hey guys

a little question,

at the moment when building my UL spinning rods for bream spinning over here in AUS i use size 6 running guides in the NGC setup

what im wadering is could i go lower and still pass maybe a 10lb leader knot with say a size 5 guide?

and are the new LBD guides better for passing knots since they are on an angle? therefore a bigger opening?

and if anyone has any opinions on T Russel blanks thatd be good

The fact is, you're the only one that can make that determination. None of us can tie your knot - you're the one that needs to do that testing.

Buy some of the more inexpensive running guides in those smaller sizes and try them. You'll quickly learn how small you can go with your particular line and knot.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/29/2009 08:56AM by Tom Kirkman.

yeah i thought that would be the best option

still,

anyone have an opinion on if the LBD guides pass knots better than the TLSG?

does the angled frame make a difference?

I never go lower than size 6 running guides unless its a 2-6# rod, because at some point inevitably I will change the reel or line.

A 5 SHOULD pass a well tied knot in 10#, but a 6 will pass a 12# knot fairly easily, so that is why I stay with the 6s.

I picked up some 3.5s at Mudhole for a micro rod for a spinning rod I'm building. I hope I don't run into the same problem, using 8# Sufix Performance Braid.

My son has a rod that throws 4-6 mono fine and it uses size 3 guides. I'm guessing the knot is the issue. I can't imagine 8lb braid wouldn't pass through tiny guides.

Using a double uni knot for leader attachment works well and is very small.

Passing the knot when it is not under load (casting) is one thing. What have your experiences been trying to pass the knot when fighting a fish? What happens, for instance, if you have the fish up to the boat, ready to try to net it, and it suddenly makes a run under the boat? Does the knot hang up on the smaller guides?

If there is an issue you can always apply a VERY small about of UV Knot Sense to the knot to form a bit of a 'ramp' if you will. I will do this with my fly leaders as I normally tie my own and blood knoting 25lb mono can cause a larger knot. I know this does not fix your problem but it you run into an issue onece it is built give it a try.

See if you can get the American Tackle Titanium guides with a Fuji Ti tip top. American tackle doe not make a titanium top as yet. if your knots fit the #6's stay with them. No muss no fuss

Bill - willierods.com

Tom, I will shortly be trialling a pair of rods with smaller Alconites. Identical rods, identical reels, running braid and leaders up to 20 lb. Intend to do casting tests, load, the whole 9, and hopefully get some fish while I'm at it too.

the other thing to consider is wear on the knot itself. if its casuing some friction and getting hung up a bit by that knot the quality of the knot will degrade.
i dare say going below 6 for a 10lb leader knot wont be as good, still doesnt hurt to try before you wrap.
ive also wondered about the angled guides to as you see some off the shelf rods with them on now days

10lb will be max

mainly itll be passing 6 and 4lb leader knots but i upsize to 8 or 10 if i decide i need to

anyone got any opionions on LBD guides?

I use size 5 running guides on UL bream rods for myself but I use an albright. The LBD's will help more with hangups

Just remember that an angled frame will reduce the size of the opening presented to the knot, not make it larger.

Sight throught the guide with your eye and the ring is perpendicular to your eye. Pick a dot or an object that is slightly smaller than the guide. Now angle the guide as it would be on your rod and you'll see the size of the opening is reduced.

It's the same issue on tip tops for fly rods. I tend to use an oversize loop guide for the tip to use a larger opening which compensates for the angle of the tip guide.

Terry

Ben brings up a very good point on shock wear of the knot itself when casting. I have occasionally suffered the indignation of a crackoff and watched $$$'s sail off into thin air.