I just got a Meiser 4/5 wt 11ft Switch Blank. I was going to go with the minima 4 guides, but when I recieved it today Bob has a standard tiptop already glued on. I know I can heat it up and take it off but it got me thinking what the best guides would be. I will mostly use this as a high stick nymph rod for Erie trib steelhead. But will occasionly use it as a 2 handed rod. I want a single foot for reguardless to keep the weight down. I was looking at the minima 4, the new black recoil, the AT ring lock BTRLF (these would look the nicest but I am worried about wieght). Or just a standard singlefoot tich.

Thanks,
Bob

I have built out a 8wt switch rod with Minima 4's and love it.

Where are you located in the Erie area? Email me if you like. I am also in the Erie area, Oh.

Bob I just built a switch rod last year for the Erie tribs also. I only build fly rods and am a firm believer in single foot guides, but put tich snakes on this rod because of the icing problem, Just something to think about. Also don't go to small.

Bob I just did a Batson 5 WT switch With Minimas if you want to check it out I Live in Erie

Skipp,
What size of minimas did you use this is the way I am leaning? I live in DuBois but drive up 7-8 times a year for the steelhead. I to am worried about icing and wonder if I should go with snake guides.

Bob

Why not single foot wire for the runners. Less surface area to ice up. And light.

Bill - willierods.com

I`m goon do the same thing with Meiser 11' 5-6 for Big Pyramid Lake Cuts
I am thinking T&T snakes and Fuji Hardalloy [16 and 12] for stripper.
BTW,sure glad I finaaly found this place!Evryone around me thinks I`m
nuts....Otis

i would wonder about wire guides for Cats. A little light I would think

Bill - willierods.com

Think Dave is refering to Cutthroat trout. I would not go below #4's due to the ice issue. I would look at the H&H singles if you want to go that route as they stand off the blank a little and keep the line from freezing to the blank.

I have fished all the above for steelhead in the Great Lakes area and have found some better than others but in the end when it is Zero or close to it regardless of what you use it will freeze. That being said pick the guide you like the best though I would not go below a 4 as I said before. Then pick up some Stanley's Ice off Paste and let it fly! Trick is if you are going to high stick in the winter try and keep the line out of the guides and minimize your shooting. Keeping the line from moving in and out of the guides is the best soloution.

Best of luck.
Eric