I have built many rods but never a fly rod.I got my hands on a Graphite USA blank.909DH That would be a 2pc. 9' 9wt.I could use some input on putting some components together for this project.I will be building it for myself to have a little fun.I don't want to go nuts on the reel seat or guides but I don't want any junk either.Salt water 90% of the time.I'm just not real familiar with fly guides except what we've been doing with the micro-fad.I like the look of the REC guides,never used any.Maybe an aluminum reel seat,up or down,fighting but,I don't know.Need Input.Anyone up on fly rods please give me a holler.

Your going to have lots of fun with that blank. Angler's Workshop used the GUSA blanks in their Salt Stalker line of blanks and have a decent kit set up for them. I used a 20, 16, 5 and the rest 3's on my build. I used a spacing of 5, 10 1/8, 16 1/8, 22 1/4, 29 1/2, 37 1/8, 45 3/8, 54 1/4, 65 3/16, 77 3/8.

Up locking aluminum reel seat would be a good choice. Down locking not suitable for that heavy of a rod! Fighting butt very applicable for salt water use also.

Can't go wrong with an aluminum uplocking Struble with a fighting butt, shouldn't have to pay more than $40 for one. Pac Bay also make good ones for less money.

Mick -- You will never go wrong with a Fuji graphite 16 spin seat used for your fly seat. Use it up-locking with a fighting butt behind it. Also as another option, take the threaded hood off and replace if with a Fuji quick lock hood that is cover with you choice of material, cork, burl cork, etc. and a rubberized ring on the end for protection. Use a nice Full Wells style grip. For guides, I prefer ceramic ring guides for strippers and running guides. Use proper sizes that will pass fly line/ backing connection. Generally a nice size fish in the salt will put you in the backing, We Hope !! Come see me and I'll be glad to help.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

Full wells grip.
Up-locking graphite reel seat w removeable fighting butt.
10 guides plus tip top
H&H standard tip top
Recoil #3 titanium double foot std wire (3 reqd)
H&H #3 double foot (2 reqd)
H&H #4 double foot (3 reqd)
H&H #10 double foot stripper guide
H&H #12 double foot stripper guide

Good fishing
Gene

At the most, only 3 guide sizes are needed.

If you're after utility and performance, Bob has given you some great advice.

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

Thanks Bob.I'll be in the first of the week to get some parts and go over some things.I talked to Todd earlier and he said he would be happy to share some ideas.You guys at the Mudhole are always a big help.I'm really looking forward to having some fun with this thing in the fall.Now for saltwater flies!
Thanks again,Mick

Great forum.I want to thank everyone for such quick replies.
Mick Hinton