Casting rod guides.

[dchance]

I am spinning my first rod and just ordered all components (with a lot of help form Bassn81 thanks) and I ordered all 2 footed guides. I was looking at a different rod of mine and noticed only 2 guides were 2 footed and the rest were one footed. Is this the norm? Do I need to reorder single foot guides? hope not.

[Obed]

It is a matter of preference and depends on the build. Single foot (SF) guides are lighter and you can use them for the last 4 or 5 guides. Many folks build the first 2-3 or so double footed (DF) to protect the guides as these seem the most succeptible to damage (rod lockers etc...). Some builders build the butt guide DF and the rest SF (especially with micro guides). It all depends, but you cannot go wrong with DF all the way out. It will not hurt. If you want, you can order SF and combine, which is how many rods are built. It really depends on whether you feel the extra weight will matter. If it is a middle of the line blank and not real light, then it will probably not matter. But if it is a high end, light blank, then it might be worth it. Also, some DF guides tend to be more stout and will not flex toward the blank, and have more utility for heavier action and tougher fish (striper, salmon, musky).
One other aspect is that if you are just learning, a Forhan lock may be a difficult technique to learn for the SF guides. Good luck

[George Roth]

Obed is right on. Personally, I build the majority of my rods with three DF guides then 6 SF guides when using the Fuji guide placement system.

As for the Forhan Locking Wrap, take a look at my website articles and I have Rich's article copied. I need to redo the page so it is easier to read, but it will show you how to lock those guides down so they don't slide out from beneath the thread. That is particularly important if you store your rods in a rod locker. They are responsible for removing a fair number of guides!

Good luck.......George

[dchance]

I have repaired a few for that reason. I am sure you see it a ton. My problem is that I already ordered all the guides (DF) and do not want to pay shipping for 5 SF guides that will cost like $4 total. So I guess I will just use the DF guides even though i would rather combine DF and SF.

The blank was given to me by a buddy, it is a St croix legend (blue one). he found a guy selling off his inventory and bought the last 5 or 6 for $10 a piece.

Now I am just going to try to put it together myself so I only need enough materials for 1 rod.

thanks for the help guys

[Obed]

does your buddy want to sell one...I'd double his price

[Bassn81]

Derek....what size single foot guides do you need? I could hook you up without it costing $8 to ship.

[dchance]

I was looking at 4 size 6 and an 8. I will use DF 10 and 12. I got my guides today, and can make them work, but I ordered a size 6 tip top and it is just barely too small. I am confused, because the st croix site said that is what it took so I need a 6.5 tip too. It would be very nice of you, however not necessary. You have helped me a ton already. when it is all said and done, I am still getting a good deal on a decent rod. Could it be that it really isn't a st croix, or is this common (with the tip). That worries me because you gave me a size seat that would fit that blank and if it is not it, I will have to return that too.

[dchance]

he is from MN so I am not sure what he has left.

I will ask next time I talk to him though.

[Bassn81]

It is fairly common to have the tip size differ a bit from what is published. Rod blanks are made by hand, so their is always variation. The reelseat should be very close, you might have to ream it out a bit to make it fit, but it is better to be a bit small and ream to fit, than to large.

If you want to avoid returning and re-ordering I'd be glad to trade some parts with you....I always need everything, and usually have most stuff on hand....most of this stuff can be put in a bubble mailer and sent in the mail.