Hi all I am a rod builder from the UK I have been asked to build four tuna rods using some G Loomis IGFA blanks part number 6880 and 6850 w. I think the blanks were purchased some years ago.
I have never built tuna rods before so this is new to me so I am after some advice on guide spacing and blank lengths please. The 50 to 80lb class will have straight butt's I was thinking a total length of 6ft to 6.5ft
The other blanks 80 to 130lb will be bent butt this is what I am not to sure about haw long should I make the blank with a long bent butt.
Any help or direction will be great thanks.

G. Loomis, Inc. built and offered some fantastic IGFA glass blanks in the late 80's through early 90's. The butt area was straight/non-tapered so any trimming wouldn't upset the built-in fit to the appropriate Aftco Uni-Butt. Now keep in mind that these are "chair" rods and not meant for stand-up style fishing. The length needs to be sufficient to clear the line across the stern gunnel when fighting a fish. I don't think I ever trimmed more than perhaps 2 inches off any of these.

It might be worth your while to ask your client a few more questions about how he'll be fishing these rods.

.............

I see what you mean the lighter blank had 8.5 inch parallel section. The other one is 1.5 inch.
He was given the blanks and just plan's to use them anyway I know this customer well and he hasn't got a chair this may well change soon.
So the blanks are 5ft 8inch long and the bent butt length is 26.5 inch measured in a straight line this makes 94.5 inch assuming nothing get cut off the butt end. Would that be correct for a chair rod?

Depends on how far away the stern gunnel is. They will most likely be okay. But one thing is for sure - these are NOT stand up style rod blanks.

........

OK thanks for your help I will see what my customer wants to do.

Alex -

Take a look at the NFC (Current Gary Loomis) IGFA series:

[northforkcomposites.com]

Since you are in the UK - you will need to get them from Rodhouse.fr

Thanks,
Aleks