Im placing my first order from mudhole. Never made a rod. I'm buying a Hercules XL Inshore Heavy (INS 72H) blank. Can someone help me pick out the guide sizes and reel seat or do I need to wait to get it a mic it? Thanks

It's very possible that one of the sales people at Mud Hole would be happy to assist you. Most of them are long time rod builders and could dial you in very well.

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Thank you Tom

Sid,
X10 on Tom's comments.
Mudhole as well as the other sponsors are very helpful with orders and their customers.

Good luck

All the sponsors are great -- or they would not be on this board

Bill - willierods.com

Sid, reel seats should be picked according to your hand size/preference and not blank diameter. Guide sizes/types are a function of reel type/size, #test fished, and desired durability.

For example....that blank is something like 30-60# rated....often used on party boats. So I would guess you are using a conventional and not a spinning reel. Likely a 3/0 to 4/0 sized reel. If I'm close I'd probably pick a reel seat around size 20-22 depending on what fits your hands well. Both aluminum and graphite are strong enough but aluminum looks better and seems the right choice for such a blank. Alps and "chanel lock" are solid choices. I'd pick a double foot guide (for durability) in 316 stanless like alps xn series with zirconium rings or american tackle virtus with nanolite rings. Guides sizes depend on reel, how you wrap the rod, and any knots that have to pass through guide train.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Guides start with a 25 or 20 depending on the reel, Taller reel taller guide. Then either 20 16 12 10 8 8 for mono down to a 10 for braid and a knot or 12 if your'e going to be casting something heavy, 2-3oz or heavier. Make sure your tip ring size isn't smaller the your smallest guide. I've had 2 for repairs lately were the front guide feet on all the small guides were broken because the guy was using a BIG knot and an 8oz sinker with #8 guides. Reel seat shouldn't be too much bigger than the blank but not super snug either. Make sure the screws for the clamp will fit around it too. Usually add 1 +1 guide for each foot of rod so 7 for a 6 footer 8 for a 7 etc. There are some blanks that may require more or less depending on taper and that will affect spacing too. Any of the sponsors here can help with that too and type style of guide etc. Play around with the reel seat location or hit the local shop and pull on some of theirs to see what's comfortable, an inch can make a difference. Try not to get ahead of yourself, focus on one step at a time, Gluing up a reel seat isn't a good time to be thinking about what finish you're going to use. You can take as many mulligans as you want, you're not on the clock. Take your time ,ask guestions , and relax.