I will be ordering components for two unique custom fiberglass fly rod builds:

6' three piece, 5/6 weight

and

7' 9" three piece, 6/7 weight

These rods will be used to target larger trout (over 20") with streamers, mice and large hex flies.

As a starting point, what size snake guides and stripper would you suggest I use? (I plan to use a total of 7 guides on the 6 footer and 9 guides on the 7' 9" rod)

Thanks for your time and help!

Peter, I do a fair number of Glass Fly Rod builds.

For the 6ft I would go with # 10 Agate, then 1's all the way out, Snake Brand Universals for the running guides.

For the 7ft 9in I would go with a #10 or #12 Agate, #2 Snake, then #1 rest of the way out, again Snake Brand Universals. You might only need 8 guides on that blank, best to tape them on and do a static test with 8 first, if not really needed that 9th guide is only going to add extra weight to your blank.

The Snake Brand guides have a lower profile, but will still allow your knots and connections to pass easily. They are also very light weight. I have played around with a gang of other snake and single foot guides and I have found these are the cream of the crop.

Since you are using Glass blanks, they just look classier with the Agates.

Good luck with them, Glass is pretty awesome to fish. You might want to check out the Fiberglass Fly Rodders Fourm too, just like this, but for glass.

Bill hit it pretty much spot on. I'll move up a size for running guides (2's instead of 1's) on the heavier rods but if they pass your line, you should be fine. Agate guides run $25-$30 Each but they are a very nice touch. I'll use a little bigger stripping guide at size 12. The traditional glass builds had smaller guides in general and a very small stripping guide. Many anglers today still like that look.

Here's a couple of pictures:
[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

I'm another believer of Snake Brand guides and reel seats. Mike does a great job on providing quality components.

Terry