I am building a 1502 surf rocket, conventional style, reel seat center 29 inches from butt. I spaced it out using fuji bmnag guides. I got a total of 10 going 25, 20, 16, then 12's. It casted decently but being new to conventional surf casting I can't get a real feel since I am just learning the technique.
I was wondering if I can go with less guides, if the number I have will hurt anything if I keep it like it is, and if I am at least in the ballpark. The reel is a slosh 30, first guide is four inches from tip, butt guide is about 38 inches from center of reel seat. I have built a couple of surf spinners but this is my first conventional surf set-up. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan Grulke

see "Guide Selection and Spacing for Surf Casting Rod"....currently on pg2...same blank

Thanks missed that one.

Dan Grulke

I don't see anything terribly wrong with it. The butt guide might be a bit far out, but that's not likely harm your distance.

My guess is that you just don't have a feel for the baitcasting rod and reel outfit, yet.

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

Dan,

We're missing a little information. size line, sinker weight, shock leader size.

What you have done has put you into the proper zone. There are a few variables that would add a little distance.

Recommended handle length for a 12' 6" rod would be 29 to 32 inches. Dependent upon your strength and payload.

Did you mount the reel seat with the threads toward the tip. The lock nut has a tendency loosen then the threads are on the butt end.

Distance from face of reel to butt guide: greater than 36" or greater than 40" depending upon the blank.
If possible, land the butt guide on the ferrule. It will move the pinch point away from the ferrule and increase the ferrule's strength.

Butt guide size: I'm sure a 25 alconite will work fine for 20 to 25# on a slosh 30.

A static test will tell you if the number of guides is correct.

Don

Don Becker

Line weight 20# suffix tritanium plus

Knot albright shock leader 50# test big game

Reel seat threads facing tip

Thanks for all your comments I feel better that I am close... I get the feeling that I may have could of gone with a guide or two less but feel as though this set up will work.
I will be testing it this week in Avon. If it doesnt work I can get experience unwrapping and re-doing it.

Thanks for all your help.


Dan Grulke

I would have gone with 30-25-20-16-16-16 plus a 16 ring tip. Whit