Building two, 9', four-pc, 5wt fly rods on Revelation blanks for gifts:

I was just wondering what guide sizes would be recommended. I'm unsure what knots might be passed if any. Probably start with a #10df ceramic, then (possibly) light-wire snakes.

Very appreciated, thank you!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/22/2024 07:56PM by Mike Canavan.

Mike,
Don't worry about knots passing - consider how a doubled flyline head will pass as you thread the line through the guides. You should never have leader inside guides while fishing.
I would use #2 REC Recoil heavy wire snakes - RSNX - (if you want snakes) as your smallest runners. IMO - the light wire RSN are too thin. And then the REC small ring tip-top.

Herb
CTS

#1 or 1/0 Snake Brand guides will be more than adequate as running guides on that build

Thanks very much Herb and Ron, appreciated.

Sometimes one needs to overline their rod depending on conditions.
I.e. the blank is extra stiff or wind or large woolybuggers.
So. You might consider that your two giftees may be using a #6 line at times.
Herb
CTS

Even Tom Morgan recommended no larger than 1's on a 7wt, 1/0's on 6 wts

Thanks Ron, may I ask - beyond the stripper (prob #10 df), would you run the 1/0 size the rest of the way out or taper to it using another guide(s)?

Appreciated

I sometimes run 1, others times 2. Often times depends on the customer, some cant get past the cone or their desired asthetics. 3 total sizes is more than adequate including the stripper. Other may or may not disagree.

Thanks again Ron, I'll probably go with just the three sizes. I appreciate your help - I think these are the rods that I'm finally getting around to building after ordering a couple of your seats a "few" years ago!