what is the purpose of rod guides?

"Marcel K Haesok" wrote in message ...
Hi all---
In cases of big-game fishing involving 100's of pounds-game fish,
I see that many professionals recommend rods with guides.
I have always thought that these guides were nothing but pain in the
neck,
in that it does nothing except prevent the fat swivels from climbing up
to my reel.

Could someone elucidate their purpose?

Thanks much. Marcel

Marcel, the guides allow the load from the fish to be distributed
along the rod blank in a controlled fashion. The main problem with
guides is they produce friction, roller guides serve to reduce the
friction. I'm not sure if wider guides would produce more problems
than they would solve. If you want to wind your swivel onto the rod
their are manufacturers that make very small swivels that are very
strong as well. They work very well for fish like Sailfish, but for
larger fish I would be afraid that they would get hung up in the
guides if the fish takes a last run for it, causing a break off. What
about simply using shorter leaders? I've used some real short ones on
Tuna without a problem when fishing shorthanded.