I am going to build a fly using single foot guides and am wondering if the guide size is the same no matter if single or double footed guides are used. It seems that I read when using single foot guides go larger by a size or two.

Robert

Links to PDFs below

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[flexcoat.com]

Robert
Depends.
Same manufacturer - yes. different manufacture - maybe not.

Single foot REC and Snake REC are same.
Singe foot REC and Snakebrand snakes - no.

What weight rod are you building? For salt or fresh. What size running guides are you thinking?

Herb

Herb, I have a st Croix IV fast action(8wt) I tend to go as small as I can with both stripper guides and so far snake guides. With the stripper guides I would use a 12and 10 stripper with a 4/5 guide and 3s to the end. I make my own leaders I use nail and or blood knots, believing they the smoothest knot to pass through the guides. Fly line is most often a welded loop. I fish fresh water for bass and the odd pike . With my current set up I have a hard time casting the larger bass poppers and other flies. I haven't used snake brand or rec guides.

Robert:

Random thoughts:

- Line to leader knots ought pass thru the guides only when rigging - not when landing a fish. #3 snakes ought do the trick.
- Line to backing can be an issue, but, again #3s ought be enough.
- Don't assume a single foot guide will pass knots easier than a snake. That jury is still out with the voting thus far in favor of the snakes.
- Snake Brand guides are terrific. If you've not tried them yet you've a pleasant surprise in your future when you do.
- Finally, the large and frequently heavy or wind resistant bass flies can be a casting challenge but not one best addressed by guide size or style. A shorter or stiffer leader is worth a try as is a different line taper.

Robert
Donald is correct in saying that knots should not be considered in guide size. leader knots have no business being in the guides when fighting a fish nor casting.
Guide size is more a function of being able to pass a running line tangle.
And - yes - #3's are fine.
Herb