I have read the FAQ's about this but I am still a bit confused.

Is it the recommended practice to put the spine on the bottom in line with the fly reel?

Thanks,

Spencer
Largo, Florida

There is no recommended place to orient the spine on a fly rod, or any other type rod for that matter. You can't go wrong here - put it where ever you want it and the rod will work just fine.

What I would do is tape up a set of guides, on the spine, opposite the spine and then along the bottom of the rod's natural concave curve and do some casting. In an hour or less you'll know which scenario you like best. And, the one you like best is the proper one for you.


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Spencer,

I alwasy put the guides on the "belly" of the rod. I think of the spine as the backbone and put them on the underside. Just something that I've found works best for me. Pleas email me if you have any questions.

John
jdewitt@magicwandflyrods.com
www.magicwandflyrods.com

The spine is generally considered the outside of the curve the blank forms when pressured and allowed to roll into it's preferred location (the softest axis).

What you're doing is what most commercial rod makers do and is to put the guides on the straightest axis. It's certainly a good method.

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I tend to put my own personal guides on the spine itself. Meaning the backbone. (I know this next statement will go against the grain and spur endless debate and comments). On the spinning and fly rods that I have built for myself it seems to "soften" the rod's performance action. If it is in my mind, its in my mind! LOL, but at least I BELIEVE it strongly.

For customers, I always put it on the belly.

Hope that helps. And if it makes you feel better...I struggled with this question as well. Sometimes the instructions, video, online, books, etc, don't spell it out with enough specifics to be sure you know what they are truly describing.

Domenic Federico
Infinity Rod Creations

I have always preferrred the method Spencer Phipps describedfor spining and casting rods. This arrangement works well on the quality factory rods I have used and see no reason to vary from that on those type rods I rods I build.

For multi piece fly rods I prefer to align all sections on the straightest axis. Then I test to see how the rod actually vibrates and dampens and align the guides on the softer side of that axis. The net result is a straight blank with the guides on the underside along the inside curve of the axis that the blank naturally flexes to rest. I hope I this explanation is easy to follow. For me it makes asense and, even though the benefits are probably minimal, at least they are working together in a beneficial way.

Dave