Hi all,

I have a Calstar ( think its a calstar) 5'6 approx 20-50lb/30-50lb blank with a tip size of 9 . I was wondering what size guide are generally used. Im thinking of running guides , 2 x 8s, 10s, 12, 16 & 20. Any thoughts?. This my first light heavy rod build so Im a bit unsure. My preferred guides will be Alps XBXNLG to match an Alps reel seat

Oh and I have decide not to go with a roller tip so I can use the rod for a bit of bottom fishing.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2012 05:55AM by Bill Jovanovski.

When I do mine, my first guide is a 25 to give higher line clearance over the forgrip and my smallest guide is a 10 because I want good knot clearance. 8's will not allow knots to pass freely.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

Kevin Knox
ANGLER'S ENVY CUSTOM RODS
QUEEN ANNE, MD 21657
#_#_#_#_#
www.anglersenvy.com

Thank Kevin,

So 2 x size 10, 2x 12 , 16 20 25 should Ok?.

Love your rods by the way..Im "envy.. ous" of your work. Your vids have been extremely helpful.

Cheers


Bill J

You're quite welcome Bill. Yes, that will work. Have at it!

Kevin Knox
ANGLER'S ENVY CUSTOM RODS
QUEEN ANNE, MD 21657
#_#_#_#_#
www.anglersenvy.com

For me, the rating on the blank is on the edge for the XN guides, I know some will use them through 60#, but I don't like to. I'll use the XN's to 40# above that I start using the Amtak Virtus guides. Kevin makes a good point on the size 8 guides and knots, I've not had any issues there, but I use loop to loop connections so knot size isn't a factor.

Thank you whoever you are

WWW.WeSeekHerRods.com

If ti was my rod the first thing I would do is to decide what reel would be on it and how long the fore grip will be. Then mount the reel seat and grip. Put the reel on the rod and with a piece of line taped to the spool, load the rod up with the maximum drag I will be fishing with. Then stretch the line out over the fore-grip to find out the lowest guide need to keep the line off the grip. The running guides would all be #10. And I would spiral wrap it.