Good Morning ,

I'm building for Cod and Tautog AKA: Blackfish, 'Tog, using an Avet HXJ 5/2 MC (NOT Raptor) with Fuji MNAG guides, and ideas regarding first guide distance and size? or guide spacing in general? Planning to spool the reel w 40lb Braid, and normally use 6oz weights, but up to 10-12s on occasion

Rod Specs:
BW781H - Bluewater

6'6" 1 PC

20-40lb

2-8oz

Butt: .74

Tip: 10

Weight: 5.6

Aqua Blue

Mod/Fast

HVY

Alex,
When I set up guide trains, I use one very simple rule.

Place a guide at any location that the blank bends such that the guide will cause the line to follow the bend of the bent blank.

It doesn't matter what blank you are using, or whether it is a slow, moderate, fast or extra fast action blank the rule always works and it is very simple to implement.

Simply hold the butt stationary and pull down on the tip of the blank. When the blank begins to bend, mark the spot. Bend further, when the rod bends mark that spot. Continue bending until the blank is fully loaded and all of the progressive spots are marked.

Then, go back put a guide at each of the locations and then repeat the test with a reel in place and line running through the guides and insure that the line is following the bend of the loaded blank with just enough guides to insure the line flow and you will be set.

Simply use guide sizes to accommodate the type reel and type line you are going to use that will minimize line slap, keep the line off of the blank, and insure a smooth flow of line to the tip top of the blank.

Best wishes

Haven't used that composite blank, but my similar powered triflex gets: 4 1/2, 8 3/4, 13 1/2, 19, 25, 32, 40" from tip. Guides: 20, 16, 12, 10 to the tip.

Thanks Roger, Thanks Spencer.

This was a blank chosen by my customer, however I think primarily for it's color, and sounded like salt water. anyone have an experience with this blank? This blank looked like it lined up with his use, however I know that sensitivity would be a good attribute for a Tog rod, however I saw that Lamiglas mentions trolling uses in their description.

Slightly slower in action and butt power I'm told from my Triflex, composite to the tip vs my Triflex's glass tip is the reason for the action change. I'm on the wrong coast for Tog.

Spencer,

From what I'm told from my friends out west, they say they are to Sheapshead?