Do (double foot) snakes pass connections/knots better than single foot guides (with same size opening)?
Because with (double foot) snakes the guide is not square to the knot?

Yes - 18% larger size for size because of the "side-door" effect.

For many years I used s/f REC Recoil guides to build as light as possible. But found that the guide foot profile is higher with s/f, the wrap is longer because of the Forhan Lock. So thread and epoxy mass just about the same. I began using snakes on all my personal rods.
I also came down a size - #3's for a #10 fly rod because the Snake Brand Universals are a little bigger than REC and found the weight difference to be negligible.
Herb

Speaking from a fly rod perspective ... I think they may pass a single tied knot slightly better, but since the major concern is at the tip, which always acts like a single foot, it probably doesn't matter. A tangle off the real of course would be a technique problem better addressed by someone other than the rod builder. The angle would not improve friction on casting since it would actually increase surface area contact with the line, but not enough to make an appreciable difference in my opinion. I use doubles on heavier duty saltwater fly rods and singles on most everything else. I actually look forward to using doubles because it creates twice as many wraps and when you love to build rods, well that's just a lot more fun.

My main concern with knots is at the reel end of the guide train. My line seldom knots up while I am retrieving it. I advise builders of heavier rods, 7 wt. up, to mic the connection between line and leader (especially if the connection is a nail knot) before they select a minimum guide opening. Lefty Kreh in his book Fly-Fishing In Salt Water claims double-foot snakes cast farther than single-foots.

So does Chico Fernandez and Jerry Siem

Jerry Siem at Sage recommends a 2 size larger SF guide be used over the recommendations on their site for their double foot guides.

I personally prefer single foots. Seems less line slap and sloppiness. I think any casting distance is negligible.

Not to hijack the thread, but I've wondered why are double footed stripping guides used? I find the hi profile, small ringed single foot guides much better. Line angle coming off the reel is better and seems smoother. Is there any technical reasons I'm missing other than aesthetics to match double footed snakes.

Oops



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/2015 07:32AM by Todd Theodore.

Thanks gentlemen for your responses.

I usually use single foot Minimas on all my rods (fly and spinning), but do not like the way the leader knots/connection catch on occasion.

I am now building a new 2 weight and will try for the first time some French nymphing techniques using very long hand tied leaders. Knots will be inside the guides much more than usual.

I think I'll use size 2# double foot snakes. Comments?

The beauty of rod building is being able to try new things. If it doesn't work or you don't like it, it can be redone to your liking. Especially guides.
It does seem snakes may be a bit less snaggy if knot is going to be inside the guides.

Do you mean #2 or #2/0 snake guides? A #2 snake strikes me as overly large and heavy for a 2 weight, which tends to get really skinny at the pointy end.

Maybe tape the guides in place (you are probably going to do that anyway for the load test to confirm guide locations) and have a go at the lawn trout using the leaders you intend to use? Easier to experiment by taping on guides than removing them after they're wrapped and finished.

It would more than likely be the 2/0 if I was the builder

Ron Weber