Inshore Popping Cork Rod Guides

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

I’m planning to build a popping cork rod for my dad for Father’s Day. He’s a diehard speckled trout fisherman. Starting out with a Rainshadow Revelation REVI70M. He likes to use 20# braid with a 12-15lb flouro or co-poly leader with a basic weighted clip on oval cork so he can adjust depth easily. He started using the FG knot recently, but I’m sure he goes back to the uni to uni if he has to retie on the water to save time. What size tip top would y’all suggest to pass that line to line knot through without having problems hanging up?

[WRB]

I would look at at G. Loomis PR 845 C as a model of the ideal popping rod.

If interested I will measure the tip rig ID.

Tom

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

27 minutes ago, WRB said:

I would look at at G. Loomis PR 845 C as a model of the ideal popping rod.

If interested I will measure the tip rig ID.

Tom

I think that might be a little heavy for his liking. It’s rated for 3/8-1oz. All of his current setups are 1/4-5/8oz or 1/4-3/4oz. He has been having issues with his knot passing through the tip top so I’m looking to build this one a little bigger but dint want to go too big. Do you use a line to line knot with a leader on it?
 

Also... not sure that it matters but this will be a spinning rod 

 

Update: Just noticed the 843 model is rated 1/4-5/8oz. 

[.ghoti.]

A Fuji Alconite in size 5 will reliably pass a leader knot. A size 5 Alconite has a ceramic ring which has an outside diameter of 5mm. Not a 5mm inside diameter. A size 5 alconite has a different ID than a size 5 SiC. The rings are of a different thickness. Basically, if you knock the ceramic ring out and measure the ID of what’s left, you get the guide size. 

 

Always thought this is a stupid way to specify guide sizes.

[WRB]

10 hours ago, Big_Easy_Bassin said:

I think that might be a little heavy for his liking. It’s rated for 3/8-1oz. All of his current setups are 1/4-5/8oz or 1/4-3/4oz. He has been having issues with his knot passing through the tip top so I’m looking to build this one a little bigger but dint want to go too big. Do you use a line to line knot with a leader on it?
 

Also... not sure that it matters but this will be a spinning rod 

 

Update: Just noticed the 843 model is rated 1/4-5/8oz. 

The Loomis popping rod is sleeper 1/4 oz small crankbait rod becuase the upper section is parabolic designed to launch live bait a long distance yet have enough backbone to  control strong salt water fish like Bone Fish. I wouldn't let the rating influence lures choice. The spinning model 844S should work. I use the 845C for structure spoons 1/4 to 1 oz with good success, soft tip so the hooks don't pull out and enough backbone to handle big bass. 

You are making a custom rod for your dad, not trying to derail you, just a touch feel to give a good comparison of what you are making.

Tom

PS, tip guide ID is .132/3.3mm, OD .216/5.5mm

[spoonplugger1]

Ghoti gave some great advise, both my spinning GL3 and casting GLX 844's have 7mm tip tops, but they are both 25 years old, long before braid was used 5mm should work fine with your setup no matter the knot.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A well tied Albright joining 50# PP and 15# mono will pass a 4.5 Fuji Alconite. What most consider a “micro” guide. 

[Alex from GA]

Agree with a 5.  I use an FG knot until I break the line on the water then I'll use a triple surgeons knot.  I usually use either 15 or 20 braid and 12 or 20 lb fluorocarbon for my leader.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, Alex from GA said:

Agree with a 5.  I use an FG knot until I break the line on the water then I'll use a triple surgeons knot.  I usually use either 15 or 20 braid and 12 or 20 lb fluorocarbon for my leader.

Do you own a popping rod?

5.5mm is what my G. Loomis PR845C popping rod has for the tip guide, they should know.

Tom

[spoonplugger1]

Production rods error on the side of not knowing what the angler is going to use as far as reels, lines and knots. The custom builder hopefully has this nailed down before he builds a rod.

[WRB]

The drop builder is the person asking the question.

Tom

[Big_Easy_Bassin]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I’ve decided on a 5.5 Fuji F with the Alconite ring. Thinking the 5.5 will help cut down on leader knot stress when making long, aggressive casts with that whipping motion.