Wondered if anyone’s tried this yet? I’ve a built a couple of Cape Fear rods previously (spinning and King Live Bait) and really like the unique design of their blanks - plus most of my fishing is done near the mouth of the Cape Fear River at Southport, NC :-).

I usually build a couple of rods or so a year (with at least one that’s a “winter” project). For this year’s project I wanted to try the spiral wrap transition method on a casting rod to use inshore for flounder, drum, etc. Thought the hexagonal design of the Cape Fear would work well by placing the transition guides on the 2 “side” facets of the blank (the 60 & 120 degree guides).

I plan on using an ADV170-70B blank (10-20 lb; ½ - 1 1/8 oz) and following Fuji’s Guide Specs for a standard bait casting rod (with the exception of using “lower” ones for the transition guides). Here’s my guide list (from butt to tip):

TSVSG16
TLNSG12J (instead of TSVSG12)
TLNSG10J (instead of TSVSG10)
TLNSG8J (instead of TSVSG8)
TSG8
TSG7
TSG7
TSG7
TSG7
TLST7(6)

Also plan on using EVA grips (I prefer those around saltwater) and a new (?) Fuji Soft Touch reel seat. I’ve never seen ones of those and wondered if anyone has used one before and if it was worth the extra $$?

Since I’ve never tried the spiral wrap before, thought it’d be a good idea to check with the “pros” before getting started.

THANKS in advance for the help!

Yes, I would keep the transition guides low to the blank, so the casting models would be better for this.

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You have fewer spiral wrap options on a hexagonal blank. You have to go 0-60-120-180. The only question is how far apart each guide will be. The longer you space them out the straighter your line path will be. I don't think it makes much difference on heavier rods and would get all the guides spiralled around in less than 18 inches if it was me.