I would like to start of by saying nice site you guys have here. I was seaching the internet for info on rod building and found this. I am about to build my first rod, and need some help. I am in the process of placing my first order with Mud Hole. I have done some research and found the componets I need but I am not sure how to pick a reel seat. How do I know what size I need? The first rod I am going to build I will just be using one of the $10 sanded graphite blanks from mud hole 6-7 ft @ med action, then I think I will step up to st. croix. Thanks for any help!!

Well, we need to know if it is a flyrod, spinning or drift rod. You want to make sure the bore in the reel seat is larger than the butt end of you rod. The butt diameter is alway's listed on the website, in the specifacations. The reel seats also have their inside diameter listed as well. Tom

You have to give us some info! What kind, spinning, casting, fly??? Since it's mostly personal preference, it's what's comfortable to you. Are you hands large, med, small?

Mike

Tom, We must have been typing at the same time!!

Mike

Sorry, about that it will be a spinning rod.

Go to the website and look thru the reel seat section and find a design that looks good
to you. CALL them and ask them to fit that seat model to the blank you are ordering.
Also, see if they will size the tip for you if you order the guides from them as well.
Most suppliers are willing to help in that way. They can even put together a complete
kit with blank, reel seat, guides, all fitted nicely.

For a spinning rod I think you would really like the new Fuji DNPS style reel seat.
Not as inexspensive as some but not to pricy either (unless you want the cobra model)

Good luck and have fun!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

For a spinning rod of that size you will need a size 16 seat.

Ed,
While most rods of that type are fitted with 16mm reel seats it is important to select the diameter that is most comfortable to you. Personally I avoid never use the 16's as they are too narrow for comfort. The tight grip aroung such a narrow tube will cause discomfort for me during a day of fishing. I stick with 17mm or 18mm seats for rods like that.
I agree with Ray about the comfort of the Fuji DNPS seats. If you mount the seat with the threaded barrel towards the tip of the rod you will add to the comfort level. It is much nicer to have a smooth surface under your hand than the threads and the winding nut.
Remember, this is custom rod building... so build it to suit the user; in this case YOU!
Dave

Thanks for all the help. I purchased the 16 , 17 ,18 in both the NPS and the deluxe. I will eventually use them all. My son was watching me shop for componets last night and is asked me to build him a custom for shad fishing. So, if everything goes ok with this first one I will build me and him a set of twins for shad fishing.

One more question, what do you guys use to glue your cork rings together when making your own handle?

Trondak U-40 Rod Bond is the most popular

Link to the left

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..