I have a customer who wants to explore a really high end fly rod with the stand out aesthetics, and performance.. He aske me how fancy I could go. I told him I could make a rod worth over $1,000.00, if he wanted. I have seen some beautiful agate guides. How well do they hold up to modern fly rod blanks, say in the 6 to 8 weight region. Are they light enough to use on a three weight. If they aren't the best option, there is always Fuji with Torzite inserts. Also, does anyone have a source for engraved, or scrimshawed reel seat inserts?

Thanks.

Tight Lines and frisky fish

RJF

There are some very good agate guides available and they'll hold up just fine for fishing purposes. Like most guides, failure is usually the result of mis-use by the angler. They are a tad heavier than most similar ceramic guides. Because you'd be fitting it to the lower half of the rod, weight is not going to be a huge issue.

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Agate dresses up a fly rod; it adds a touch of jewelry. And yes, agate is suitable for a 3 weight. I'm currently building another 1 weight with an agate guide.

Two things to watch out for, the first of which is most agate stripping guides are sized by measuring the OD of the ring - not the ID of the agate. Secondly, be careful to caution the purchaser NOT to use a rod with an agate guide in salt water. Agate guide frames are frequently nickel silver or otherwise don't play pretty in salt.

Thanks. You've given me what I need to knoe.

Tight lines and frisky fish.

RJF

Use REC Cerecoil guides [reelseats.com] . Agate are junk and add too much weight to the rod.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/09/2021 03:16AM by Lance Schreckenbach.

Take a look at the agate models offered by Golden Witch. One of those may be just what you're looking for.

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Agate guides won't make a hoot of difference in casting and fly lines won't groove a guide, but if you have occasion to show your rod to a number of people an agate guide might be more impressive.