Hi all: I posted awhile ago about a tautog/blackfish rod I want ot build. I am using the Rod Geek XC733 blank (Thanks for your help Billy V) I am rather confused with guides, although after all the research I found that Alconite is the way to go for those who use braid. Now my question to the group is:

What is the most common reel type? Conventional or Spinning?

What brand/type of guide should I use?

Would this be a light or medium duty guide size application?

I would like it to appeal to the Blackfish/Taug fisherman.

Thank You,

Fuji K or MN

Just about any ceramic ring material will accommodate braid. Alconite on Fuji guides is one my favorite ring materials but because it is going to be a saltwater rod, I would want solid titanium frames and Fuji does not offer that in an Alconite ring. If you plan on having this rod for a while and using it on a regular basis, I would go with a solid Titanium alloy frame. It is costly with Fuji guides like their SIC or even more expensive Torzite. You are looking for a medium duty guide and the Fuji K & M frames are great, but I would get them in the CC finish. Also look at the Seaguide from Rod Builders Warehouse in a similar type of frame; TiB and TiXQ, these have solid titanium alloy frames and use Zirconium or Silicon Nitride RS rings that will work great with braid. Alps and AT also have solid Titanium frames with good rings for braid. If this rod is going to be used off a boat, then I would go with a bait casting rod (conventional). If you are going off jetties or shoreline, where you will be actually trying to cast for distance and not just lobbing a bait, then you may want to consider a spinning set up and higher framed guides. With the correct conventional reel and with the guides mentioned you should also be able to cast for distance, if you have that ability. Looks like a great blank to build on, have fun.

I’m on both sides of the fence of the titanium versus stainless steel debate for saltwater use. I’ve used titanium on my recent saltwater builds. However, I have thirty year old rods with SS guides that have held up under reasonable maintenance. Your blank is very appropriate and priced nicely for the performance it offers. It’s not so expensive that you would feel bad having to replace guides if corrosion did happen years out. Rinse before storage and when feasible during periods of use, and SS will be fine. I get into some back country, saltwater fishing situations where freshwater is so scarce that it’s only for drinking and cooking. If this is in your future, then titanium is nice peace of mind.

Thank you, for all your help. I just purchased this morning the CRB Medium Duty Spin/Cast Guide - Model MD. Not really happy with crb, but mudhole stock is limited. I am going to cancel and look for a guide as per your recommended specifications. Any ideas as to where I can find a good selection of guides? I like mudhole, but tired of them pushing crb.
Thanks guys.

Order from GRumpy's in Seaside, they have a full stock of what you need for the fishing we do