I'm wanting to build some ice rods (the whole reason I started this madness). I plan to build 24-26" rods for panfish. Any suggestions on number of guides and sizes. I can compare to some store bought ones I have but thought I'd pick everyone's brain on what they like. Simple and functional, that's what I am after to start with.

With the short length rods I would guess these are indoor rods? (You can use somewhat smaller guides for indoor rods that won't be subject to icing like outdoor rods.)

Carbon or glass blanks? (You may want an extra fly guide on very flexible "noodle" glass blanks to spread the load more evenly.)

The style reel also factors into what size stripper guide to use - spinning, in-line, etc.

I like Minima guides and wire type fly guides - no advantage to using expensive titanium REC guides on an ice rod in my opinion. Glue-on tip tops or wrapped on fly guide tip tops are a matter of personal preference.

Watching a 200 pound man set a hook with all his might is a magnificent and amusing sight, but ancient technology has made this spectacle obsolete. If you are fishing bait a circle hook on a rod left alone in a rod holder will outperform a "J" hook many times over, guaranteed. A jig pole is another story.

Minima match 4 spin guides in sizes depending on height of stripper guide to match inline, spin, or schoolie reel. Number of guides determined by static line deflection test which is affected by glass or graphite. use LOTS of guides to cover the stress distribution.

Thanks Buzz!

Matt,
If you have a specific blank and length of blank in mind shoot me an email and I will be happy to give you guide styles, locations, and sizes that I would put on the rod and you can then modify that information to your preferences.
Buzz

Matt

Unhide your email address for more info.

GUIDES Dist From Tip-inches
TFX3XG-10 1 15.5
TFX3XG-8 1 12
TFX3XG-7 1 8.5
TFX3XG-7 1 5
PacBay Mirco/Fly Minima or Sportsmans Direct Ti single foot fly
TIP TOP
Sportsmens Direct SDI HWI Ti 1.1mm #8


That's a setup from a 30" carbon rod that used an inline reel, for a spinning reel replace the -10 stripper with a XM3XG-12. Adjust the distance from tip to coincide with the action of the blank - the blanks I sand down work well with the 1st running guide from the tip at about 4-6" depending on overall rod length. A lot of people will think that's a lot of distance lol

Dan it's matt2520@gmail.com