Hi All,
it's been awhile. I've been tasked with replacing the guides on my friend's boat rods. Both are 5' fiberglass heavy duty rods with roller tops that are used for deep trolling on the finger lakes with steel line. (My friend is OLD SCHOOL - he will not fish any other way, and asking him not to use steel is non negotiable)
Would like to purchase a guide set for each that will hold up to the steel line and not break the bank. Suggestions and advice welcomed

If you can find a good set of the Mildrum Tungsten Carbide guides that would be my choice. Nearly indestructible if kept clean after use. Not sure how SIC would hold up.

Silicon Nitride is usually recommended for wire line. Fuji BHBNG

I have quite a few of the old Mildrum Carbaloy guides. What sizes do you need?

I am with Jim on this Heavy duty and a nice price

Bill - willierods.com

I have trolled with monel and copper line. Both are quite soft. I have never trolled with steel line. The Rockwell hardness of this steel line would dictate the type of guides rings to use.

Ive built a bunch of dipsey diver rods using the Silicon Nitride Fuji BHBNG. They work great. No problems............ Buzz

I have a lot of mildrum tungsten carbide tips and a few guides send me a email if I can help you out

Thanks for the advice ! Decided on going with Fuji guides since my friend is rough and tumble on his equipment - he has no idea what cleaning his gear is.

Mildrum tungsten is the way to go if you can find them, a good substitute is Carboly, I have been using braced PAC BAY carboly from MUD HOLE Tackle , and have had no problems.

Rich Kline Custom Rods.

Rich Kline CR

The required hardness of the guides is determined by the hardness of the line, trapped abrasives in the line, and the amount of line which is reeled over these guides. Compared to cast and retrieved line little trolled line passes through guides and solid metal lines carry few if any abrasive particles. Cold-drawn copper wire has a Rockwell hardness of around 50, monel wire around 60. If you can't find the Rockwell hardness of a guide you could refuse to buy it, or you could ask for opinions.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 05:08PM by John E Powell.

Who sells steel trolling lines?

Who sells steel trolling lines?

Message for Chuck Mc Intrye:
Need 2 #16 Mildrum Carbaloy guides. e mail if you have them will work something out

Thanks
Rich Kline Custom Rods