I realize that before settling on a final combination of guides, I'm going to have to test the rod with different guide setups (# of guides, sizes, and positions). I was just wondering if anyone had a recommendation for the APPROXIMATE sizes of guides which I'd be looking at for a bass rod somewhere between 5'6" and 6'0". Maybe a medium strength, mod-fast action. I want to go ahead and order a good variety of guides so that I can experiment to find the right formula.

Thanks much in advance!

Bait casting rods are pretty easy - you only need a couple of sizes, one for the butt guide (large and high enough to keep it off your hand or foregip under full load) and the rest can be as small as will still allow your line and any required connections to pass.

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

Lots of options
3s all the way
3.5s all the way
6s all the way
6-3s to tip

Any of it works.

My personal choice is 6-4-3s.

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Are those sizes fly rod sizes? I'm looking at MudHole's supply of Fuji SIC guides and the smallest casting guide I see is a size 6.

Do a search for Micro guides on Mud Holes web site, I have seen Micro guides on there. Or many of the Folks to the right could set you up with Micro guides.

Best of Luck,
Steve

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

Sorry Bobby. Yes... these are single foot guides- known as micros.

Swampland, Custom Tackle, MudHole I know sell them. Probably more as well, I just don't have experience with the others.

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So how does this setup sound for a rod that'll be between 5'6" and 6'0"...

12-8-7-6-6-6-tiptop

Or should I do something a little larger, with a more gentle taper...

12-10-8-6-6-6-tiptop

I haven't looked that much at the micro guides yet, so I can't say yay or nay about them just yet. Just throwing some ideas outu there to see what opinion others have.

I appreciate all the input guys. Everyone here is so great and helpful.

If you are not ready to explore micro guides yet just build it 6-6-6-6-6-6-tip, you can make the first one a double foot if you want. Look at your reel, the line had already gone through a hole the equivalent of about a size 4 guide. There is no reason to put a guide larger than a 6 anywhere on a baitcasting rod, and smaller guides are less likely to get tangled and bent while in use.

I agree with Mike.

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Cool. Thanks guys.

FWIW, after looking around a little more online, it definitely seems like this concept of smaller guides is the thing now. I guess my apprehension in this area is really more lack of experience than anything. I've never used a rod with really small (much less MICRO) guides. But I have to admit, the concept does make good sense. Smaller guides = less weight.

More than just less weight.

truer blank action
better line control on casts

the list can go on.

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