This may be a stupid question with a simple answer but here goes. When using micros, if the line touching the blank doesn't really matter, then what are you looking for when performing a static test? In my mind,if the line is touching the blank or even dropping below, it will not be flowing with the bend of the blank. I don't want to start a debate over line touching the blank, so I guess this question is for those who don't believe this is an issue. Thanks

You are looking for proper stress distribution along the blank when it is under load from the line: [www.rodbuilding.org].

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/29/2011 10:46PM by George Forster.

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In my setups with micros, the line may touch the blank but it will not go below the blank. I don't put on so many guides as to keep the line from hitting the blank, but I look at how the line goes into the guide itself. I try to keep the angle the line forms in and out of the guide as small as I can. If the angle is too much, then the line would be going below the blank. That's when I will adjust the position and possible add a guide or 2 to get a better line path.

My thoughts are, and I may be wrong. I assume you are building a bait caster (?) and if that is the case it should only be built in a spiral. There is no other way to keep the line off the blank.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

The build will be for a baitcaster on a CB80H. It will be for a swimbait made by a friend of mine called a High Power Herring. I set out to do a spiral but after a conversation with Bill Stevens the other morning, he changed my mind for some very logical reasons. The rod will now be built with all number 4' s on top.

Bill,
Great advice.
But for a casting rod, there are some fishing techniques that simply are not well suited for executing with a spiral wrapped rod.

As with any type job, you can use many different tools for the same job. The same is true for fishing. Some types fishing are well suited for executing with a siral wrapped rod. There are other types fishing that simply are not well suited for a spiral wrapped rod.

So, it is up to the builder to match the needs and desires of the client.

I have had to go back and redo a couple of casting rods, that I built up as a spiral, because I thought that the client would be really happy with the results. But, after the rod was built, it turned out that the rods were being used for a different application than what I thought and what I thought I had been told that they would be used for. As a result the rods came back with a request that they be rewrapped in a conventional casting format.

No problem is changing the guides and now the clients are well pleased with the blank and the conventional casting guide setup.

So, be sure that you know and have discussed the clients needs about a particular style of rod and style of guide application.

Take care
Roger

Roger,

I`m not sure I understand the different applications you refer to. Where would you not want to use spirals on a bait caster? Not that I`m doubting you, I just don`t know , as I build mostly spinning rods.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Roger,

I`m not sure I understand the different applications you refer to. Where would you not want to use spirals on a bait caster? Not that I`m doubting you, I just don`t know , as I build mostly spinning rods.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Bill from what I gather,any bait or technique that is used that requires the tip down when fishing is not the best candidate for a spiral wrap.Im not an expert by any means though.

Bruce,
You nailed it.
Also, and the tip is down for this application - the use of the spiral on Muskie rods that do a lot of figure 8's in the water seem to do better with conventional rods.

Also, Jerk bait rods, for bass, which typically are - Jerked Down - when fishing.

Roger

How I look at it, any time you have a tight line retreive, I build the rod conventional. The rod is usually pointed down at the water as you retreive the lure so the line is only touching the guides. If you are doing a slack line retreive, then the rod is built with a spiral wrap. Tip is up, line hangs down and again the line is only touching the guides.