I got a request to build a 7-8 foot spining rod for a gal that pier fishes in San Diego. She wants it to be one piece and sturdy enough for casting/lifting etc. I am looking for any suggestions on which blank, guides, reel seat, etc to use. I have always been a fan of Seeker and Calstar, but open to any suggestions. Also what size, type, and how many guides should I use? I would like to use cork tape as the grips to keep with the San Diego style deckhand rods. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Also feel free to send pics if you like. I am just trying to gather information and parts lists to get this project going. Thanks for all your help. Brad

Sounds like she needs a tough blank to hold up under dead-lifting fish and 'horseshoe-ing' fish and heavy rigs over the rails. Seeker sounds like a good bet...I'd stay clear of the higher modulus blanks for durability issues. I'm not a pier fisherman but I have done some of it and observed what goes on.

Give Karen a jingle at Bingham Enterprises (a sponsor on the left). She may have access to some longer, one-piece, saltwater blanks in a lower modulus.

Guides: on an eight footer you want nine guides plus tip top (10 total). Just guessing at the size of reel she is using and for some 'bang around' stability I would go with a double foot #30 (or the next size up) for the butt guide and 6 mm single foots for the runners and tip top.

How and where you place the choker guide (the first small running guide) is dependant on the size of reel she'll typically use. Do some reading in the library (click button above) and it will answer many of your questions about the size and placement of the guides. There is no set way to do it...just ways better than others.

Les