Attempting my first spiral wrap. My question is, do I place the stripper guide at the usual distance from the reel and start the spiral from there or move the stripper closer to the reel to start the spiral earlier?

The Blank will be used for bottom fishing for snapper and grouper. Thanks, Joe

If you have a preference for reel position simply do it again for the spiral, then you might want to experiment a little. But I see no reason that a spiral should change that position.

Thanks.

Joe,
A “regular” stripper position will generally work for a spiral-wrap as well. If the blank is on the shorter side, the stripper can be moved closer to the reel to achieve getting the line to the bottom as soon as possible. However, make certain to keep the line far enough off the grip and hence your fingers. Since this will be a bottom rod with no casting involved, you may be able to scrunch-up the reduction guides to further assist getting the line to the bottom of the rod sooner.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Thanks Mark, that's what I was interested in doing was getting the line around and under as early as possible without causing other issues. This rod will be a learning experience.

Joe,
Spiral-wrapped rods may be different than conventional GOT rods but really are not any more difficult to build. To be honest, I have never built a simple spiral (0*, 90*, 180*) because the (0*, 60*, 120*, 180*) system works so well. Actually, my guide angles can vary from those quite a bit. Whichever system you choose, simply place the guides to achieve the straightest line path. If it is non-casting rod such as a bottom rod, you can scrunch-up the reduction guides a bit to get the line to the bottom sooner. Keep us posted how it turns out and fishes.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.