I want to build myself a center pin rod I am purchasing from Mud Hole a MHXST1563..13 foot Steelhead blank and a HKS-7 Spinning Handle Kit - 18 1/8" in Length,could someone give me some advice on a good guide set I am thinking 13 spinning rod type guides? but what size guides? I will be using a Okuma Adventa VT1002 center pin reel on this build… Thank You!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/2017 05:59PM by Glenn Knepprath.

my thought for guide train CRB Concept Style Spinning Guides - Model YG
#20 stripper next a #12 and #6 for runners and 6 ring for tip should keep the rod nice and light but totally functional with mono or braid just my 2 cents not gospel others might have different thoughts

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Wi.

I've never built that particular blank, but 12-13 guides will be appropriate depending on your spacing. If you're wrapping a guide on the end instead of a tip-top, add 1 more running guide. Don't put 6's on it if you're going to use it when the temps dip below 32*, 7's are the minimum and 8's are very popular for hardcore steelheaders around the Great Lakes. Fuji Y-frames have been a mainstay for many years. My last couple builds I used k-frames fuji's, and moving forward they will be my #1 choice. A size 20 is a good starting point for the taller y-frames, and a size 16 for the K-LH.

I've built on two MHX float rods. Both for myself. Both 13'. One was a two piece and the other a 3 piece.
The first one, I used pac bay minima spinning guides. Stainless style frames. Started with a high frame 20, 16, 12, 10, 8, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7(as my tip guide). They were stainless steel frames and I found the rod to be a bit heavier than i am used to. But works great.

For the 2nd rod I decided to spend a bit more and use the pac bay minima TITANIUM high frame guides with the same layout and wow. I believe these guides are the best bang for your buck when it comes to float rods. They are about half the price of the fuji K titanium guides.

One other bit of advice for anyone wanting to go with an MHX float rod. Go with the two piece. The 3 piece has an awful bend to it. I straightens out at the furrels and has the appearance of a knuckle when you put load on it. I noticed the knuckle type bend in the blank when i first set up for the static test before I placed the guides on the rod. But I went ahead with the build anyway. After fighting a couple steelhead on it, I have decided to just use it as a show rod and keep the 2 piece for the river.

Thank's guys for the info but:according to the specs on the rod at Mud Hole it says the tip size of this rod is 5 would you still use #6 guides and #6 tip top?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/2017 06:56PM by Glenn Knepprath.

I think they are using #7 guides and tip top with a 5 tube size. Pac Bay PT tip tops can be had with #6, #7, and #8 ringed tip tops in a 5 tube.

I would like to thank all of you who have so generously replied to my questions its people like you that make this rod forum rock! Thank you, Glenn

Take a look at the American Tackle Tornados as your guides. I would use a guide as your tip top and I also agree that size 7 should be the smallest you go.

Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods