I am building my first rod and want to position my reel seat properly. The rod blank is a seeker 660h and will have hypalon grips. I intend to use it for dolphin, small tuna etc., basically a 30-50# 6 foot, all purpose rod. Just wondering if there are any hard and fast rules or distances from the butt end that I should use.

You need to put it where it needs to be. Now I know that doesn't give you much information to go by, but just consider how you'll be using the rod. In a fighting belt/harness? Will you just stick the butt in your gut and go about your business? In other words, when you're holding the rod in a fish fighting position, where does your reel hand fall? Where does your rod hand fall? Situate the reel so that it's located in the position that is comfortable for you, and then size your butt grip accordingly.

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Matt; As Tom says put it where it needs to be. You really need to mock up the rod in the Rod Belt or Harness you intend to use. The position will be different if you are using a Fighting Chair so go sit in one and see what position is most comfortable.

A rule of thumb for a stand up rod is to set the middle of the reel seat to the Butt the measured length from your elbow to the end of your thumb. That's a good place to start. That will set your rear grip length and position your reel seat. The fore grip can be almost any length you feel comfortable with but if you intend to use the rod on the rail I would suggest a foregrip length of about 14 inches.

Hope this helps a bit and if you have more questions just send me E-Mail.

Jim

Hi Matt,
I aggree with Tom and Jim. However, if your reel has the appropiate mounting hardware
you could forgo the reel seat and build the entire handle with "cork tape". The reel could
then be mounted anywhere along the handle. Persons with different arm lengths and preferences could use the rod with the same comfort.
Some builders do not care for cork tape but I have found it very useful at times for saltwater
rods and it's quick and inexspensive as well. Also, I have a couple of rods I built over 20yrs ago
and the cork tape handles are holding up fine!
Just an idea