After a nearly 30-year hobby building dozens (maybe hundreds) of fly rods, I'm finally building my first Spey Rod. My blank is from North Fork Composites, designated LMX FASY 1267-4 (fast); translating to 12'6" 4-piece, 7 wt, fast action rod. I'm very, very excited to start this build on this Loomis creation. But unfortunately NFC was unable to provide me with guide spacing, and understandingly suggested I ask on the Forum. So I'm hoping to learn from you what will be acceptable and best spacing for this blank. Snake Guide and Stripping Guide sizing would be helpful, too, but I probably have enough experience to figure out logical sizing, if necessary.

The only approximate computation I have so far is: 4" for the butt handle; 4" for the reel seat; and 12" for the upper handle; which will leave 130" for X number of guides. I'm well aware of Tom's 32" rule of thumb for the first stripper placement on most fly rods, but I expect that rule doesn't apply.

As always, thanks in advance for the help.

Jack

Here is what I used on my last build, from the tip.

4-1/2 10-3/4 16 22 29-1/2 37-1/2 48 58-1/2 71 83-3/4 97 113-3/4

I just received that exact same blank (FASY1267-4) and, I too, am exited to build on it.

I thought for sure they would have the recommended guide spacing at: [northforkcomposites.com]

After looking at the table, I have to say I'm confused... They have guide spacing for a FASW1267-4 but not a FASY1267-4 but the don't sell a FASW1267-4. Is this just a typo in the guide spacing table?

Mike J

MIke:

I inquired to NFC via email about the confusing information, which I needn't go into here, but the gentleman who responded admitted he was as confused as I was. He suggested I inquire on this Forum. Since I've been a participant here for a number of years, I was comfortable posting my request.

I will go ahead and use the spacing suggested by Phil Erickson, or something very close to it. THANK YOU PHIL ! !. I know from reading Phil's frequent participation on the Forum, he's a very experienced builder. His suggested spacing consists of 12 guides reaching to a total 113 3/4" from the tip top, which is about 36" up from the butt of the bottom handle to the first Stripper. That makes sense to me.

Jack

Like many companies, I bet the guide spacing is the same for all spey rods that length. Single handed the same.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/20/2023 07:00PM by Spencer Phipps.