This has probably been discussed here before, but I just discovered this site, so you'll have to excuse me.

I'm about to build a Sage XP 590-3. I sent an email to Sage asking abuot the positioning of the guides, and if they spine their rods. As you probably know, they do not. But I'm wondering what's common among other rod builders. Where do you all position the guides when building a flyrod and why?

Best,
Tore

You'll want to do a search on this using this board's archives for more info.

Many people still put their guides on the spine (outside of relaxed curve) thinking the rod tracks better on the forward cast and has a bit more power for fish fighting and line lifting. Some go opposite the spine for what they feel is a better feeling rod when fish fighting. Then there is the group that likes to position the rod and guides so that the stiffest axis is working against the fish (this one puts the spine who knows where since it varies so much).

None of these is wrong, they all work but give a slightly different feel and excel in different areas. I suggest you take an hour and try your guide set-up on the spine, opposite the spine, and on the stiffest axis and see which one you prefer.

And remember, rod twist when fish fighting is not a concern as your guides are on the bottom of the rod and provide perfect stability

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