Going to give a baitcaster and a spinning rod a try. Looking to but the mudhole sale blanks and cheap handle kits. My intentions for these 7' rods will be smallmouth, one is a med power and one is a med lt power. Can you recommend any guide kits for both. I have no clue what size guides I should run. These will be my actual first builds.

Give the folks at Mudhole a call and ask for their recommendation on one of their kits for your particular needs. T: 1-866-790-7637

Great folks who will steer you in the right direction. The Mudhole kits have everything provided to build up a nice rod:

[www.mudhole.com]

Roger beat me to it by 10 sec.

Scott,
Right above your post, right hand side in the black border, you'll see the library. Everything you need to know cor your spinning rod is there.
Look for NGC- Spinning Rod is part of one title, the other closer to the bottom, Static Distribution Test.

Baitcasters are easy. I really like the Fuji RV for the first guide, about 20 inches out from the reel, then KB's and KT's, all the same size, to the tip. The runner size will be dictated by your preference and the ability to pass any knots you plan to use. I think the sweet spot is 5.5. The new Fazlites and very good and affordable. Yes, I know the RV is titanium and the Fazlites look different, but if you do the silver Fazlites, in these small sizes, the appearance difference will be almost un-noticeable.

Spinners are more complex. One easy way to start is with the Amtak Microwave sets. They come with directions for the first three guides, then you put the others where your stress tests indicate. Library has the stress test instructions. There also is a Microwave set for casters, and with either, you cannot go wrong.

Test cast before wrapping, you may want to move the first few guides a little based on test casting.

As you progress in your building, you will form your own preferences.