I've built some long (fly) rods, but never a surf rod. I am starting a '13 surf rod, ATC E-Glass, rated for 20 - 40 #, 6 oz. I know the number of guides should be minimized, as lack of friction = casting distance, which is important in the surf. Surf rods I've looked at seem to have fewer guides than say a fresh water spinning rod. Any advice and direction would be appreciated.

JC

Do a static deflection test to get a base set up, I built a 12 foot alstar that uses 6 guides and casts Very well. I used a 50 mm for a first guidedown to 12mm with a 12mm tip

I know this is off subject, and I apologize, but I am building a 5 1/2 foot bass rod, 10 tip .750 butt, am. tak. unibutt, guides 50, 30, 20, 20 tip. (fuji surf tip). So I hope the surf rod market booms, I love their parts!

Barry
Would several more guides help in casting ??

Too few guides can be as bad as too many. Are you building for a casting or spinning reel?

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Levi,

Are you going to beat the bass with it???? What kind of bass?

Levi; 5 1/2 feet 50-30-20 20 tip with a uni-butt? What kind of reel? Why start with a 50!

Bill; One maybe two but that would only be if the static test was showing that you need them to clear up any flat spots. If it's a conventional then i would Bumper wrap it but test first

Tom, It will be for a spinning outfit. All of my conventionals are spiral-wrapped!
JC

Surf Spinning Rods can be set up using the Fuji New Concept Guide System or in the Cone of Flight layout. I would use the Concept System as it will reduce the weight closer to the tip of the rod.This increases the damping qualities of the rod as well as providing greater sensitivity. Cone of flight is the traditional way and it will work well too. The key is in first determining the inherent flex of the blank and then replicating that as closely as possible by accurate placement of the guides. Setting up a rod in the Concept System is expained in an article in the Library. The reel will provide the basis for the choke point and the size and location of the guides out to that point. From choke point to tip use the smallest ring size which permits your knots (especially for a shock leader connection) to pass. The number of guides necessary will be3come evident as you follow the steps as outlined in that article. Alconite guides are a reasonably priced option for the surf environment. It is worth considering spending extra for guides with an even greater resistance to the salt and surf environment. Titanium framed SIC guides would be my first choice if I was willing to pay the added price. The many Titanium Nitride guides offered by American Tackle Co. and others are worthy alternatives. A good washdown (and drying) after every use is one of the best ways to prevent rust.