Well my CTS 83 (Stickbait Rod, 8'3" PE2-4) finally got in. I'm building this as a casting model and will pair it up with a Daiwa Lexa 400 for that purpose. I've been buying components for the build over the last few weeks, but now the moment of truth has arrived concerning the guide train. I'm going with Fuji KW double foot guides. Because of the length, i was thinking 11 guides (maybe 10?) plus the tip top. Does that sound right?
The tip top has a #8 ring so I'm thinking of the following layout: 1-#20, 1- #16, 1- #12, 1- #10, 6 or 7 #8's. What say ye?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2021 06:33PM by Dennis Penton.

Why so many different guide sizes? If you're starting with a 20 and know you can get down to 8's, just go on and do it. Set a 20 as the butt guide and immediately move to the 8's. All those in-between sizes do nothing for you. They do not result in a more gradual line slope or path.

And, you may find that a 16 is more than sufficient for the butt guide.

...............

Tom Kirkman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why so many different guide sizes? If you're
> starting with a 20 and know you can get down to
> 8's, just go on and do it. Set a 20 as the butt
> guide and immediately move to the 8's. All those
> in-between sizes do nothing for you. They do not
> result in a more gradual line slope or path.
>
> And, you may find that a 16 is more than
> sufficient for the butt guide.
>
> ...............

Never thought about that. I was just looking at some of the my factory rods and following what they're doing...

Custom rods can be better than commercially produced rods. Never sell yourself short in terms of having a better idea.

.............

Dennis,
Tom offered good advise, or is that God advise lol. I agree you do not need so many different size guides. I have built a number of 30lb conventional baitcasting, Yellowtail rods, employing the same Daiwa Lexa 400, using a size 12 butt guide followed by 6s out to the tip top (all but one spiral-wrapped) and they work very well. While large-ringed butt guides may be required for spinning rods, such is rarely the case for casting rods.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I went with 8's just as a precaution. I might use heavier leader and did not want to have the knot hang up on guides.
Also, as I look to place reel seat, etc., do you have recommendations on how far up from the butt I should place the seat? Again rod is 8'3". TIA