For a completely new builder how do you go forward selecting guides, sizes, single foot, double foot etc .? Too many choices and can be overwhelming!

If you're buying from one of the dealers in the sponsor list to the left, you can call and ask them what they feel would be a good fit for the rod you're building. Most are rod builders themselves and are happy to help those just starting out in the craft.

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As Tom said, also if you get everything at the same place you can get your tip top sized to your blank, and maybe all the components put in the blank's tube saving additional shipping charges.

For a first build, don't spend a lot of money on anything - and that includes guides.

Your first build will not be as good as your 100th or 1000th rod.

Use the first rod as a learning tool.

Single foot, double foot.

Normally use single foot on spinning rods and normally double foot on the first few guides on a casting rod , as well as trolling rods.

A nice choice for guides for a first rod and even your 1000th rod. Light, inexpensive, and they simply perform very well.

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If in doubt about component selection, just stop by a sporting goods or fishing shop that sells fishing rods. Look at production rods that are comparable in length, power, action and power.

You can always do your own thing, but these rods will have proven setups that work.

I am not suggesting that you copy the production rods, but understand that the production rod is a rod that has commercial value and does the job for interested buyers.

You don't have to operate in a vacuum. In addition you can check out the millions of fishing rods that are advertised every day in an on-line environment. Use some of these tools to educate yourself and get started.

Remember, on your first rod, it really makes no sense to go off and build something that is entirely different from any other rod ever built on a particular blank. Observe, learn, educate yourself and finally select the components for your rod build.



Good luck

Thanks guys!

Go with the MicroWave Line Control System, Just get the cheap one's with a good tip top. They work Really well you won't be disappointed, These are available in casting or spinning, Your Choice. It's a Proven System that Works Very Well !!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/18/2018 05:12PM by Jay Dubay.

Combine the advice from all above. Good stuff. But after the first , don't be constrained by any one guide system. You will want to learn and grow and make decisions based on what you've learned and what you or your customers want in a rod. Also, there are options available from other companies that any one company cannot offer.

Fuji (Anglers Resources) is what I used in the beginning (and still use) - their guides have a great reputation and the guide placement software provides a great place to start for guide location on the rod (or end - my test casting usually doesn't come up with a significantly better position)

Guides are similar to ax handles. They come in a lot of shapes, sizes, and materials, none of which is ideal for all users and all situations.

While there are dozens of great guides available there is something to be said for using Fuji guides, especially the new K series. If you're building a spinning rod you can benefit from the GPS features through Angler's Resource, and no matter what you're building you will find dozens of people on here who will have first hand experience with that guide and can help you out.

I would also recommend avoiding guide spacing charts and pre assembled guide set kits. There are cases where both can be useful, but I believe in the long run you are better served using your first rod to learn how to design a true custom guide train. You will end up with a guide train better customized to your blank, reel and application this way, even if it seems more daunting at first.