Purpose of rod guides
There are 7 to 11 guides on a fly rod. Most guides have two "feet" around which thread is wrapped and coated to adhere the guide to the rod blank. (Single-foot guides are also used. They save a little weight, but are not as durable.) The guides themselves are often "tapered" in that their diameter diminishes from largest to smallest down the rod. Guides are made of metal alloys and some are lined with ceramic or plastic inserts to "buffer" the guide against the sawing effect of the fly line while protecting the line. Though a feature you should consider, guides are not a major factor when buying a fly rod from customary sources. Major manufacturers use high quality guides that provide excellent wear and years of service. Just make sure they are aligned "dead on" by sighting down the length of the rod after it is put together. If you chose to build your own fly rod(s), selection of the guides is an issue that is important to overall performance and value. For details on the spacing of rod guides, see the rod guide spacing chart. Types of fly rod guides . . . |
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3 types of guides |
Description | Appearance |
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| "Stripping guide" | there is one stripping guide on most fly rods (2 on many rods over 8 1/2'); it is the first guide up from the grip of the fly rod; usually ceramic lined; it is normally the largest of all the guides on a rod so that it can more easily accommodate a wildly fluctuating fly line banging into it during casting |
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| "Snake guide" | these are the most numerous guides on fly rods; also called "running" guides; they number as few as 6 to a maximum of 9; they are most often stainless steel; most rods have "tapering" snake guides; i.e., their diameter reduces slightly for each guide going from butt to rod tip |
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| "Tip guide" | this is the guide on the tip of the fly rod; obviously, only one is required per rod; it is a closed, elliptical or pear-shaped stainless steel guide that fits over the top of the rod tip |
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