James,

Rather than building on the spine, I would opt for the straightest axis on the shortest rod that will meet the power and action requirements for the task, combined with the absolute smallest lightest guides that will stand up to the task with an extra guide or two added to the guide train over my normal build routine, and shedding as much excess weight as possible from the build. The goal is have the most efficient rod as possible with the line path constrained as much as possible. The object is to remove as much error from the line path as possible, hence the shorter rod and smallest rings possible. The extra guide or two would go near the tip to close the spacing up just a bit as the first couple guides usually end up spaced further apart than the next few.

Of course, the vast majority of casters, myself included, would never be able to realize the improvements because the variance in their casting stroke alone would be much broader than what these adjustments will account for (with exception of the rod length). For the accomplished caster, the adjustments may be just enough to gain a bit more accuracy. Accuracy is a secondary consideration to a build because the requirements of fish fighting and the consideration of building an efficient rod will be more than adequate.

Joe

I don't know much about "gear" fishing because I'm a fly fisherman, but there are definite negatives to a distance casting rod when it comes to trout fishing in creeks. For flats and lake fishing you want to launch as far as you can because the fish are easily spooked, plus you get more time with your lure in the water while retrieving it before your next cast. In a creek you are trying to accurately cast dry flies close up and you need a rod that loads and releases without having to punch out the cast. When it comes to trying a really long cast that rod is underpowered at distance and you end up with a tailing loop. That's why you need a closet full of rods!

To oe's comments I would add a blank that loads well but damps fast. I have long felt that a rod tip that bounces back and forth at the end of a cast leads to backlashes and the need to thumb the cast more than ideal.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Greg accurately describes the desired qualities of a fly rod for fishing small trout streams. In such situations fish are seldom fought off the reel, yet much discussion and much money is devoted to "low start-up drag" reels. Go figure.