I know this subject is pretty subjective, but I'm still a novice at this and have a quick question. I know what guides I'm getting and just read the article on fewer guides sizes. My question is if I'm building a 9 FT 4WT rod would I still want to use a size 12 stripping guide followed by the size 8, or should I go smaller with them? My running guides will be a size 2 if that makes any difference. Once again thank you for your guys time and I appreciate the help.

Jacob

You may get many different answers on this one. I built a 4 weight last year but it was an 8', not a 9'. I used a size 10 single foot, zero tangle guide (Kigan) as my stripper, then a size 8 SF, then put my SF runners on. Can't remember what size runners I used though.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

What you should do is try a 12 stripper, then fall back and try a 10. If the 10 does just as well, go with it. If you notice anything that it lacks from the 12, stick with the 12.

The running guides should be the smallest size that will easily pass your line and any required connections. If you already know that #2's will do that, you can simply put perhaps one in-between guide size from the stripper to the running guides. The practice of using every size guide to stair-step down the rod was done for the fisherman's eye, not the line, and actually creates a heavier rod with a less than straight line path.

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A size 8 ceramic guide has a smaller ID than a size 2 wire fly guide, so a 10 would be better if using two ceramics. Another option might be a 12 stripping guide then a size 5 wire then the size 2 guides. Check it out like Tom said.

Thank you very much for the replies. I haven't found many rod builders around where I live, so your help is much appreciated.


Jacob

Take a look at minima guides pac bay A lot of fly guys use them Light One or two ceramic ringed for strippers

Bill - willierods.com