So looks like I'm getting ready to build a conventional / baitcasting rod on an 8'3" CTS blank. I'll probably go with Fuji KW double foot guides (SIC), but would like some ideas on number of guides as well as sizes. This will be a 30# rod used in the salt to throw heavy plugs and jigs, probably using leaders from #30-65. Because of the this I'm thinking double foot guides all the way through? Yes? No?

Also I'd like to use a trigger reel seat but I'm not sure if the Fuji, ALPS, AT, etc., are all created equal? I have my eye on the Toray version ALPS has but again I'm not familiar with it. If possible I'd like it to be a blank through handle, low profile design, but without sacrificing strength.

I don't really know what guides you'd put on a rod like that, so really can't help with that. What I would do is ask you what reel you're going to be putting on it, as that may well play into what reel seat you can use.

I'm a bass fisherman and only build rods for myself, which means I use bass size reels. Shimano Curado 200's to be exact. I've come to use only the Alps MVT reel seat for my builds. It fits the reels I use on it very well, but I don't know that it would handle a reel foot that was any wider than what is on the reels I use. It will handle a longer reel foot, but I doubt one any wider.

Another thing about the Alps MVT that may end up being a problem for you, and this is something based on the dimensions of the blank you're using. The largest ID you can get an MVT seat in is .591" and that would be a seat without an insert. This link [www.utmostenterprises.com] is to a page on Utmost Enterprises web site that lists the sizes and IDs of the MVT seats. Hope it helps.

Good point. I’m leaning towards a Daiwa Lexa 400.

It would look good with KWs all the way. Look at some of the ALPs aluminum trigger seats like an AT20 if you want to go lighter try to find a graphite one that has a big enough ID where you are mounting it on the blank.

Go for the Lexa For sure. I've got a Lexa 300 and a 400 that I've fished quite a bit. Tons of cranking power and silky smooth drag. I've got the 400 on a 15-40 MHX 8' built as a casting rod with double foot fuji guides. It puts the brakes on snook and big reds. If you fish alot of drag and heavy pressure maybe go with double foots. But alot of guys much more knowledgeable then me say that single foot guides are just as strong.

Tyler Reinert Wrote:
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> Go for the Lexa For sure. I've got a Lexa 300 and
> a 400 that I've fished quite a bit. Tons of
> cranking power and silky smooth drag. I've got the
> 400 on a 15-40 MHX 8' built as a casting rod with
> double foot fuji guides. It puts the brakes on
> snook and big reds. If you fish alot of drag and
> heavy pressure maybe go with double foots. But
> alot of guys much more knowledgeable then me say
> that single foot guides are just as strong.

What grip / reel seat did you go with?

Went with a FUJI DPSH seat and eva foam grips 14" rear 8" foregrip. But that reel seat is overkill but I like the way it feels and it fishes really comfortable. I don't like trigger reelseats personally. We throw big swimbaits and 2oz flairhawks with it for snook. And it does the job extremely well. I fish with the rod butt tucked under my arm which is why the grips are so long.

Great info here gang. Thank you for taking time to share your findings...

Another question. The section of this blank where the reel seat will go is 16mm.
I’m think of a trigger grip like this (https://www.mudhole.com/Fuji-ACS-Trigger-Reel-Seat). Which size seat would you recommend being it’s an exposed blank design? 16.5mm? 17mm? Any reason this reel seat would not be a good idea for my build?