I am building a 6' ML spinning rod with moderate action using Pac Bay Minima guides. Using the Concept System (Volume 10-Issue 4 "RodMaker") I am not able to keep the #25 butt guide within the 18 to 22 inch range from the reel spool face and maintain a straight line between the butt guide and the Choker guide. Would it be OK to start with a #30 butt guide and then go #16=10-6=6=6=6 ?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

You need to use the size that works best for your line path. Tape them up and try both guides, see which one works best. Curious, what size reel are you using for that rod? On something like that, I might only be using like a 20 or 16 for my butt guide and I like using the M series to get the height needed.

I am using a Pfluger 8030MG reel. Are the Minima guides the problem?? Are they not high enough??

Joe,
I have built many of these particular rods, using the Pac Bay Minima system. Really no issue.
I just put the size 25 butt guide at 20 inches on all of these rods and go from there.
I use a 25, 16, 10, 6 or 4 to the tip.
Great rod and the guides work very well.
I wouldn't be too hung up on the "straight line" for the butt guide placement. I think that if you just tape on the rods, adjust the guide placement to have a guide where the rod bends when loaded to have the line follow the contour of the blank, you will be fine.

With these moderate action rods, you can likely get by with only about 5 or 6 guides and have an excellent performing rod. With the more moderate action, you don't need as many guides near the tip as with a fast or extra fast action rod.

Just tape the guides on the rod with 1/8th or 1/4 inch wide tape, put on a reel - go out and do some test casts, and I think you will find you have a great performing rod and guide set.

REW

The minimas come in no less than 3 frame heights so you shouldn't have any problems getting something to match the line path very well.

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