Hello

I am going to build my nephew a surf rod as a gift. I've built several fresh water spinning rods over the years but never anything close to a surf rod and don't know where to start. Looking at an 11 ft two-piece rod 3oz-6 or 8oz range but really need help or advice on guides, guide type, size and spacing - reel seat size - length, size and type of of grips,- thread size, etc. I live inland and know nothing about surf casting!

Thought I would call Mudhole and have them help set me up with everything but before i do, would start here for advice.

The reel he uses is a Penn Conflict 8000 spinning reel. Huge reel.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide to make this a sweet casting and fishing rod for him.

Thanks again

Rod

Rod,
If possible, in addition to other sources of information, go to a rod shop and take notes from a commercial fishing rod.

If that is not available, you can also check sources as well as other on line videos and pictures for information on your project.

Any more when I do a project of any sort that I have not done before, I will normally go on line and check out videos, libraries and pictures to educate myself as much as possible before starting the job.

The research does help a great deal.

Another thing you can do is to go to the rod blank manufacturing sites. Often on these sites, like Rain shadow, St. Croix and others, various blanks are listed with well working rod building receipe of blank, grips, reel seat, guides and guide spacings for a very good working model of that particular blank. Of course you can always modify the recipe to your own needs and specifications, but they do supply a good starting point.

[stcroixrods.com]#

The below blank is extremely popular with surf casters because it comes with two entirely different top sections , one moderate and one moderate fast . One top section is rated 2-6 oz and the other is rated 3-8 oz
A unique 2-in-1 rod blank. Comes with one butt section and two different tip sections, allowing you to essentially have 2 rod rod blanks at an unbeatable value.




[rodgeeks.com]


There's a video by Lou Caruso showing it's casting ability and overall feel on YouTube .

Best if form follows function. Will this surf rod be used primarily as a bait rod or for casting artificial lures? What size fish will be targeted? How much weight will usually be casted? A too-heavy rod can be a handicap fishing for smaller species, like Pompano. A too light rod can't handle an 80# shark. It's like the difference between freshwater crappie fishing and muskie fishing.