At first glance, I figured the micro guides on the Duckett Fishing Micro Magic rod – especially the one closest to the reel – would hinder casting distance by not allowing free movement of the line. After I took the rod out on the water, however, I found the opposite to be true.

The micro guides cut down on line slap, which resulted in incredibly long casts with even the lightest lures. Micro guides also decrease the overall weight of the rod. A rod that weighs less is easier to balance, and when I put different reels on the Micro Magic Rod, the weight distribution was spot-on. Less weight and smaller guides also allow for more guides per rod. The more guides, the more sensitivity because there are more points of line-to-guide contact, which is transmitted down the blank to the handle.

Plus, I love that the micro guides mean there are fewer tangles when rods are stored together. And because they’re small, the guides are less likely to be bent or broken when somebody accidentally steps on a rod.

The series of Micro Magic Rods is available in 17 baitcasting models, eight spinning models and eight cranking models, with full- and split-cork grips. Prices range from $149 to $179.

(duckettfishing.com)