I am planning a 6' 8" casting rod using minis, all on top, for 12-17 # mono/fleuro, and plan to use a first guide a 6, then 4 mini, then 3 minis to the tip. What is your opinion of this plan? (Shimano Curado low profile reel). Thanks.

Should work fine.

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For what I have done when doing an 8 foot crankbait rod and some redoing of past rods with the micros, I would say forget the 6 and 4 and go with all 3's. That 8 foot crankbait rod casts like a dream and I have used it with mono or braid. The only thing I have found when using all micros, and seems to get a better line flow off the reel, place the first guide from the reel a bit farther than you might have on other rods. A couple of inches further seems to smooth out the line flow between the reel and the first guide.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/03/2011 11:23AM by Mike Sledden.

I think Mike is right on. Actually, the "first" guide is on the reel. Take a look at how small it is. No need in having anything larger than it is.
Bill

Mike - it's because of your line path - watch the angle your line takes out of the reel and down the rod. You'll see it.

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that'll work just fine. now get after it.

thanks for the insight, fellows, much appreciated. There are posts that indicate that a slightly larger 1st guide does affect casting distance. I'll start this way and test cast to make sure I've not missed an opportunity. Any new posts or ideas are welcome, I have plenty of time.

With that 8 foot crankbait rod I made, I was doing it for a demo on micro guides. The original reel I was planning on using for test casting did not hold enough line on it. I spooled that reel ever time. So for me, using all micro guides did not effect casting distance, but since it controlled the line flow better from the reel to the first guide, I think it helped with casting distance.

"There are posts that indicate that a slightly larger 1st guide does affect casting distance.:

Those post are correct, and the effect it has; is longer casting distance then using all Micros.

Steve, glad you chimed in. Is my plan sound, in your opinion?