I intend to build a 10 ft 4 wt fly rod that will also be used with a float reel. The float reel is a very light 4 incher. This is just to be used for trout with 6 lb test, icing and passing knots are not issues, and I pull or wallis cast. My current float rod uses Janncraft flex-lite guides. With a high frame 16 and 7, and low frame 6's I get a nice straight line path.

I am assuming that the insert guides will be smoother i.e.the float rod will perform better in slow water. Is there a noticeable difference?

I am considering using M series minima as strippers in #10 and #4. These are a little taller than the Janncraft 16 and 7. This is partly for appearance but I also notice with my current rod the line tends to pile up on the inside edge of the float reel. This is probably because I tend to hold the reel at a angle, with the handle side a bit skyward. The smaller ring might help correct this. Anyone use a 10 or 12 stripper, or just have an opinion?

Finally I am considering using minima SF #4's as running guides. I have seen mention of this with a fly rod, but at 3mm ID it is 1 mm smaller than the horizontal ID of a Pac Bay 3/0 snake. Maybe I just need to be reassured. Any experience with this 4mm guide with a 4wt line or a ceramic #5's ?

I have size 4 Minima fly rod guides on a rod used with a 6-weight line and have nothing but good things to report - other than the noise they make as line is pulled across them. But it's no worse than with snake guides. The reduction in weight easily offsets any added "noise," in my opinion.

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