I have tried to track down all previous ideas for closed loop guides. Nothing has proven to give me an answer I can "take-to-the-bank"

I DO NOT HAVE A FLY REEL OR LINE AT MY PRESENT LOCATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am building a 7-1/2 wt.--4-wt fly rod for Friends of the Smokies black tie fundraiser.

I ordered some 3W Minima guides (obviously a bad idea in my mind) & still have them on hand
I re-ordered Minima size 6 guides - from my very limited knowledge I would think these are still too small

PLEASE - tell me what size of Mimima Fly & Running Guides Model F to install as running guides.

FYI - I have Mimima Fly & Running Guides Model F in sizes 10 and 7 for stripping guides - if these are the improper size - please tell me what to use

The size 6 guides will be approximately the same ID as your #1 snakes/single foot guides, the size 10 guide is about the same as a #3. I see no problems. Could go right to a 6 after the 10 though.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/08/2017 11:34AM by Spencer Phipps.

Black ties in the Smokies would be a much more comfortable experience than the black flies of the Adirondacks.Up North a fly swatter would be more appreciated than a fly rod. I'm sure it will be a date to remember just as sure it is to remember to bring your DEET.
Rex, Good luck with your build, it sounds like it will be a very nice gift. Post some pics when you "getter done".

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

The 6's are not too small! With the short 4wt rod, it is very unlikely one would be shooting much line for long casts which would be the only consideration on using them.

thanks Spenser & Phil
I will resume wrapping - the size 10 & 7 are already tied on
Dennis - the black flies are a non-issue in the Smokies (I do not think). I do not fly fish any place I cannot sit. My running gear went out several years ago.

Rex

thanks Spenser & Phil
I will resume wrapping - the size 10 & 7 are already tied on
Dennis - the black flies are a non-issue in the Smokies (I do not think). I do not fly fish any place I cannot sit. My running gear went out several years ago.

Rex

9' of leader and maybe 6' of line (and that's a real maybe on the line) is about all that is beyond the tip top higher up the mountains in the Smokies were the specks (brook trout) have been restored. Even lower down a 25' cast is a long cast for most waters. If the leader knot easily passes through the guides when rigging the rod, and 6s ought to be enough, you're good to go.

A #6 Minima has roughly the same ID as most #8 ceramics.

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

what you are doing will work, but do check the knot passing through to make sure , as I see it

William Sidney
AK

I use 5's on 5 and 6wt builds, and have never had an issue with them

Ron Weber

if the knot don't fit , you can hi stick the tip real fast, I think they call it that , could be wrong

William Sidney
AK