I'm working on an NFC ST1302 IM centerpin rod. I mainly build fly rods and this is my first centerpin build.
I've been looking at all sorts of guides and am looking for some recommendations if anyone has any. I was thinking of 20->16->12->10 spinning guides and size 8 running guides. This involves more reductions than I run on fly rod builds so I'm looking for some input here. I've also looked at the Seaguide SS Centerpin Guide Set from Rod Builders Warehouse, which is a 16->12->10->8 reduction.
This will be used for Lake Ontario tribs for steelhead. I appreciate any guide model suggestions that anyone has.

Cyrus,

I suggest you take a look at the Fuji K-R Concept guides and layout.

All guides are Fuji:

Reduction Train:KL-20H to KL-10H to KL-6L or KL-5.5M (Use this group for light braided line #20 and under or mono/fluoro #10-12 and under.)
Belly Guide (Choker): KB 4.5mm (x 2)
Tip Guide Group (running guides): KT 4.5mm (as many as you need for a smooth line flow on a two-line static test; I suggest 10 to 11 of them)
Tip Guide: 4.5mm LG, KG Arowana, or perhaps an MN.

(Total guides = 15 to 16)

Use the Angler's Resource KR GPS calculator (link is in the left margin near the top of the forum page) for spacing suggestions.


With a long and limber Center pin rod, you may also want to consider the K-R High Profile Belly Guide specification; I call it the 3+1:

Reduction Train: KL-20H to KL-10H to KL-7M ((For light braided line #20 and under or mono/fluoro #10-12 and under.)
Belly Guide (Choker): KL-6L (placed in same position as the GPS calculator suggests placing the "choker" guide.) Add an additional KB 4.5mm or two after the 6L for mid-rod stress points.
Tip Guides Group: KT 4.5mm (as many as you need for a good two-line static test; I suggest 10 to 11 of them)
Tip Guide same as above.

Here are a couple links to check out.

[anglersresource.net]

[anglersresource.net]

[anglersresource.net]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/28/2024 09:01PM by Les Cline.

I wouldn't go smaller than a set of 7 mm running guides for your winter fishing conditions, Rod length doesn't change the reduction guide train, you simply need extra running guides to fill in the longer rod. There are a huge number of spinning guides out there and they are all made different, there are no standard guides, whatever you use will have its own layout. Your first centerpin rod would benefit from a designed guide set, as you continue to learn about rod building you will find your own setups that get the job done for you.