Hi, I am new here and would like to first say THANKS for all the info I have read and used from reading this forum in the past. Now...I am just starting to build on a North Forks 7' 2 piece light rod IM series. My understanding is these are designed by Gary Loomis. The blank was a great price. I don't really like their recommendation for guide sizes. Does any body out there have the specs on guide sizes on a gloomis 7' trout panfish rod. This blank is a light...4-8lb, fast action. I am looking to use Fuji K series guides. Does any body have the info? Thank you very much!

The last published g Loomis guide recommendations was over a decade ago, I bet they are no different, or maybe even larger than NFC lists. Use the Fuji info at Angler's Resource-Fuji to the left.

What size reel will you be using? If using a1000 to 3000 size reel with light braid or mono I would use Fuji KR Concept guides they work fantastic. For the Reduction train use KL16H, KL8H, and KL5.5M followed by KB/KT running guides in the size of your choice. I normally use size 4.5 runners, however size 4 or 5 runners will work just fine. After the reduction train I use 2 KB runners followed by KT runners to a matching tip top. For a 7’ rod I usually used 9 guides total, which is one more than recommended by the Fuji KR GPS at Anglers Resource. Use this KR GPS to get a good starting point for your guide layout. [anglersresource.net]
Norm

Thanks Spencer! I will take a look and see what the guide says.

Thank you Norm. I will take a look and do some measuring. I also might go to Cabelas or other sportingngoods store and just measure off of a built rod.

Todd,
It is not complicated.
A size 16M or tall stripper guide. an SV or lower #10 and then size 5 or 4.5 runners to the tip.
No need for more than two guides before going to the runners.

Take care

If you build it as Norm advised, you'll build them all like that from now on. My hardest choice these days is whether to use a 20 or a 16 KLH reduction train. I would certainly go with the 16 in your case. I build bass, trout, walleye type rods.

All advice is spot on. Only thing to add is consider using Pacbay Minimas. I have recently got back into rodbuilding after a long break. I am amazed at the advancements of all components when it comes to weight reduction. I mainly build light or ultra light rods. I always tried to go as light weight as possible. I was skeptical of the minimas. After half dozen builds I am sold on them. Match them with a standard ceramic tip and your good to go.

Micheal is correct if you want a very light guide train then use the PacBay Minima guides. The entire set of Minima guides will weigh less than most ceramic ringed stripper guides. I use them mostly on ultralight and light powered rods. I use Minima match (M) guides for the reduction train coupled with Minima fly (F) guides for runners. These guides are similar in height to the Fuji KR guides with the same ring size and thus can laid out using the KR GPS. In your case, you can use the Minima 16M, 8M, and 5M guides for the reduction train, and either 5F or 4wF guides for runners.
Norm

Thank you. I am just finishing a build on a MHX light spinning blank and used Pac Bay minimal. They are light and I will be excited to use the rod.

Thanks to all of you and your suggestions and knowledge. When I had a question in the past I would google it and most times it took me to your forum. I have learned a lot from all of you. Thanks again for your help! Be safe and healthy!