My first fly rod,witch side will the reel go on,inside spine or outside?

There is only one spline, common theory is that it goes on top in a saltwater fly rod, on the underside on freshwater rods.

If you put it on the inside of the spine you will have a rod that is gentler on tippets and has slightly better unloading of the rod. You will not have as much fish fighting ability as you would the other way.

If you put it on the outside of the spine, you will have a better weapon to fight with, but you may lose more fish unless you're gentle with the strike. The rod will load more easily.

I always put the reel seat and guides on the inside of the spine for trout rods, and on the outside for pike, bass, and saltwater rods. Delicacy is more important on the former, power more important on the latter.

Or, place it so that any (reasonable) natural curve is down. I used to obsess over the spine location and spoof the factory rods use of the natural curve as trickery (making the rod look straight in the store). I now think that the spine location is not that big a deal so having a "straight" finished rod is now my goal. Just an opinion.

Butch,

I think the effect of the spline on the way a blank performs is overrated. If you put it on top or bottom depending on who you talk to that would be fine...you will get a different answer with every one you speak to. I think it can't hurt to go ahead and place on top or bottom. But I honestly don't think once you have placed guides and wraps and with the physics of what happens with the line while you are fishing you will be able to tell any difference...I can't.

Manufacturers do not see any value in it.