I am building an 8ft 4wt on an MHX f804-4 blank. I had planned on using double foot snakes with the 18-8 Microwave stripper (3-1-1-1/0-1/0-1/0-1/0-1/0). I found a handful of size 4 Minima single foot guides. Would I be able to go stripper to 6 to 4 for the reminder of my rod or would the guides be too small/kill blank action?

Thanks in advance!

Why so many different sizes? Just go from the 3 to the 1/0, or even straight from the stripper to the 1/0 guides. Guides aren't stacked up next to each other so the idea that using a bunch of different sizes results in a more gradual reduction isn't the case.

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My main reasoning is a lack of research. I went with the recommended sizing from the manufacturer. I had assumed that was right as it made sense since I build mostly bass rods. I searched around for stripper placement info and came across the article in the library about it. I am on a time crunch for a trip so I may not have time to get more 1/0 in. This is mainly a failure to plan issue.

It won't make much difference if you have to use a few of those #1's, but in the future just remember that it's not really necessary.

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The flexibility of fly lines varies widely depending on the type of line being used and the ambient temperature, while the ideal size and placement of fly rod guides relies upon the flexibility of the line being cast. General advice is generally not much help.

Tom,

I will definitely remember! I have added the article to my offline library too. Would you go from the stripper to 1s or would that be too few guides?

Phil,

I will keep that in mind. I should have know better, I have built half a dozen rods on the same bass blank and they all had somewhat different spacings. Fly rods should be no different.

Thanks everyone!

Ben,
IMO - I wouldn't use a MW stripper - and I wouldn't go smaller than a #1 guide - whether you go from stripper directly to a #3 or the #1 train.
Herb

A 1/0 will be more than suitable for that build. If 2/0 were suitable for a 4 and 5wt by such an accomplished and well known and respected person such as Tom Morgan, then I feel quite sure that 1/0 will work

Ron Weber

Hi Ben, as Ron notes, 1/0s are absolutely fine for 4 wt. line. I have them on three builds now and they work great and really keep weight down.

Regarding your question: "Would you go from the stripper to 1s or would that be too few guides?" I'm working on a build right now, and the step down between my 10 mm stripper and the next sz.1 is fine. However, I wouldn't reduce your number of recommended guides for your given rod length just to take the sz. 3 out. I'm assuming you need at least 9 guides for the 8' rod.

Angelo

When I say go directly to the 1's or 1/0's, I'm not suggesting reducing the number of guides. I'm saying to just use all the same size running guides. There is absolutely no advantage in having a bunch of different size guides on the rod, unless you simply want the added weight incurred by doing so.

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Tom Kirkman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> When I say go directly to the 1's or 1/0's, I'm
> not suggesting reducing the number of guides. I'm
> saying to just use all the same size running
> guides. There is absolutely no advantage in having
> a bunch of different size guides on the rod,
> unless you simply want the added weight incurred
> by doing so.
>
> ...............

Ok. I see what you are saying. Thanks!

The Minama's will work equally as well, and reduce weight by eliminating a wrap on each guide.

Phil is barking up the right tree with using minamas..lol. you can save another half of weight by applying only one coat of epoxy to the one footed guide..this is very easy to do by simply sealing the wrap with CP instead of using epoxy to seal the wrap and then coating again to cover the thick and thin spots in the first coat..by sealing the wrap with CP you need only apply one coat of epoxy to begin with..that,s a big savings in weight..remember you don,t need the extra strength that epoxy gives you by not using CP to seal.because your still getting a wrap atrength of 150 pounds..that,s the strength of a one centimeter long wrap of A size nylon..the guide frame will deform before it is pulled out, so you don,t need the epoxy application to penetrate the wrap and reach the rod..it,s still way, way strong enough with CP and much lighter..

I am looking at the minimas now. I have enough to do the stripper then straight 4s. Would I have to worry about knot clearance? I plan to use a wire loop tip top.

Remember, I believe when you get down to the 4 and under minima's they are the W for wide foot, and I do not care for them on the narrow tip sections, since the foot is wider that the tip in some applications

Ron Weber

You can, and should, grind the sides of the guide foot if it is wider then the rod blank at the place where you intend to wrap them.

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I will be sure to do that. So it looks like my guide train will be: MW18:8 stripper then all size 4 Minimas.

Does that seem like a good setup? Thanks!

It'll work fine. Tape it up, test cast it and see for yourself.

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Lefty recommended using the thumb and forefinger of the hauling hand to form a "ring" around the fly line when the line is released to cast. This "tames" the loops in the line and allows using a smaller stripping guide, saving weight. It takes a little getting-used-to but it works.

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. It has been a big help.