Q & A: Reverse Style Footer Guide On Tuna Casting Rods

Q: I just took delivery of a Hogy Tuna Spinning Rod. It appears one of the guides is backwards?

A: Reverse Footer Guide System: Some tuna rods feature a “backwards” first guide, with the guide facing toward the reel instead of away from it. This design choice is primarily based on line management and casting reasons.

1. Improved Casting: The backwards orientation of the first guide can help reduce line slap on the blank during a cast. When casting, especially with braided lines, the line can come off the reel in wide coils

2. Line Management: The backward-facing guide can help in managing the line, especially when it comes off the reel in big loops or coils. This can be particularly useful with certain reel types or line types that don’t lay line evenly on the reel.

3. Reduced Friction: By directing the line more directly from the reel, the backward-facing guide can reduce the angle at which the line enters the guide, potentially reducing friction and wear on both the line and the guide itself.

4. Improved Knot Clearance: For anglers using knots to connect leaders or other terminal tackle, the backward-facing guide can provide more clearance for knots, reducing the chance of hang-ups or friction as the knot passes through the guide.