I have a few custom/prototype fly rod blanks that I am in the process of coming up with guide placement schemes using the Static Guide Placement method to optimize blank performance.

If one does not have a starting point for placing the butt or stripping guides, as a general rule, what is a good starting point relative to the length of the blank or finished rod?

How might this point vary for short rods (5.5' to 7') compared to more typical length (8' to 9.5') fly rods and longer nymph or switch rods (10' to 12')?

Could you express this location as a fraction or percentage of length?

And finally, for three fly rods of equal length, but each with a different action (tip-flex/upper third, mid-flex through middle of rod, and deep full flex through length of the blank) would there be any need or advantage to have the butt guides placed at slightly different locations to get the most out of each blank?

Thank you in advance!

IMHO

The butt guide on fly rods is placed according to the user of said rod

Have them hold Once you find the handle and seat for it Measured -- and have them place there hand on a ( even a branch from a tree ) Play like they are casting line
THEN when they go to grab the line to strip or cast hold or touch the blank ( or stick ) from there put the stripper guide about 2 - 3 inches above
This should fit and be comfortable placement for the USER
You do not want it so far so the user has to reach for the line So don't stretch for it

Bill - willierods.com

The distance from the butt of the rod to the stripping guide will be very similar, if not identical, regardless of rod length.

Without going into all the reasons, try this - put the stripping guide at 31 to 32 inches from the butt.

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Good starting point Then adjust as needed If you are building for Customers
if you are just building a few rod The starting point is a good place

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/20/2013 07:54PM by bill boettcher.

You will most likely find that no matter who you are building for, or what length or type fly rod, that figure will be 99% on the money every time.

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I just figure some one that is 5'8 will not have the reach of another that is 6'2
Plus it is always nice to have a rod built for the user and not just a ( Factory Rod ) that can be Pulled off The Shelf

Thought that was what Custom building was all about Unless we are building rods all with factory spects and built as off the shelf

Bill - willierods.com

Try it.

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I have heard the "reach" thing before which almost makes sense...but i want to know WHO reaches all the way to the stripper in the first place. I usually, when stripping, strip from behind my rod hand in the first place. Can someone help me out here? I think I am missing something.

The idea is that if the stripping guide is too far forward and you lose grasp of the line, you won't be able to comfortably reach and grab the line. Although all you'd have to do is move the butt of the rod back behind you to bring the stripping guide in reach.

Just try 31 to 32 inches from the butt.


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good point
After taping the guides on Test cast and if you don't like the stripper placement move it to suite you
Just like using a spacing chart from some one like St Croix Static test and adjust the placement Add and delete guides as you feel fit

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2013 03:37PM by bill boettcher.

The "reach-thing" makes no sense because if the cast is done properly he line will be snug to the reel. Easy to grasp.
Like Tom says - 32". My starting roint is 31-33" from butt and 4.25" from the tip.
herb

Peter,
I use .707 times the length from the reel to the rod tip.
I don't measure the caster's arms and can take into account changes in reel seat position from grips.

Gene

If you do that then the longer the rod the further up the stripper will be, and the shorter it is the closer in it will be. But rod length shouldn't change that function. Not sure this a wise way to do it. Sure wouldn't work on a spinning or casting rod and I doubt it will work well on a fly rod.

If you drop the line and have to pick it up, the drooping free line was supposed to be easier it pick up if the stripper was within reach.