Hi all. Just curious, how many guides do you typically end up with on your 9 foot fly rods?

thanks
Tom.

Usually just 9 although sometimes 10. Almost never any more nor any less.

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

here is a good article on static test which will tell you where and how many
[anglersresource.net]

Bill - willierods.com

General rule is 1 guide per foot of length or portion thereof. For example, a 7' 3" blank would usually have 7 plus 1 for a total of 8. An 8' 6" blank would have 9 as would a 9' blank. There are exceptions to the general rule. For example, a fighting butt's length is usually not considered in the 1 guide per foot or portion thereof rule.

Only way to know for certain the number of guides needed is apply the general rule and then let static load tests make the final number and location determinations.

Tom,
Generally I use 1 guide per foot based on the distance from the tip to the reel seat.
If I want to increase tip speed I subtract 1 guide.
If I want to slow the blank recovery I add 1 guide.
I don't use visual cues to dictate the appropriate number of guides or the positions. This invariably leads to adding too many because it looks better.

Gene

Thanks for all of the input. I usually place the initial guides as per the manufacturer's recommendations and the then start with the static loading + reducing guides. I usually end up with one less than they recommended.

Gene, if you don't use the visual clues do you have a mathematical/measurement based formula of the placement?

thanks
Tom.

Casting style can make a difference in guide placement. When they cast many experienced fly fishers form a circle around their fly line with their thumb and index finger and place this circle right next to the rod blank. This forms a sort of taming guide or gathering guide and reduces the angle of the line entering the first rod guide from ~90 degrees to ~15 degrees, which should influence the size and positioning of the first rod guide. It also eliminates groping around to regain control of the line in case of a quick hit.

Tom,
I generally use the number of guides as determined by the needs of the rod blank.

i.e. a rod that has a softer tip of a given rod will need more guides than a rod that has a stiffer tip and vise versa.

I just use enough guides and positioned on the rod to insure that the line follows the loaded blank. A very simple rule that has always worked for me.

I also use the personal rule that I use enough guides and in the appropriate location as well as the appropriate size to keep the line from touching or rubbing against the blank. Both of these rules have kept me out of trouble when it comes to guide layout and rod function.

Be safe

Tom,
Yes I have an adjustable log scale that I created in excel format.

Available on line
[rodbuildingtutorials.com]

Sorry Tom. Just went on that link and found it changed. Don't know where Ray put the spreadsheets and technical data.

If you don't have excel just post the rod length from reel seat to rod tip, the rod tip diameter and the desired number of guides.
I can output several variations that you can position to verify your comfort level.


Gene



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/23/2016 12:12PM by Eugene Moore.

Hello all,

Thanks for the additional advice. Lots of things to try and consider when it comes to fine tuning,

Hi Gene,

Thanks for the offer, I couldn't find the spreadsheets either.

Here is the information for this rod. The length from the reel seat to tip is 104.5 inches, and the tip-top is 4.5 size.I'd like to try 8 guides.

best,
Tom.

Tom,

8 guide 104.5 effective rod length 4.5 tip diameter distance from tip to guide

4.7 ; 10.3 ; 17.0 ; 25.0 ; 34.4 ; 45.7 ; 59.1 ; 75.0

You attempting to speed the blank response ?? Good for you.


9 guide same blank

4.7 ; 10.0 ; 16.1 ; 23.0 ; 30.9 ; 39.9 ; 50.1 ; 61.7 ; 75.0

Slightly slower more conservative.

Your choice.

Gene

Hi Gene,

Thanks for the measurements. I'll try the 8 guide formula and let you know how it turns out.

best
Tom

Hi Gene,

I finally had a chance to set up the rod. I haven't cast it yet (hopefully tomorrow) but at first look and an impromptu static test the 8 guide spacing works really well. I'll confirm the guide location after some casting but i doubt I will need to do much.

Thanks for your help.

best
Tom.

Tom,
That's the same procedure I use.
The rod should respond quicker than a factory build and add an additional 10 - 15 feet to your casting distance with the increased tip velocity.
The blank should also dampen much faster and provide quicker hook set.
What guide and size strategy did you utilize ??
I prefer quick, crisp blanks for all my fishing situations.
I can send you a copy of the spreadsheet, if you require.
My problem with the prevalent guide layout procedure is you can add more guides to obtain a "better looking" static test but this detracts from the blanks dynamic capabilities. When is adding another guide too much for the blank ??
The test cast is the first real test of the guide layout to me.

Gene