Hey guys , thanks for all the information. I am getting ready to finish a lami csb1082m two piece for easy transport. I finally decided on somewhat of a ngc layout.I decided to use Fuji bmnag guides for their light weight and strength. Plus they look cool. (thanks Russ of Hollywood Fla) I considered single foot guides however I am able to achieve a bullseye profile with the fujis. The gradient to the choker works well. I realize that a 40 to 25 is drastic however the rod is fairly stiff in the butt section. I am dealing with a large spool diameter so I went with the 1/2 size spool which worked out to a 40 mm stripper. I then progressed to a 25 , then a 16 , then an 8 choker with 8s all the way to the tip with a bmnat tip which will be tied also. I am using a 6 inch eva foregrip and 2in rear with cork tape and of course a buttcap. I will install a nice pac bay reel seat . All black- thread , guides , reel seat , butt cap and rod blank. Abalone for 4inches in front of the foregrip. I set up the guides with different diameter rubber tubing so nothing is set in stone yet.I will test cast and see how she handles. I am about 6ft 5 so I am not sure where to land the reel seat. I want it somewhere between a surfcaster and a conventional spinning rod. Once I glue the reel seat it will be a done deal. Any suggestions?Can't wait to give it a sling with a 2 ounce plug. Regards , Stevereno



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2013 11:00PM by steve leslie.

If I were to do a new pier rod I would use Microwave guides. While there is no guarantee of added distance, I've heard too many reports of superior distance to think they are all false.

After the show this weekend you should know a lot more about the microwave system
There is to be a discustion and demos maybe even posts this weekend as news comes in

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks Bill and Mike. I do have one of the 30 mm microwave guides on order as a backup plan and I am taking suggestions. Standing by -Stevereno

I don't think anything is as highly personal as grip length. Best you mock up different things and see what feels good to you. Somtimes going to a store and handling the different rods can be a good starting point. Rod balance point can even be a deciding factor depending on if you are holding the rod all day, fishing a lure, or letting it sit against the railing. Only you can answer these questions.

About all I can offer is this; in the past I used to go with a longer butt grip. It helped with casting distance and my back could handle fighting a fish with the butt tucked under my armpit. Nowadays my back demands I use some type of fighting belt to stick the butt in. That favors a shorter rear grip (and longer foregrip) unless you are using a full blown harness for heavy stand up tackle. Also, between braid and today's better casting reels....I often find I can outcast my effective fishing distance and don't need as long a butt grip as I once did. But then I'm not pier fishing, don't need to cast for distance, and am often free lining live bait.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks Russ , I think I am going to go with about 14 inches to the reel seat and keep it in a spinning rod configuration. I found an old rod in the garage and I like the way it handled. That takes me one step closer to finishing. I have some cork tape on order to complete the handle. The balance is nice at that length also. Neither up too much or down. That will give me a good read on the guide placement also. Thanks again , Stevereno

I tested the rods they had at the convention this week end , the micro wave systen is no joke,
at least with setups thay had at the show thay performad well
of corse thats based on one of many types of rods out there,
but i say from what i saw its worth a shot.

Curt