After reading the "Live Bait Rods" article in recent RodMaker magazine (Vol 8 - Issue 6), I've gotten the urge for a new rod to use off NC coast for Kings. Wanted to go with a 7 rod using the Simple Spiral (Bumper) System. I've built a couple of "conventional" spiral wrap rods before but never one with the "bumper" setup. The article recommended a Seeker CLB blank - so I was thinking CLB708 in this case. I plan on using a Shimano SpeedMaster reel with the rod.

I'm hoping I'll be able to find the blank (or something very similar) at the upcoming Rodbuilder Show. And most of the components I'll need too. So I'm trying to put together my "shopping list" before going.

Problem is, this is my first time using the Bumper system and I'm not sure what type and size guides would work best for my application. I like the idea of using single foot guides (with Forhan locking wrap), where possible.

I'd REALLY appreciate any suggestions on the guides and/or other blanks similar to the CLB708 that I might consider (and find at the show).

I might steer you to the CLB706 instead, the 708 is a beast and probably overkill, In fact, I've built plenty of 704's for king fishing and the owners love them. Joe Pfister (president of Seeker) will be at the show, but Seeker will not have a booth. Still, you can run him down and pick his brain if you like. One of the dealers there will likely have Seeker blanks on hand. I'm sure Lamiglas, St. Croix, Batson, American Tackle, etc., will also have very suitable blanks for this type application. Great chance to talk to them and see what think - remember, they aren't sending reps, they're sending company owners, blank designers, etc. These guys will have good answers for you, not just sales jargon.

I use NSG type guides for these rods. You can probably get away with single foots underneath the rod, with a security wrap. Although once you move to something like the 706 I don't think the weight savings will be extremely noticeable.

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Tom,

THANKS for the quick reply. If you were building the CLB706, what size of NSG type guides would you use? And what would you use for the bumper guide? Your article recommends 10 guides (including bumper), right??

I'd do it pretty much like the sample in the article, but I might stick with double footed guides all the way, in the same sizes. Your butt guide size will be determined by your reel size. A #20 is surely large enough. I like to keep the bumper low so I wouldn't use any larger guide than is required to easily pass any shocker knots or connections you might use on the rod.

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