Looking for some guide advice for a build I’m about to get started on. I’m building my ideal popping cork rod for inshore speckled trout fishing. I usually run a 20# or 30# braid main line with a fluorocarbon leader anywhere between 12# and 20#.  I use either a uni knot or FG knot to connect the lines together. What guide setup does everyone like for a spinning rod where a leader knot will come into play? Micros are obviously not an option, but I’m wondering what everyone thinks about this scenario before I decide. 

I'd probably use 6mm running guides, as long as my knot passes.  The stripper guide size would be determined by the reel used.

30 braid with 20 leader yields a pretty big double uni knot, so I would go with S Hov on the 6 mm running guides.  Max sensitivity is not an issue with this rod anyway, so don't go too small and be fighting the knot issue all the time.

 

Go to the Anglers Resource home page, click on the catalog, and find their charts for reduction guides in the KLH series for the line weight you will be using.  It's more about the line than the reel, IMHO.  I believe they will recommend a 25KLH, 12KLH, 7KLM, then the runners.  I don't see an advantage in four guide reduction sets-I've done two with good performance.  

 

The only thing to watch for with these guides is they are tall.  If they have to go into a rod tube, pay attention to its diameter.  Same if they have to go into the rod tubes on boats.  On my boat the tubes are far enough from the rod butt that it's not a problem.

 

Fuji has a new corrosion resistant finish that is very good, and not expensive with some ring options.  

What size reel are you using?

 

You could drop down to 5mm rings if you want to reduce weight a bit without going to micros.

Tape on a few 5's and 6's and try your proposed line/leader combo to see how it works.  Doesn't matter which style or model guide.

On 6/25/2018 at 6:11 AM, MickD said:

30 braid with 20 leader yields a pretty big double uni knot, so I would go with S Hov on the 6 mm running guides.  Max sensitivity is not an issue with this rod anyway, so don't go too small and be fighting the knot issue all the time.

 

Go to the Anglers Resource home page, click on the catalog, and find their charts for reduction guides in the KLH series for the line weight you will be using.  It's more about the line than the reel, IMHO.  I believe they will recommend a 25KLH, 12KLH, 7KLM, then the runners.  I don't see an advantage in four guide reduction sets-I've done two with good performance.  

 

The only thing to watch for with these guides is they are tall.  If they have to go into a rod tube, pay attention to its diameter.  Same if they have to go into the rod tubes on boats.  On my boat the tubes are far enough from the rod butt that it's not a problem.

 

Fuji has a new corrosion resistant finish that is very good, and not expensive with some ring options.  

20# leader is pretty rare for me. I normally run 12# and 15#. 

 

On 6/25/2018 at 8:08 AM, grub_man said:

What size reel are you using?

 

You could drop down to 5mm rings if you want to reduce weight a bit without going to micros.

Currently using all 2500 model reels