I have a 6 foot 3 inch blank I plan to build into a spinning rod for pier fishing in Florida. The action is VERY FAST. What can I expect so far as distance of casts with a somewhat shorter rod of this action? Any suggestions such as using fewer guides, etc? Thanks for your input and opinions.

John

John,
That seems awfully short for a pier rod. Have you considered lengthening the blank? A longer rod will definitely boost your casting distances. The longer the blank the larger the arc of your cast. I would think an 8' rod would be optimum for pier fishing. In addition to casting further it will help you guide fish around obstacles.
Check the RodMaker Magazine site (in the sponsor list to the left) for the back issue with detailed instructions for adding length to a blank. It is not as difficult as you may think. The results will be a huge improvement.
Tight Lines,
Dave

The extra-fast action is going to limit how much weight you can throw, and thus also the distance you can get. It will depend also on the power of the rod, but you'd be lucky to get 50 yards, and probably less. The piers I fish in NC discourage or prohibit actual casting, instead you drop-swing the bait out. Even so, I'd worry about getting any sizeable fish up to the planks with that rod, I'd be afraid it would break at the tip. XF rods excel at throwing light lures ordinary distances, and for providing high sensitivity, but you trade-off other aspects of rod performance for that.