Hello all. I was curious as to if there was a recommended distance for the space between the reel and the first guide for a spinning rod? This would be for a ten foot steelhead rod.
thanks,
Tom.

19 to 23 inches usually gets you in the ballpark depending on your reel/guides. You read the article in the library right? Sure helps a lot.

18-24 inches from the face of the reel.

Lay the guides up starting with the stripper, working toward the tip. Then, mess with the guide spacing for each guide, assuming nothing and not following any particular formula. Just use the old (very old) idea of making sure the line doesn't touch the rod when the rod is bent "in reverse" (upside down) and that there are no flat spots between the guides, and also that the progression of the line from the stripper to the tip looks pretty kmuch even, guide-to-guide.

Move each guide, including the stripper, as needed to make the flow even when you bend the rod as though it were under load. Notice that this is not a scientific explanation, nor is it a formula. I haven't suggested any particular number or sizes of guides. It's just a general idea. It takes two passes - one as you add each guide, bend the rod both ways to see the effect, and then add the next guide, for each guide; and the second to fine-tune it when you get it layed out to the tip.

Now go cast it. Does the line slap the rod from the reel to the stripper? Is the stripper too small? Is the cast smooth and accurate? Does it get the distance you expected? If not, mess with the layour till it does.

Unce Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Thanks for the suggestions. I reviewed the "Rod Building Guide" but there were no distances given. I had forgotten about the library which was perfect. thanks again,
Tom.

Hello Tom
In the library read the concept guide system primer by Tom Kirkman.
Anyone that wants a good performing spinning rod should read this article and take it to heart.
Where the butt guide goes is determined using this technique and the size of the ring is determined by the size of reel your using and the type of line/lines that will be used -stiffness of the line is a factor that needs to be taken into consideration. If for example a limp line is used the size of the guide ring can be smaller however if a stiff line is going to be used then the guide size needs to be larger. If you don't know what line will be used us the larger guide so the line will not be over choked.
Joe