For fly line sizes of 5, 7, and 8, what does everyone use as the smallest single foot ring size? (Guides closest to the tip top) Under the new guide sizing theory, I assume that this size would comprise the majoirty of the running guides? TIA.

--Rich

Noticed years ago that the Sage XPs had smaller guides on their factory rods than other manufactures on the rack, so one day when the shop was slow I checked the guide sizes of all the XPs in the shop and have used those sizes, unless the rod had to pass some big knots, etc. which is very rare.
I use a 1/0 guide on a 5 wt, size 1 on a 7 wt and a 1 or 2 on an 8 wt depending on the type line used and their knots or loops. See a lot more shooting head systems etc. on the heavier rods which may need larger guides.

Rich,

If it's for a freshwater I'll use 6s on the 5 and 7, and 7s on the 8 (unless I'm building it for me, then I use 6s as I know that my knots will pass). I have one 'specific purpose' 8 wt. that uses 4s with no problems.

The saltwater guys sometimes use some pretty bulky knots, so I'll go up a size if that is the intended use.

Basic rule of thumb is to use the smallest size you can and still pass the required connections.

Good Luck!

Buddy Sanders

Just as a clarification to all the above posts. We have to remember when referring to sindle foot guides for fly rods, there are two types. One being just a sindle foot wire guide, that comes in sizes 1/0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and then there are single foot guides with ceramic inserts that come in sizes 5, 6, 7, 8 &10. I think Spencer is speaking of single foot wire guides and Buddy has mentioned single foot ceramics. The both have provided you with good info.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

Rich,
For saltwater I use #7 ceramics on 7 & 8 and a 7 tip-top - sometimes #3, but mostly, but #4 for wire for 7 & 8 with a REC # large tip-top. I do not use size 5 flyline.
Herb