picked up the new Arra 1204 (XRA1204) which is rated to 4oz. Which FUJI guides would you put on it? Let's say that the cost of the guide is not a factor, in fact I want the best of the best on this rod. I will fish mostly wooden plugs between 1 and 3oz from sandy beaches and I use braided line. I am familiar with the New Concept guide system and would like to use it for this rod. I looked at the CLCSG but the largest ring size is a 20. Seems like those guides are not meant for plug fishing based on my research on this site. Please let me know what you think. I value and thank you for your input.

Scott

spinning or casting rod?

sorry, this is a spinning rod.

What reel?.... Just keep in mind you don't really need to have the HUGE # 50 or 40H, as a gathering guide on 10 ft surf rods with modern lines...I set my XRA 1084 (different animal) with a # 25 gathering guide (Fuji Ti coated SIC's...not cheap) ...it works quite well. Take a look at the fuji LC's "surf system" information with a # 20 gathering guide and adapt
from there on shorter surf rods....do a test casting based on your style of "aggressive/or less aggressive" casting style. ie..... " do you cast towards Europe, or the fish?"...I'm just one of the folks that beleve that toning things down a notch improves overall rod performance on the surffishing scene......others will say I'm dead wrong.

Scott,
What reel are you planning on using on this rod?

I agree with Mike in taking a look at the LC' s and the "Surf System". You could also go with a "MN" setup with either a 25 or 20 gathering guide.

I will have a VS 250 or 150 on that rod. I'll probably use the 250 and use the 150 on my 1084. I was leaning toward the LC's but I didn't know if the size 20 would be too small.

i have seen quite a few surf rods with the low rider guides on them. also if using braid you can get away with a smaller guide.i don't think i would go much smaller than a 25 though.i have a penn 706z on my rainshadow with a 40 and it wore the finish off the blank from the mono slaping on it.i wasn't planning on using that large of a reel when i built my rod but it was on sale for like 80 bucks so i brought it home.

I agree with your choice to use the Fuji Concept System for this spinning rod. I'd first determine the layout that proves most effective (using inexpensive Hardloys) and then find the best guides (lightest/strongest/smoothest rings/ best heat dissipation) that are made in the sizes that fit your layout. I would guess that an optimal layout with lower grade guides will surpass the performance of even the best guides in a compromised layout.
Dave

The 10' rods are too short for teh LC20, as it needs to be in the 40-48" range from the reel. With a wide VS250, you'll end up putting the guide about 45" from the seat, I'll assume you have about a 20" butt length - that puts teh first guide 65" from teh base of the rod, and 60" from the tip. It will probably work, but I do't think that's ideal for fish sighting. I'd look into the MN frames starting with size 25 or 30 (buy both, test cast) and working down to a size 12, or whatever you plan on dropping to. Keep in mind if any shocker knots will pass teh guides, you'll want larger size guides, if you fish ALWAYS with a 3' mono leader, you could probably go down to size 8 guides without a problem.

When I did the Arra 1321, I used a couple of LC's for their hight, then switched to MN's towards the tip as I didn' tlike the length of the feet on teh LC's out there. The guy I built it for absolutely loves how it casts, and even better - loves that I used an extra guide or 2 and the rod bends teh way it's supposed to with a fish on. It took me & him 2 casting sessions to get teh guides right, and I did a couple of sessions on my own.

Don't be afraid to spend time figuring out what works best FOR YOU. Try different guide combo's in different spots, and MAKE SURE you keep notes WHILE you are doing it. Yes, it sound slike overkill, adn isn't neccesary to get teh rod to work - but why have a $1000 set up which doesn't perform as well as it could had you spent a few more hours getting it just right. On the flip side, most people could care less, adn are happy with anything as loong as it casts good enough. The extra hours tehy could spend perfecting it, could be used fishing, and I totally understand that perspective as well.

FOR YOU is the key here.