I've built a couple spiral wrapped casting rods for tarpon fishing (St Croix S III Salt water, 7'6", Heavy Fast, American "Ring Lock" guides), but the local "wisdom" suggests using heavy duty spinning tackle instead. I plan to use the same St Croix blanks, but I wonder if I can use the New Concept system for guide placement. Specifically, I want to use two-footed guides made with non-corroding frames, and good quality ceramic rings. Does this type of guide come in heights that work with the New Concept system? I have the Mud Hole catalog and have seen the "all purpose" guides, but no one lists dimensions from the foot to the top of the ring/frame.

Thanks,

Skip Kerwin

Skip,
Just set the rod up with a two foot guide system, with the guide heights that are available. Just quickly neck down the size of the guides, and use a tip, that match the height of your final guide and you will be in good shape.

You can use the concepth system just fine, if the guide sizes are smaller, it is not a mandantory part of the concept system that the guide foot be shorter.

I agree that for the tough Tarpon, the use of the tougher double foot guide is a good idea.


Take care
Roger

Non-corroding means $$$$ ... as in Titanium. You do have a few choices that will work - ICMNSG (plated), BKWAG (solid alloy) and TKWSG.

Everything in this article is relevant to your build ... [www.rodbuilding.org].