I think I asked this question the wrong way in a previous post.

My main question is - what guides should I put on a 12 weight fly blank I want to build for tarpon/sails/general salt travel? I will use 40lb powerpro for backing. I do not know knot size, reel size, etc. I would prefer to go single foot if you think it makes sense. Should I use single foot wire guides & if so what size?

Thinking about this made me think of another question. I've been putting ceramic "micro" fly guides on my spinning and casting rods but all the fly rods I see have wire guides (usually snakes, sometimes single foot). Does anyone actually use ceramic fly guides on fly rods?

Should I use ceramics on this fly rod?

Thanks for your guidance.

Apols for the pun and not posting clearly in my 1st post.

Jay

I suggest before you build your rod you should get the weight and type of line you will use with this rod and join a leader to this line with the type of connection you prefer. Then get a micrometer and measure the diameter of this connection. You may find that micro guides will not allow the leader/line connection to pass through.
For several reasons the majority of fly fishers prefer snake guides on 12 weight rods, but there is no law against using ceramics.

I've used ceramic guides on fly rods since the late 1970's. They offer a host of benefits including reduced line wear, smoother line pay out (reel drag) they're quieter than metal ringed or snake guides and they won't groove or cut, ever.

As far as what you should do, that's really up to you. Maybe this is your chance to try out a set and decide for yourself if you like them or not.

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The American Tackle Titans might be the ticket for this rod. Light and good for saltwater.

With a Fuji Ti tip top

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/15/2010 08:33AM by bill boettcher.

I use small single foot ceramics on my fly rods. But, don't know what to put on a 12 wt rod. Wonder if weight is an issue. I thought the lightweight wire guides were better than ceramics when wanting to hold weight down.
Jim

Any slight weight difference between the guides would be even less noticeable on a heavier fly rod than a lighter one.

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