I've been asked to build a conventional surf rod for pompano. The client wants an 11' blank for 4-6oz. lure weight and 20-30# line. Are the Fuji K's appropriate for conventional surf? How many and what sizes would you suggest? Any good resources for surf rod building? Thanks.

To decide spacing you need to do a stress test. Guide guide sizes is determined by reel size and tip top diameter

Good Wraps Bob

Yes they are appropriate. Building one now with the K series

You'll probably want 7 guides starting with a 30

John check with any of the sponsors on the left. Where are you located?

Good Wraps Bob

i would either do the K series or the lowrider guides. typically on an eleven i put 8 plus the tip.

I think I would do it this way as a starting point on a11' rod 5 number 8's - 2 number 10's - 1 number 20 and 1 number 30 = 9 guides. For spacing I would do a stress test and pre cast to determine the correct amount of guides and how well it casts. You may find you need more or less guides .

Good Wraps Bob

Thanks, Jim, Wes & Bob. As to the reel dictating guide size & placement, what are the determining factors and strategies. The client want to use a shimano calcutta 600 series, or bigger reel.

John,

Try this: [www.rodbuilding.org]

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What blank are you going to use?

Clyde,

I'm considering the Lamiglass GSB132-1L, but I would be interested to know what you would recommend for this application.

John did your Tom's article? Also read read this site [www.wmi.org] You may get some ideas on this Florida surf. What I found is this fish is only a 1 to 2 pounder. You do not need elaborate gear, max line weight is 10 lb . You said this customer wants a conventional rod. Explain your or his definition of conventional rod. Also does this customer do a lot of surf fishing and have you equated him a price yet? I do not know about you but my LABOR and EXPERIENCE would be higher than what was quoted for a rod in the article

Good Wraps Bob

Bob, This fellow knows what he wants. He was quite specific with the specs. I told him that he would be looking at $500-$600 per rod. Conventional as in not a spinning reel but a baitcaster.

John on your set up specs most gave you specs for spinning. Your (K) guides will work great for a casting set up . I would start out with one guide per foot, plus one, do not include the tip top. If you do not have any (K") yet you can get by with standard guides for set up specs. Do a stress test and I would almost bet you add 2 more extra guides. You can get by with a butt guide of # 25 if this is a 11 ft. rod . I would use 8 #8, 1#10, 1# 20 and 1#25. Now this is just a guess but is a starting point, you may need more or less, until you do a stress test and test cast you well not know for sure.

Good Wraps Bob