I have the split grip shaped, fuji ecm reel seat cut out to expose the full blank and the threads cut off approx 1/2 inch so now I am ready tp wrap and finish. I cut about an inch of the butt and the rod stands at 85". This rod will primarily be used for buzzbaits, traps, crankbaits - largemouth bass fishing!

What method - spiral, simple spiral, conventional do you use and recommend?
What size guides preferred?
What spacing works for you for recommended method?

THX

i have the same blank with a traditional guide/wrap setup. If you don't plan on using a leader of any sort that will have a knot to pass through the eyes, I would try a simple spiral with sz3 or 4 running guides. If you do a spiral, you may have to use up to a size 7 or 8 double foot guide for the butt and bumper guide due to the diameter of the blank. If you are leary of mic... er uh .... really small guides, you can run single foot 6s pretty much from the 1st 180* to the tip. You'll probably have to experiment a little to get the right butt, bumper and 180 combination with a blank as thick as this one however.

Regards,
-Justin

Gary - I have built quite a few of these blanks lately, IMHO it's the best crankbait blank on the market. I have built two different guide set ups, one with fuji alconites and the others with Amtak titanium ring locks. Both are sweet but the titanium's are the way to go, shoot me an email and ill give you the guide numbers and spacing if you want. Im building 2 BS756S blanks right now that I extended to 7' 10''. I cant build these fast enough, you will absolutely love it for crankbaiting, it will be the best and favorite rod you own, which you will want to throw more and will increase your confidence in crankbaiting.

Mike Thompson
Thompson's Custom Rods

It is impossible to make anything foolproof, because fools are so ingenious!

With the ECS seat have you tried putting a reel on it. 1/2" is a lot of thread to cut off. I think I usually cut off .400" off the threads and the nut is usually flush with the end of the threads of the seat.

1/2 " is an estimate. I measure with a reel on it prior to cutting with a band saw.............after it is cut I end up with one or two threads showing cause that's what i like ................ :)

Mike - sent you an e-mail - THX