Using braid with a leader on micro-guide rods

[Maggiesmaster]

I’ve changed to 30 lb yellow braid with a 12 lb mono leader, tied with a Shin knot.  All my rods have standard guides.  Would this knot/ line combo cast well on rods with micro guides?

[Lead Head]

There are different size "micro guides". I can get 30lb 832 with 16lb fc sniper through #5 guides without any casting issues using a few different knots. Only problems I run into is the knot hanging on the tip top guide when reeling in with the rod tip up, and the same hang up when dropping line off the reel with the tip up. I have found I have this issue with every line/leader/guide size combination I have ever used, and pulling any knot up and into the tip top at such a steep angle, I expect it. The FG knot isn't nearly as bad as others, but still sticks. 

 

I think any guide size 5 and below is considered micro and I have no experience with guides smaller than 5. See if you can narrow down your question to a specific guide size (or rod with known guide size) and maybe someone else will have a more specific answer for you. 

 

[new2BC4bass]

I know micro guides were the new fad a few years ago, but I personally prefer standard size.  Some of my rods have micro guides.  Not all are the same size as Lead Head stated.  Some look like they would have a hard time passing 25# Fluorocarbon line. 

[dodgeguy]

10 hours ago, Lead Head said:

There are different size "micro guides". I can get 30lb 832 with 16lb fc sniper through #5 guides without any casting issues using a few different knots. Only problems I run into is the knot hanging on the tip top guide when reeling in with the rod tip up, and the same hang up when dropping line off the reel with the tip up. I have found I have this issue with every line/leader/guide size combination I have ever used, and pulling any knot up and into the tip top at such a steep angle, I expect it. The FG knot isn't nearly as bad as others, but still sticks. 

 

I think any guide size 5 and below is considered micro and I have no experience with guides smaller than 5. See if you can narrow down your question to a specific guide size (or rod with known guide size) and maybe someone else will have a more specific answer for you. 

 

Which I would think would eventually knock out the insert.

[Lead Head]

No, #5 are just (I THINK) the largest of what is considered "micro guides". They go much smaller. Thats why I was asking if he knew the actual size.

 

As to knocking out the tip top insert... highly unlikely. I'm not slamming it with any force, or even allowing it to catch at all. I simply do not reel the leader knot into my tip with my rod straight up. And you would likely have to do that several hundred times to equal the force of using your rod to retrieve a single snagged lure... 

 

Its a interesting thought though, I have never heard of anyone losing a insert to a leader knot. I'm sure it has happened to someone..

[5by3]

If I remember correctly, #5 is a “mid-micro” guide. It’s right in between a regular size guide and a traditional micro guide. could be wrong though - you may want to double check.

[FishTank]

Micro guides and leader knots, to me, are just going to make casting more difficult, even with the best knot.   

[Michigander]

I avoid micro guides altogether because I use connection knots.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

There are different size micro guides, ranging from really small to what they call semi micro guides.  Try to find out what size they are if you can and post it, someone on here will know if they are too small for knots.  

There are a few things you can do to minimize the odds of the knot catching the guide.

 

The first is obviously using a really small knot, I like Crazy Alberto as much or more then the FG.  Its strong, compact and relatively easy to tie quickly.

 

Secondly, you should trim the mono or FC tag till its almost flush with the bottom of the knot with a pair of clippers.  Some people think if the knots tightens on a fish or snag the tag will slip under the braid and the knot will fail.  As long as the knot is seated correctly when it was tied you wont run into that problem.

 

The third is to apply a knot glue to get rid of any edges that may catch on the guides.  I personally don't do it, but it does work. 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I can pass a 50# braid to 15# mono Albright knot through a 4.5 guide no problem. No knot is knocking out an inset unless the guides are pure junk. 

[Maggiesmaster]

How do I find out the size of my micro guides? My rods are Duckett Ghost, 6’8”.  

[CrankFate]

On 11/15/2020 at 7:34 AM, new2BC4bass said:

I know micro guides were the new fad a few years ago, but I personally prefer standard size.  Some of my rods have micro guides. 

Same here. Has never been a problem, because I just use very thin line. When knot size is an issue, I set up with a short enough leader that doesn’t get reeled in past the rod tip. One tip is tie a uni to overhand knot. I know, it’s a weak knot, but I’ve never lost a fish to a break off at the knot.