I build and a few rods and have been using standard size guides for the most part. Have been hearing that the smaller the guide the better as long as it shoots the line ok. How can I find a recommended chart for guide size so I can start experimenting? Are there sizes of guides that the "Real Pros" use all the time? If so where can I find the right size?

Clyde,

You too can be the real pro. The only way to know for sure is to invest some time and test cast the set ups. Set up the guides on the rod blank by taping them in place with masking tape. Use some sort of a stress distribution process. Flex the blank like in a fish fighting position. Place enough guides to make the line follow the curvaure of the blank without forming to sharp of an angle between guides. Now go outside and test cast and see the results. Try different guide sizes and combinations untill you find the best results. This should be the smoothest and furtherest cast with ease.You will feel and see the difference. Then and only then will you know for sure how a particular set up will perform. Be sure to use the reel and corect line size for each application. I would use the smallest size guides that the line size would allow. This will allow the line to shoot and also cut down on added weight to the rod. I hope this helps achieve your goal.

Good luck,

Bruce Young
Landing Gear

Its a personal choice and varies between threadline and overhead reels for threadlines I personally find a more open guide configuration gets better distance. the stripper is the most important though and it is best selected to suit the reel size and diameter of the spool. To small and it chokes to open and it slaps. overhead type rods do benefit from a smaller diameter guide config due to the control factor bruce mentioned

allen