I had a discussion with Tom about what size guides to use on a rod and how do you determine what size to use. If I understood him he said to use the smallest guides that will do the job. So, I'm going to build a couple of 9ft. 4 and 5 wt. rods. Could I get size 12 & 6 stripping guides and use number 1s the entire length. I've never understood how you determine guide size. Have they always just been standard sizes for specific rod lengths and weights?
Thanks,
Bruce

Knots and line Basically knots have to pass though the guides. If no knots have to pass, just the line You can go really small.

Bill - willierods.com

Until the guide size somehow impedes your line or connections, you're fine.

There are no standards. In fact some traditional guide sizing and/or selection is rather silly. It's not based on anything other than the sizes were available, so you used them all. How many times have you seen a casting rod sporting guides in sizes of say, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6 etc.? Thank goodness nobody was making 14's and 9's or they'd have been thrown in there too.

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actually, the stockist i buy guides from does 'recommends' me to get the sizes.. LNSG12, 10,8, LSG8,7, 6, 5.5, assuming 5.5 is the smallest i am going for.. thankfully, i just tell him to get me what i asked for..

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Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day..
Teach a man to fish, he'll be broke!