Hi All,

This 7'3 rod is rated UL freshwater, but it will be used exclusively in the salt targeting fish between 1lb and 4lb, using 2-5 gram lures and poppers, on a 2000 reel with 3lb braid.

I used the MHX guide spacing recommendations which worked out well on the static test and casting in the park.

The guides I am using are Minima XSV4XG: 20, 16, 10, 5, 5, 5, 5, T.

My question is; as I am new to building UL gear like this, should I add an extra guide to alliviate any stress on larger fish, or will this be ok as is.

Thanks,

Richard

I would add another running guide.

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Super Tight Lines......Don

Hi Don,

Do you have any guide spacing recommendations for this blank.

Thanks,

Richard

If the static test looks good then adding another guide will only add unnecessary weight. The size of the fish will not matter. The rod blank is going to bend in the same arc, regardless of the size of the fish, based on your spacing. That being said it wouldn't hurt to tape the guide in place and static test it again then move/remove any guides that you don't deem necessary. As far as guide spacing goes, if you are static testing is done correctly then your spacing is what it is.

If you decide to add an extra guide, keep it simple, after the #10 just equal space the #5's

Richard, check your email

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Super Tight Lines......Don

Vic is correct but I am guessing on an UL that long that the static test will not work out from my experience with UL's

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Super Tight Lines......Don

Depending on the speed of the tip, the spacing you have may be fine, or you may need to add one or two more guides.

I find that with blanks that have extra fast tips, that I start from the tip and put a guide every 3 inches, until I am past the extra fast tip and then start to space the guides out.

If I am building a rod with a fast tip, I typically start from the tip and put a guide every 4 inches until I am past the fast tip.

If I am buiding a rod that has a more moderate tip, I generally will start with the tip and then, go to 5, then 6, and then 7 inches - due to the much slower action on the rod.

So, the way that I test, is to simply have line running through all of the guides and then load the rod well from the line end. If I find that the line separates from the blank at one location, more than another, I will put a guide at that location to even out the line flow.
Basically, have enough guides, and just enough guides so that the line follows the bend of the loaded blank.

Be safe

If it tests well under load, don't bother adding anything. I would make sure to rinse your Minima guides very well after each and every use in the salt.