I am going to build a 9 foot fly rod. approx. 3 to 5 weight. I would like to try using the New Guide Concept of spacing. I would rather not use the standard progressive guide spacing process. I would like to use stripper guides on the butt section and instead of using spiral snake guides on the tip section I want to use single foot fly/spinning guides. Has anyone on the forum tried this approach. Also I need to know how to figure out the location of the first stripper guide from the fly reel, is there a formula for this. This is my first attempt at a Fly rod any help would be appreciated.

The NGC as it applies to spinning rods isn't really applicable on fly or casting rods - the reels dictate otherwise. Fly and casting reels do not present the same problem that a spinning reel does so that system just isn't necessary.

What you want to do is locate the butt or stripping guide about 30 or 31 inches from the butt of the rod (regardless of what length rod you have) and then use perhaps 1 intermediate guide and then running guides of all the same size - the smallest and lightest that will pass your required connections and stand up to the type fishing you do. If you'll do that, you've pretty much done all you can do with regard to guide sizing on a fly rod. Progressive spacing, I'm afraid, is about as good as it gets for most any rod of this type. Not sure what else you could do there that wouldn't handicap the rod in some way.

............

Ron,
I have a spreadsheet that I utilize for guide locations on my fly rods.
I would share it with you if you have a spreadsheet program to run it. (Excel, Openoffice, etc)
If you'd like a copy leave your e-mail address and I'll forward one.

Gene Moore

Gene, I'd love to check out a copy also
mbarkley@wowway.com

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

That sounds great, I have Excel so it should work.
dzunic@stny.rr.com

One rule of thumb for the stripper is: it should be just beyond the reach of your stripping hand, so that you are able to strip the line behind the guide. This can mean different positions depending upon ones arm length.

As for the question of using strippers on the butt and S/F on the tip, its done all the time!

What ever system you use for initial placing of the guides, always check them with the static test B-4 wrapping.

Gene,
I would like a copy of that spread sheet program. If I may please. Thanks

Thanks to all,
It's nice to know when you seek advice, the forum responds. I am all set ready to build.
Thanks again
Ron

So what is the reasoning behind using the same size guides after the stripper on a fly rod and would it matter if you were using snakes vs single foot ceramics. I am building an 8'6" 4 pc 3 wt on a blank design that I have used twice already and I have used oversized guides on the previous 2 (stripper, snakes on both). The third one I want to build with a conventional stripper and single foot ceramics.