I recently built a 13' pompano spinning rod using Fuji's KW guides and the KT single footed guides (size 10) for my running guides. I took it to Corpus Christie on a fishing trip and it easily cast a 100+ yards. But I often heard my shock leader (50 lb test) knot hitting my running guides. I used several different leader knots and it got better but I think I need to put larger running guides on my new build.

I need a suggestion on running guides that will match up with the KW guides since the KT only goes up to a 10 and I also want to stick with a single foot guide (not the smaller size KW). I want to go to a size 12 or maybe a 16 as Tom suggests. Suggestions/opinions anyone?

I would go with smaller leader like 25 lb.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2015 02:07PM by Robert Tanner.

You may still hear the knot hitting them as it passes through, but as long as your distance is good you're probably okay. Generally I didn't mind hearing the knot hitting the rings but if I felt a tug or similar as it passed through then I'd upsize the running guides.

...............

I have on several occasions felt a tug and kind of expected to find a guide missing. That's why I'm looking for a larger guide, but haven't seen anything that matches well. I don't want it to be that obvious that I have two different types of guides on the rod.

if you can't find what you want change them all just an idea

William Sidney
AK

Size 12 KW guides should work well for you. Use size A thread and be sparing with the epoxy. Or more appropriate, first tape the guides in place and then test cast.
The running guides on my tournament rods (conventional) are LNAG12 and I have not experienced any problems. Although the mainline is small, the shockleader is 50#.

Regarding your shockleader hitting the guides, there can be two issues.
A short shockleader and blank with a slow response can cause the problems that you are experiencing. Your blank may not have recovered fully before the shockleader knot passes through the running guides.
Changing the guide size and adjusting the shockleader length may alleviate your problems. Increasing the shockleader length may give the blank time to better recover prior to the knot going through the running guides.

Regarding the number of turns the shockleader needs to go around the spool, you will find several recommendations.
For a small conventional reel:
Some will recommend 2 or 3 times around the spool
Tournament casting rules require 5
I had the mainline break at the shockleader with 5 turns and changed to 8 turns
Finally went to 14 turns to reduce noise and the number of breakoffs.

Don

Don Becker



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2015 04:20PM by Donald Becker.

I am using size 10 tip and runners on a 11 foot St Croix Avid surf and it makes little noise even with 60 lb shock leader. I make the knot as small as I can and put some super glue on the tag and also before the knot as a ramp. 4 turns on a spinning reel.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2015 07:43PM by David Miller.

a web site like this may help to find a better knot
[www.animatedknots.com]

Bill - willierods.com

Pay atention is a leader of welding [www.pescaki.com]

If you have a set of all purpose guides ( no slope in the ring ) See if that helps with the knots

Bill - willierods.com