I am going to do a build on a North Fork Composites IM-SWB808-1. The reel I'll be putting on it is a Calcutta 400B. What's the smallest size guides I can put on it if I want to use leaders with heavy line? I know the Calcutta will sit a little higher compared to low pro reels. I plan on using torzite guides, so can I go a size smaller? Also, if I want to do a spiral wrap, will I most likely have to set the first guide negative to zero to prevent line stacking?

what do you consider heavy line, main and leader?

As heavy as 80 lb braid with a 25 lb mono or copoly leader.

You can probably get away with a size 6 in Torzite or an 8. I'd tie a test knot and see how it looks and feels with different guide sizes before settling on one. I've use the Torzite guides on a few jig/plastic bass rods and the are nice where you can use the smallest lightest guide you can. I'm not sure the cost/benefit is there for a build like yours. I'd lean toward Alconites here.

Andrew,

I would not go any smaller than a size 6 on the runners. As for guide rings types, while I love the Torzite Guides on the bass rod I build, IMHO they are over kill for a SWB rod. I would go with an Alconite ring in size 6 or even an 8, although the 6 should work, unless you are using a large knot.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Check the diameter of your braid-leader knot, or better yet lay hands on a rod with #6 guides and see how well your connecting knot passes through it. I recommend the "slim beauty" knot for mono-to-braid connection, with the figure eight jam knot in the mono.

Check the diameter of your braid-leader knot, or better yet lay hands on a rod with #6 guides and see how well your connecting knot passes through it. I recommend the "slim beauty" knot for mono-to-braid connection, with the figure eight jam knot in the mono.