If setting one of these up for 4lb braid and a Shimano 750 size reel, would you start with a BYAG16 or go down to a 12 for the first guide? Also, do I need a two guide transition for line that small? I will using BLAG4 running guides.

Casting or spinning reel? I'm not familiar with that model.

If spinning, you should start with a guide that is roughly 1/2 the diameter of the reel spool. Much less and you won't get the height required for a straight line path.

With line that light and supple, you can get away with a smaller guide, but the height remains a consideration.

The placement of the choker guide, based on the spool diameter and factor of 27, will dictate how many transition guides you need.

.............

The reel is spinning. Shimano makes some of their models in that size, but not all of them. I have a Sahara 750 and it is LIGHT! The size of the spool is about 37mm so a BYAG16 is pushing toward the smaller end; and 27 x 37mm will put the choker guide about 39" out. I have a feeling I will go BYAG16, 8 then BLAG4s; but I'll get various sizes and see.

Marty you could possibly get by with a 12 or 10 if you used a guide similar to the Batson BMLG or the Pacbays [www.rodbuilding.org] . Tom's correct the height of the guide will dictate where and which one of the guides can be used as the stipper guide with the new guide concept.

Marty -

I have one that I use personally. The reel is a Shimano Saros 1000 paired with 6# Stren MagnaThin. It is one of my favorites for bluegill fishing. I built it with a #20 butt guide. However, you could go smaller - however, placement becomes more critical IMO.

Jim -

I have built countless rods on this beautiful IMX blank.

T-YSG 16, 8L T-LSG 4 all the way. Tip must be T-FST 5.5 ( 1.8).

Butt handle: max 5"
Fuji IPS or VSS 16 reel seat with no foregrip.

Butt guide must be at least 20 to 24" away from reel.

Shld be excellent for reels 1000 and smaller.

Cheers,

Anthony Lee

Use a high frame 20. Can't go wrong and it will allow you to move up to 6lb or 8lb later if you ever want to.

High frame 20 or even a 16 for that tiny reel would be fine. Switch to a good braided line, and bump up your capacity, also the limper line will alow you to use the smaller guide with no probs. Anthony's setup sounds very sweet!