I am going to be building my first rod as soon as I finish building my rod wrapping jig. But I wanted to clarify some specs before I purchase materials.

The specs on the rod blank are as follows ... The rod blank is a 5' fiberglass ultra lite spinning blank with the tip size of 5.0 and the butt diameter as .350.

First I need to find out the correct guide spacing and giuide sizes for this blank. Could anyone help me?

I looked in mudhole's catalog and they recommeded guide sizes for this size of rod was [6-8-10-16-20] but then in other information I've read they recommend guides sizes to be [8-10-16-20-25]. Now which is correct?

Also the measurement in inches for guide placements are recommended by mudhole for this size of rod blank to be [5-10.5-17-25-34.25]. Does this seem to be correct?

Thanks ahead of time for answers.

JW

First, I would pretty much throw out the spacing chart other than as a starting point! Go to the library above and read the article on the New guide Concept Primer. This will give you the most effective set up for your rod. My choice would be Fuji Alconite Concept guides BYAG 20, 10 and BLAG fly type size 6's (3 or 4) to the tip and finish with a Fuji concept lightweight tip. Let you static deflection tell you the best guide placement.

I'm sure that you will get other opinions. This is definately the place to come for opinions/info.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

James,

Mike is right, nobody can tell you what the correct spacing for your blank is going to be. That is very much dependent on the reel you use, the handle length, the line diameter, etc. Sure, almost anything will work to some extent, but it's so easy to learn to do your own guide spacing and the rewards so great that it's a shame that more builders won't take the plunge and just learn how to do it.

...........

That is a mighty big butt for a 5 ft. ultra lite and the tip is on the high side of what I consider and ultra light. As Tom said alot depends on the reel to be used. 80% of what I build is ultra lite. I have never build on that short of a rod but I know I would want a guide within about 4.5 inches or closer to the tip. I would use a 6-7-10 - 12 or 16- 20 or 25 alot depends on the reel and weight of line you use. Spacing is going to be a little tricky and you may want to consider six guides with those rod specs.

Ed Smith