I am restoring an older downrigging rod for a customer who has a real sentimental need to keep these two rods on his boat. My thoughts have been to restore this rod to an original look, feel and play. At least as much as I can. Basically to give him back a new version of what he bought and feel in love with many years ago, albeit with some material upgrades. That being said the American Tackle BLG guides best look like the ones coming off this pole. Recently a professional builder told me that they suggested the Pac Bay RBHG guide over the BLGs because they are more flexible and less prone to ring inserts falling out. I really do not want ring inserts falling out and have never really had that problem in the past with other American Tackle guides I have purchased. The Pac Bay Guide is a beautiful guide but it would kind of go against my thoughts on keeping this rod closer to it's orignial look,etc

OK question time.

Does anybody have experiences or thoughts on the quailty of the American Tackle guide I mentioning (BLG). Should I consider changing these guides for the extra flexibility, essentially taking away any chance for these ring inserts to fall out. My customer is a Salmon fisherman on the Great Lakesand I know it is not as intense of coarse as the saltwater fishing many do up rods for. However this customer is pretty hard on his equipment when it comes to just basic care and storing. So I do want the durability he seem to get with his old pole and guide set up.

Thanks

Steve Lynas

I have built a lot of confidence in the Pac Bay guides, after using a lot of others. Very little trouble with them ever. I don't know that you need a guide that heavy for a downrigger rod, and may want to look a the DPL series - lighter, more flexible, deep pressed ring nearly eliminates ring pop.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!