I am in the process of ordering componites for a 7 wt. switch rod for Great lake steelhead fishing. Have always been an advacate for single foot guides, but think I should go with double foot this time do to the additional pressure of a two handed cast and mainly because of iceing. I know you guys will lead me in the right direction. Tkx in advance

I don't think the blank can exert enough pressure to cause a need for additional guide strength.

They're not necessary.

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

Don Lukehart,

You bring up a very valid question.

Switch rods are short two handed fly rods.

All short two handed fly rods are in essence shooting head rods.

Two handed shooting head line systems for short two handed fly rods are (by need) rather short in head length, all with compact grain distribution within their tapers.

This means that the lines best utilized will have large diameters.

The large line diameters will demand a larger sized running guide system ... Add to this; the complication off ice-up common to the great lakes fisheries.

In this scenairo I would suggest that you consider over sized standard snakes to be your best option, using only the most minimal number to adequatly get the job done.

Single foot wire snakes would be a second choice <> Last choice being ceramic single foot snakes.

... All of the above guides would be suitable from a durability perspective as in truth there is far less physical expended energy required to perform an efficient two handed delivery then would be required with a comparably grained single hand delivery.

Bob Meiser

I'd take a hard look at the Minima 4 guides. You'll get a larger opening per size, which allows you to go smaller without giving up anything in terms of ring opening. And you'll save eve more weight.

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

Interesting Tom <> Who makes these ?

Bob Meiser

Bob,
Pac Bay makes them.

Thanks for the info Tom/ Spence <>

These do by-golly look like they have potentials beyond those of conventional ceramic ring single foot guides.

Never to late to teach an old dog new tricks ...

Bob Meiser