Hi, I just purchased a St. Croix Legend Elite SCV blank model 5FF968.4. This is going to be my first custom fly rod build and I have a few questions to ask you guys.

First, I have heard that this is a great blank and very easy to cast with, what do you guys think. Also, I know that the blank is not originally rated for saltwater fishing plus the fact that it is on the large size, do you guys think is would have a noticeable impact while fighting saltwater inshore species.

Secondly, St. Croix seems to recommend different guide spacing between their 9'0" saltwater and freshwater blanks. Unfortunately they do not have a 9'6" blank for saltwater, should I go with their recommeded freshwater guide spacing then or do I need to make any changes. Here are the recommended guide spacing specs for their 9'6" freshwater fly rod blanks: 4-9-15-22-29.5-37-45-53.25-61.125-71.375-81.25

Also, I am planning on going full titanium on the guides in order to be fully protected from the element. I already have a new set of 7 REC guides that I would like to use, sizes 12 & 10 (double footed), 8L (1), 7 (3), and 6 (1). Rather than purchasing a full set of Fuji Ti Sic guides I was thinking of using some of these light weight REC guides in combination with 1 or 2 TSVSG striper guides and a TFST tip/top. Do you think this would be the right thing to do or do you guys have any objections to this combination.

Finally, this is St. Croix guide sizing recommendation for a 9'0" saltwater fly rod: 20-16-12-6-6-6-5-5-5-5. I was thinking of going with a total of 11 guides + tip in the following sizes:

1-) 20-16 TSVSG, 12 REC (double or single footed?), 8L x 3 REC, 7 x 5 REC, 7 TFST-------- or -------- all size 7s after the 12 REC
2-) 16-12 TSVSG, 10 REC (double or single footed?), 8L x 3 REC, 7 x 5 REC, 7 TFST-------- or -------- all size 7s after the 10 REC

I know this is kind of a long thread but I would really appreciate your input on the subject as this is going to be my first fly rod custom build. Let me know your opinions and feel free to make any changes as you please.

Thanks,

Pedro



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/29/2011 12:20PM by Pedro Gomez.

Good Morning Pedro,
I try to go as small as possible. The size of the guides is dictated by line size and specifically the size of the connecting knots between line/ backing and line/leader. In the saltwater fly rods I have built, the largest stripping guide I have used is a #16 for a #10 weight rod. I would follow this with a # 12. After that all running guides would be the same size probably #7s or #6s. There is no reason to step the size down gradually. You can try it both ways and test cast with the line up you suggested and with the one I suggested above. My own preference is to place a line tamer guide four inches from the butt stripping guide. This guide is not counted as one of the guides. So if you are building a 9 foot rod, I would use ten guides plus the line tamer guide.

I do not use the spacing recommendations given by manufacturers. Instead I use the Static Distribution Placement. If you go up to the Library listed near the top of the page, you will find an article on the Static Distribution Placement. You will also find this described in a book on rodbuilding that Tom Kirkman wrote, which is available from Amato Publications for about $15. This book is a really good book for those who are just starting to build rods as well as those who have been building for a several years. I liked the section on decorative wraps at the end of the book. I hope this is some value to you. Have fun.

Mike Blomme

Mike,

I went ahead and read the Static Distribution Placement article you recommended and it looks like it is definitely the way to go. I have a couple of questions though, can you give me an idea on where to place the blank for the test, and do I need to use the same guides I'll be using for the final build or could I use any size guides I have available at the time.

Also, you're right about the guide sizes. I am going to go ahead and use a 16, 12 TSVSG, followed by size 6 or 7 REC running guides depending on how well the knot runs through those guides, and finish it off with the same size TFST tip.

Thanks,

Pedro

Good Morning Pedro,
Un hide your e-mail address and I will end you detailed instructions on how I place the guides and apply the Static Distribution Placement.

Mike Blomme

Done. Thanks

Pedro,
Good design. First class build for a very good blank. Wish it were available as a 2-piece
Very conservative.
Just my opinions.

Recoil large loop tip top
#4 single foot light Recoils for the top 4 guides
#5 double foot heavy duty Recoils for the next 3 guides
#6 double foot heavy duty Recoils for the next 2 guides
#12 double foot Recoil stripper
#16 double foot Recoil stripper

Guide spacing from tip
4.0 8.5 13.5 19.1 25.3 32.2 39.9 48.5 58.1 68.7 80.6

Go 16-12 (or 10) and then all 5's for a straighter, smoother line path which reduces weight and leads to quicker response and recovery. You don't need all those different sized guides - they're for the fisherman, not the line or the cast.

.............

Tom,

Would you use double or single foot and Fuji Titanium Sic or REC for the 16-12 (or 10) guides. Do you see a problem if I go with REC guides for the rest of running guides. Also, what would be the best knot to tie that will run through the smaller running guides you recommended. I appreciate it.

Thanks,

Pedro

Eugene,

Thank you for your advice and complements on the rod. I will give your guide spacing a shot while applying the Static Distribution Placement.

Thanks,

Pedro