Hello all,

I am building an indicator rod for Great Lakes steelhead (Southern Ontario). I plan on using the rod all throughout the year and it gets pretty cold during the winter months.

Does anyone have any recommendations in terms of the best guide size for this type of application for cold weather fishing? Any input would be appreciated.

thanks,
Tom.

Tom,
Most folks who commonly fish in icy conditions with a long rod tend to go with guides of at least a size 8 or equivalent as the smallest guide and tip.

Roger

I'd guess the Minima guides would afford you the best combination of light weight and larger diameter guides - I am not sure how large they come.

Snake guides are a little better in icy conditions and a little larger size helps with this. Size 4 or 5 is a good choice.

Terry

I agree with what Terry said. I use recoil guides in ice weather rods. If the ice builds up you just flick the guide and your back in business and the guide just pops back into place.