I am in the process of building my 2nd rod and needed some help selecting guides. I am building an ultra light spinning rod for panfish using the pac bay T2F793 blank. I am planning on using American Tackle Blue Zirconia Ringed Guides. I was planning on the BCSF size 20,16,12 or 10, then the BZFT 8's or 6's to the tip top. Which tip top should I use, the BZTLT or the BZTFT? Would there be much of a height or weight difference between the tops and the running guides? Thanks again for the help.

Mike P.

Michael your using way to many big guides. With an ultralight rod/reel you should be closer to something like 20- 12-BZTF5s to your tip top. I'd try a 16 stripper also something like 16-10 than the same. Little reels and light lines don't need much for ring size as long as your not hitting your blank while casting all is good. Lighter is better and much more sensitive.

Michael, You didn't say how long your rod is and the butt guide is determined by the diameter of your reel in mm divided by half. Better yet go up and click on LIBRARY and read the article on
New Guide Concept and take it from there. Hope this helps.

I have read the NGC article from the library. I guess I could have given you more info on this build. The blank is a PAC BAY 7' 9" 3wt matt grey being turned into a spinning rod. I am going to be using a Shimona Sonora 2500FA reel. This will be used as a float-n-fly rod and casting micro jigs (1/32 or less). I needed larger guides to allow a rubber bobber stop to pass through the guides without getting caught up like it does on my other rod with smaller guides. I will also be using 2#-4# mono and might even give the 1# or 1/2# fireline a try.

My first rod I built was almost the same rod but I used was almost the same except it was the green blank. I used alconite guides on that one and the handle was longer, at about 18 to 20". I built it to give away to a good friend and he loves it. He has even caught a few 4-6 LMB, Walleye and Sauger on it. I am plan to have the handle be 12" or less. Thanks Again for the help.

Mike P.

Try something different.

Try a series of wire guides and tip.

Lighter in this case is better. These are going to be amazingly light.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods