5 or 6 guides. The 5 guide set looks OK but 6 looks better. I read most use 5. Guides are 50, 40, 25, 20, 16, & 16 tip. An extra 16 w/ 6 guide set up. 704 reel w/ stripper 38" from reel stem and first 16 guide 8"- 8.5" from tip.. Any suggestions. Thanks

There are a number of ways to go. But I think 6 guides. You can go as you said but the 6th I would go 12 and then a 16 tip. You can also go 16 plus the 16 tip or even 12 guide 12 tip.

You can also go 40 HH , 30 , 25 , 20 , 16 , 12 16 tip. For the704 reel , I guess I'd go 50 but for most more modern reels with tapered spools , I'd go 40 HH.

Thanks saltheart. Would you consider a VS250 modern or old school. With luck a VS might hang on it by fall.

Sorry but I never took any interest in the VS reels so I couldn't tell you much about it. Mike P has some , he would know if its a tapered spool and what diameter , etc.