I am preparing to build a popping rod for speckled trout on a Castaway 963 XP3 blank. I have built a few rods in the last year and I decided to try micros for the first time on this build. Since this is my first time using micros, I would like some advice on the guide setup. I plan to use 4mm Fuji Alconite running guides but I don't know what other sizes I'll need. I plan to use either a Shimano Stradic 2500 or Symetere 2500 reel. I built a similar rod last spring on a Batson CB80H-M for a friend. Using the NGC method, my guide setup for this rod wound up being 30-16-10-6-6-6-6-6-6. I used a Shimano Symetre 2500 to set this rod up. Since I will be using the same reel on the 963, I would think something like 25-16-8-4-4-4-4-4-4 would be a good starting point. What do you guys think?

yes...you might not need the 16 and or 8...you could just go something in-between...one 12 or 10 should work

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Maplewood, MN

I would actually add a size 10 between the 16 and 8.
Roger

I ordered a 25, 16, 10, 8, 7 4's, and a 4.5mm top today. That should give me plenty plenty of guides to play around with. I doubt that I'll need more than six 4's, I just like to order an extra guide or two just in case. I'll have to play around with the 16, 10, and 8 and see which combination works best. I appreciate the advice from both of you. Thanks.

try 25,10,5, then the 4's out to the tip.... this is what I have recieved as a recommendation from Steve Gardner in the past... You WILL NOT be dissapointed with this set up...

Tom Kaufmann

I would listen to Mr. Kaufmann

Mr. Kaufmann, when you recommend using a 10mm guide, are you referring to a 10mm BYAG or a BLAG type guide. The 10mm guide I ordered is a BLAG fly guide. Also, I don't have a 5mm on hand and I have already ordered my guides and would hate to pay shipping for 1 guide. Would it be fine to go straight from the 10 to the 4's or do I need a guide in between? The only size I have in between the 10 and 4 is an 8 (well, I do have several 6mm Hardloy guides but the ring color would really stand out against the all black Alconite guides).

Ben,

You would most likely want to go with the BYAG as that is what I use and was show how to use ( by Mr. Gardner!!).... I have not tried transitioning directly from the 10 to the 4 you might be able to bend the frame on the four slightly to get the appropriate height... I know that you don't want to order a single guide as I didn't when I first got started but I can tell you that I have a mock set up of guides from each manufactuer that I use... Batson and Fuji... Order up a second set for setup purposes and you won't be sorry especially if this will not be the only rod you make! Just a suggestion I could also offer up... If you get a chance to make it to High Point speak with Mr. Gardner and make his seminar... it will really OPEN up your eyes. He is a first class individual who has shared more with me than I could ever have hoped for!

Tom