I've built a few walleye rods before, but this is my first backwater / saltwater rod. On the advice of some pretty experienced people, I will be using a size 4000 reel, unlike the size 1000 or 2000 I am used to. The distance from the center of the spool to the blank is 3-3/8". The spool lip diameter is 2".

Is there some kind of "rule of thumb" for the size of the first guide based on the spool size (and the diameter of the line loops it throws)?

I assume that the first guide placement up the blank should be such that the centerline of the spool and the centerline of that first guide align. The centerline of the reel / spool tips up toward the blank somewhat so for a given guide height and distance from the reel spool, it should be possible to align the centers. I'm also assuming that doing this will give the minimal line resistance through that first guide. Maybe I'm all wet?

For completeness, the blank is a 7' St Croix salt water model (brown, SC3) medium power, fast action. I plan to use the single foot, silicon carbide, titanium frame, Fiji concept guides I have on hand, 7 guides and a tip.

Skip, go to the Library and take a gander at the New Concept for spinning rods. Just follow the directions.
Bill

Third page, first paragraph ... [www.rodbuilding.org].

Definitely read the entire article, go away for a few hours, come back and read it again. Photos are included for clarity.

the height and placement of the guides is more important than the diameter of the ring. especially if you are using braid as it acts differently than mono. you can go pretty small say 16 if you can get the height. think of the spincasting reels. they go down to a small diameter just off the spool. don't get too caught up with the ring size, go as small as you can for the application. many use the larger sized guides so they can get the height needed. using a taller frame guide like A-frame, vs3, or M style ar options to get height without having to use a larger ring size

Thanks for the quick replies to my question. I read the article in the library as recommended, and it is very clear and straight forward. Fortunately, I live within a couple hours drive of Mud Hole Tackle, and will drive over there with my blank and reel, once I have the grips and reel seat in place. That way, I can be sure I am getting the right number of guides and the right sizes. Good ceramic material, in Titanium frames gets pretty "spendy", but the cost goes down with ring size, so the Concept system not only works well ( I assume), but it saves money too.

Regards,

Skip Kerwin

When you get to Mudhole, talk to Bob McKamey and he'll fix you up!!

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!!

Skip,
Yes titanium frame guides with a high quality ceramic insert certainly fills a need for certain customers. But be aware that for most clients and rods, there are many many other guides out there that do a wonderful job, wear a very long time, resist corrosion and do a great job as a rod guide.

Good luck
Roger