I have built several rods so far in the last year. I have only built them using Recoil guides... (everyone prefers them) I want to find a set of guides that are saltwater proof and are durable and economic. I would like to stay with Fuji or Pac Bay. If you could provide a little insight to these It would be much appreciated. To add, I am building inshore rods 6'6 and 7' med fast to fast light actions using MHX blanks..

Thanks!
Brian



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/08/2012 01:57PM by Brian Bishop.

I would look at guides made from 316 stainless. Both amtak and alps offer them.

I have not used them long enough to be able to see a difference. But in my line of work I can say for sure that 316 is more corrosion resistant than 304.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Quality, service, low cost - pick two. You can't have all three.

You're in a position where you will have to sacrifice one thing in order to get the other thing. The longest lasting guides in the salt are going to be something along the lines of titanium, but those are generally not inexpensive (although they are often the least costly in the long run). Those are about the only "saltwater proof" guides you're likely to find. All others will require some care by the user, requiring careful rinsing immediately after each and every use.

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

Any one that fishes salt

has To Wash there Rods after they fish

If they are not going to take care of there equipment -- No guarantee

If you wash them 316 stainless.will last a long time And be cheaper

or Pay for Titanium framed guides

Bill - willierods.com

Hi,

Look at the Pac Bay Minima guides. I use the Minima4 series on salt water rods. They work just fine.

Washing your rods after fishing trip is very important. However if you do not towel the water off the metal guides and stand them up to air dry afterwards you will probably get rust eventually.

I had a surf rod customer come back 3 months after he picked up the new rod and complain about the Fuji guides rusting. Asked him how he cleaned his rod after each fishing trip. He did NOTHING!!! Put the rod away with salt water on the guides. Mates on party boats and private boat owners also hose down the rods and then stow them in a hold/closet with no air circulation. Guess what, RUST!!!

You take care of your gear it will take care of you.

Capt Neil Faulkner