I finally got the right sized parts for my son's bday rod. I'm up to the reel seat. Where is the best place to position the top reel seat? Just make it so it tightens on the reel in the middle of the threaded portion?

What type of rod are you making?

Spinning

You must be doing a skeleton seat, two pieces, and are asking how to space the pieces? I would concur with your suggestion. As important, don't make the distance between the reel position and the butt too long or it will get hung up on clothing. I know you want to give room for him to grow into the rod, but pay attention to that dimension.

Yeah, I just put it in the middle. Hopefully it will work out. I managed to epoxy the threaded portion on sideways LOL, good thing it doesn't affect performance. Now after it sets up it will be time for the guides. Hopefully I can figure that out.

We have all done that at some point. I use a white wax marker. Find the spine and put a 1-2 inch line on the rod to mark the spine with the wax marker. Align the reel seat to that mark or 180 degrees (opposite) that mark depending on how you want the rod set up to the spine. If you set the rod up off the spine it will effect rod performance, casting distance etc.. The good thing is most folks won't notice.

As a general rule of thumb for me (and I know you will get varying opinions) I stay with no more than 9” from but to rear of reel seat on a 6’ rod, 9 ½ - 10” for a 6 ½ foot rod, 10” on a light-medium 7’, 10” -12” on a 7+ foot flipping stick. You will adjust a little if you use a long butt, like the adjustable weight type..

Keep in mind these are starting points. Your customer, wife, friend etc. may have additional input. Long/short forearms, tall/short frames, or the old I fish from a boat or the bank that always makes me laugh a little.

Gabe