I was asked by a friend to build a TFO 9' 10wt BVK for use on Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish. I warned him I haven't built one and haven't used one for at least 30 years but he wants me to build it. I'm looking for some info on guide selection. Who wants to go first?
Thanks.

I'm following along, I'm building a 9' 9wt, one of my first 2 rods (the other is a salmon casting rod) and after a lot of reading I decided on ceramic insert guides. I ordered pacbay fx series running guides, titanium frame with zirconium inserts, size 7 with double foot 16 & 12 of the same brand & material to start. We'll see how it turns out!

Two ceramic strippers a 20 and a 12 than all #4 snake guides to the largest loop tip top. I like snake brand universal guides.

Sorry.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/19/2017 12:06AM by Spencer Phipps.

Triple post. Geeve Louis.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/19/2017 12:04AM by Spencer Phipps.

John

Last salty rods I built were TFO TiCr X 12 and 9 weights. As you will be building for the salt, corrosion, or corrosion resistance, is an important issue. For guides, consider SeaGuides and REC. Of the two, I tend to favor the RECs. The REC titanium Recoil stripping guides are not attractive, but I cannot detect any difference casting to the lawn jacks and tarpon. The RECs simply cannot rust, and there is no insert to fail.

The TFO recommended guide sizing used to be going away too small. Spencer's guide sizing is about right. For a 10 weight I might use size 16 and 12 strippers but that is a minor point. Try both a 20 and a 16 then wrap the one you think best. Don't forget to order a large loop tip top.

I just broke two rods in Alaska, a record number on any given trip. I go with the chrome plated snake guides and tip. And for strippers, either stainless or a stainless insert. Much less to break. Ceramics crack, especially if you take a fall in a boat or rocky area. Sounds like your friend will not be in too harsh of conditions. Still unless he has a backup, I would go with non-insert guides. JMO

Thanks for the input guys.