I'm just beginning to get my components together for a 7wt bonefish fly rod. I have a CTS Affinity-X on the way and I'm planning on ordering guides and a reel seat soon. In my reading about guide size, I notice a lot of folks saying to stick to 3 or so sizes total. For single foot guides, does something like this make sense:

Single foot #5 x 7
Single foot #6 x 1
Stripping guide #12 x 1
Stripping guide #16 x 1

Also, what size tip top would be appropriate?

Thanks,
Chris

Your train will work, however if it was my build, I would go with size #4 & #5 rather then the 5 & 6. For the tip top, a large loop.

Thanks Phil. I was just going by the advice on the Sage guide spacing page to go 2 sizes up for single foot guides.

You're suggesting: 4-4-4-4-4-4-4-5-12-16?

Christopher, that is correct. In fact I have built a number of Bonefish rods with that train, including one I fish.

Excellent. Thanks, Phil. When I'm done I'm taking it down to Ascension Bay. I'll let you know how it goes.

Best,
Chris

Phil, same for an 8?

Hey Chris,
Please send me your email address at: hladen@hotmail.com

What Phil said re guides and tip-top loop - assuming you're going to use REC s/f Recoil g8ides and tip-top
Herb
U.S. Distrrib. CTS Rod Blanks