Hello I am building a St. Croix SCIV 7'6" HF 3/4 - 3 oz rod for boat fishing in Mexico (roosters, jacks, snappers, etc). Penn Slammer III 4500 reel. 30 - 40 lb braid. Casting and jigging. Fuji KW guide frames, I have KW30 thru KW8 available. KW8 running guides. I need help with the guide layout. Thanks in advance.

Have you tried the software on the AnglersResource.net site in the left margin?

Michael I have used the AR software for the NGC layout. It gives guide locations for each guide size from 30 on down, but I am not sure which guide sizes to choose. The software sets the 30 at 18" from the spool shaft, but which other 2 guide sizes do I use for the reduction train? I don't see where the software answers that question?

And just to be clear I am assuming that this rod will have a 3 guide reduction train plus a choke guide that is one of the KW8 running guides.

In the KR system reduction guide train, the sizes get smaller by half each time (example: 20-10-5.5 or 16-8-5.5). These are all high frame type guides, KL-H

You might look at something like 30-16-8 as sizes for your reduction train? Space them with butt guide located as per software, and then line up the other two to make a bullseye on the choker. Two-line Static line test and tweak from there.

Could you get away with size 6 runners instead of 8's?

And do you think you need double foot guides, KW's, instead of Single foot model KL guides? Perhaps as a compromise, go with single foot guides (model KT or KB) as the choker to the tip top; to keep the weight off that section of the rod.

Sounds like a big fish trip!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/07/2022 12:04PM by Leslie Cline.

I go back and forth on single foot vs double foot guides... There wont be many runners on the rod so I am not sure it will make any practical difference, and I already have the KW's. Mostly I am looking for info on the reduction train at this point, I may switch to single foot choke/runners, but that won't affect the Reduction train I don't think?

These travel rods get banged around a lot in the pangas and the airports, so double foots are my first choice.

Bob,
I certainly understand and appreciate your particular durability concerns. A double foot KW will definitely withstand more abuse than a single foot KL-H and thus may be your best option. While a KL25-H would be good for your size 4500 reel and 40lb braid, the KW30 is probably a good choice to achieve enough height. My spin set-ups are KRC (KL-H) and not NGC (KW) so I may not be the best to answer your reduction train questions but I will give you my gut feeling. I agree with Leslie that “halving” each ring size from the preceding guide is effective; in your case, KW30 , 16, 8. While it is difficult to argue with GPS, I wouldn’t be afraid to move the butt guide out to 21-23in and, in either case, position the choke guide 23in from the butt guide, + or - to achieve nice runner spacing. Position the other 2 reduction guides (16 and 8) to form a bullseye between the butt and choke guide. Hopefully, Norman Miller responds with his Fuji Guruness to help you and for me to learn. I would certainly trust and employ his wisdom.

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