Hello everyone,

Im a first time builder with a couple questions, hopefully this community will be able to answer.
Blank is a Rainshadow RCJB 84H, and it is being paired with a Penn Pathom 25N with 65# braid. It is mostly going to be used for bottom fishing(rockfish, lingcod), and yo yo's.

Does the line rating on ALPS guides relate to mono or braid??? I'm asking because Im conflicted on which guide model to use. Ideally I would like to use MXN lowriders, but I'm concerned the line rating may be to low for 65# braid.

Also I am looking for suggestions on what guide train to follow. I was planning on doing 20-16-12-12-10-10-10-10 and im not sure about the tip top. I read Batsons new guide blueprints but I would like the suggestion of this community

I wouldn't worry so much about the breaking strength of the lone you are using. You mentioned using #65 braid so are you fishing #65 of drag? I doubt it. I would just base my choice closer to the my drag settings.

No one can build your rod like you can, when they make the build sheet they go with what works under many combinations. They don't know what reel, line, top shots, or knots your going to use. There is a lot of leeway built into that selection. My Ling cod rod was built long before braid, uses the same guides as my salmon rods of that time and worked just fine with braid since 1994.

I am sure there are many guides that would serve the purpose of this rod. It doesn't sound like you will be casting it much. I think that reel has a 20 pound drag. I would consider a light to medium duty boat rod guide. I have used them on a few saltwater rods and like them. Please feel free to criticize my response if I am off-base as I am a novice builder. I like these: [www.mudhole.com]

Fishing is not a sport, it is an art.

Danny, I would not use those guides for anything less than 60# and pulling hard. More like 80#. There are better choices available anymore. With that said, if you like them, by all means, use them and be happy. :-) That's what custom building is all about.

Danny, take a look at the Fuji "MN" series. They are a long time mainstay for saltwater builds.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.