Hello,
I am fairly new to rodbuilding.I also get a great amount of satisfaction out of building a rod as I'm sure all of you do.Great therapy!I also want to do the best I can to build a rod as correctly as I can.Again, just like everbody else.My next rod is going to be a nine ft. graphite surf rod with concept guides(spinning rod).I was taught to place guides directly opposite effective spine.My question is ,is that the best and most effective place for the guides?(casting,landing a fish).I have noticed on previously built rods that under a load,(landing a fish) that the rod and or reel would want to twist or torque to my left.Am i doing something wrong or is this a normal condition?Any knowledge or expertise in this area would be a great help.
Much Thanks Again
Matt Gates

If the guides are on the bottom of the rod, it will not twist. Go to the FAQs page here on this site and it will explain the pros and cons of the various places where you can locate the guides in relation to the spine effect.

Mike is absolutely right. Casting rods are inherently unstable due to the fact that the guides are placed on top. Conversely, spinning rods due to the fact that the guides are underneath the blank, are relatively stable and will not produce twisting.

Hope this helps.

Marv Schroeder