I am building a 8.5 ft popping rod rated for 80# plus test line. This particular blank is extremely heavy action and is to be used for throwing poppers at tuna ( up to 200 lbs). It is being built as a spinning rod with the intention of mounting a 20,000 size Shimano Stella spinning reel. Weight and strenght are key issues in the build. While I normally would use the Fuji MNSG guides, these may be too heavy for this rod and for extensive casting for long periods of time. That is why I am considering the American Tackle guides with the titanium frames. I have used the Virtus NIRLVH guides in the past but I am concerned about frame height and weight issues. I am also looking at the NIV Titan Turbos guides and the TSVSG guides as well. Considering the need for a guide that can withstand the pressures exerted by a large tuna and the need to maximize casting distance, which of these guides should I choose? I am thinking that with the Virtus guides, I would need to start with a size 40 but may be able to downsize to a 30 if using the higher framed guides of the NIV or TSVSG. My concerns are the weight, strenght and casting issues. I will also be using the New Concept system of guide placement so I need information of guide heights of all three guides listed. If someone has some other guides to suggest, that would be most welcomed also. Thank you so very much for all the information available on this site.

IMO, the MNSG guides are not too heavy. I wouldn't go at it with anything less substantial. You will definitely be starting with a #40, but should easily be able to use #10 running guides. IF you want better durability, look at the new Fuji TKWSG series.

I'm with Jim. The MNSG's are proven to deliver. I do like the virtus guides a lot. Personally I wouldn't worry about titanium. The weight savings are little compared to overall weight of the entire outfit. I'd be more inclined to consider them on an ultra light rod.

Think hard and long about how you will rig and knots involved. With that length of rod you might keep all knots outside the guide train and get away with #6 guides.

I must be getting wimpy in my old age. 200 pound tuna on spinning gear with an 8.5 foot rod wouldn't be my idea of fun:) I'd be thinking two speed convential!

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks guys. I will emphasize that weight savings go hand in hand with rod balance. These type of rods tend to be top heavy and any weight savings towards the tip end makes a big difference in the overall balance. The fish size is " up to " but the typical size fish caught is typically under 100 lbs.... lol. Good point on the connections. Very short top shots of around 5-6 ft in length that are inserted into hollow spectra so no knot per se. Anyways, it will never pass through the guides either going out or coming back. I was thinking that a size 8 guide would be the smallest. BTW, this heavy rod is parabolic so it bends throughout the blank making it much shorter than it appears when fighting a fish.