I apologiize if I should have been able to find this information, but a search came up with a couple 1000 posts and while I did not even get through half, I still couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, and I didn't see anything in the library.
Is there a resource that gives me some guide size recommendations for various length and wt fly rods? I read in my search that some prefer the progression (ie. 8 stripper, 6,5,5,,4,4,4,3,3,2,2,1, TT) and some say just a stripper, intermediate size, then stay consistent the rest of the way to the TT. What I am looking for is a resource to keep so that when I am doing 9' 7wt vs a 7'10" 3wt I know what size stripper and guides to use regardless of which method I prefer (progressive vs consistent). Does that make sense?
I have always just relied on someone like the good guys at Anglers Workshop to put something together for me, but I have several projects coming up of different length and wt and want to start learning a bit more and taking more of the responsibility for the design.
Most specifically I have a 7'7" 3/4 that I will be building that I am trying to decide what size of stripper and single foot guides to use.

Thanks for all your help.
Mike



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2010 11:36AM by Mike Ediger.

MIke,
Some of the sponsor websites have "recommended" size/spacing charts. These are a place to start, but the charts don't know your specific blank (each one is an individual, due to the human hand work involved), and no chart knows how big your knots are). You'll get max performance by spacing your guides, with static testing (see Library, above). Keep in mind that you don't really need a bunch of diffierent size guides. Use the smallest running guides that will still pass your line/leader connections.
George

RodMaker Magazine has the information you are seeking.

In a nutshell, you never need more than 3 guide sizes - a stripping guide, one intermediate size and then the running guides. You don't need multiples of all the various sizes. You will get a straighter line path and reduce the weight on the rod by omitting all those in-between sizes.

On the rod you mention, I would use a high frame (spinning type) 12, followed by the same in a size 8 and then use as many size 6's as needed. If you can find them, size 5's are even better. If you're talking single foot wire guides, then use the same 12 and 8 and then use size 2 or 1 single foots the rest of the way out.


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Perfect. Thanks George and Tom. Another member sent me a reference list so I am good to go.
I appreciate all the help.
Mike