I've got a few Fly Rods I'll be building this winter. I'm doing a 9 weight Steelhead rod right now- They call for a size 16 Stripping guide and then dropping down to a size 12. I was thinking about doing the same thing for a 4 weight rod I'm going to build. I was thinking that the 16 would let the line in with less friction and then I was going to put a 12 about 4 inches up to continue to funnel the line to the smaller guides. The weight gain will be minimal- Any opinions on this type of Stripping guide set up?

The extra height of the size 16 guide might help a bit with shooting line pooled below you, but I think the extra cost and weight (even if minimal) will give no benefit.
A size 12 dropping down to wire guides would be optimal.

Dan,
What your describing has been done before, maybe 15 years ago. The next guide was dropped in size by two sizes, not one. It's an easy experiment just tape another guide where you want and cast away to see how you like it, you learn a lot more doing that way than reading about it.
Over the years we've found funneling down quickly to smaller guides works the best by far. The larger size 16 guide has more to do with height away from the blank that ring diameter, you could do the same with a higher framed 12. Hope this helps.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2016 12:48PM by Spencer Phipps.

Thanks you guys--after I solve the maniform handle boo- boo I'll try the different guide set ups--Dan