I'm building a 10' 8wt fly rod for Lake Erie tributary steelhead fishing. Iceing is a consideration and I intend to use Recoil single foot running guides for the flexibility that they contribute to de-iceing. I have heard that a larger size guide would also aid in the iceing problem. What size recoil would you all recommend?

John Gaylord
Keewaydin Custom Rods
Dublin, OH; Naples, FL
jgbuckeye@gmail.com

John, I would go with #5 as the running guides, either snakes or single foots. Large Loop tip top. #16 double foot stripper, followed by a 12 of the same style, then #5 all the way out. I have this set up on my 10ft 7wt and it works just fine, its used in the same situation as you are going to do. Mine has single foot running guides, never had a problem with knocking one loose due to ice and a line connection passing thru it. I also have a 9ft 8wt set up the same way. The number 5's may be a bit big in some peoples mind, both rods cast just fine without any line hang ups.

Bill, just to be sure, are you using Recoils?

John Gaylord
Keewaydin Custom Rods
Dublin, OH; Naples, FL
jgbuckeye@gmail.com

John,
If icing is a serious consideration - like fishing when it is 10-20 degrees out - I never go with any smaller guides than a size 8.


Roger

John,
I've an 8' 8 weight I use for trout fishing in windy conditions. It's also my first choice as a winter blank.
I'm using light wire #2 single foot Recoils for the top 3 guides.
Icing problems are minor with that guide size. It still may ice but the tip top is more likely to freeze shut.
My tip is a std chrome loop.
Don't know if it's the material or the fact that so much water is wiped off by the tip while stripping.
I any event 2's work fine but if you think you want more go with 3's.


Gene Moore

go with double foot recoils, whatever the size that is equivalent to their single foot 4s. Double foot deal with ice much better than single foot.

John, no I don't use Recoil guides. There is not much if any difference from manufacturer to manufacturer with regards to the sizing of there guides, as long as the guide style is the same. I will agree with Marc, snakes do handle ice much better, I just prefer single foots and that means a little more attention in conditions that they will ice up.