Hello all,

I have a NFC CP-1342-4 blank coming in today. It is 160in, 1/8-1/2lb lure weight, 6-10lb line, 4pc light moderate blank.
My plan is to build another centerpin rod for steelhead and salmon for great lakes river fishing off lake Ontario, Huron and Superior.

I am looking to put a 22in handle on it.
It will be paired with a 4.5-5in centerpin reel.
I am planning to not use a tip top and ideally use high frame Alps Y-guides, going from a size 20 stripper down to size 8 running guides.

My initial thought is to do a similar guide spacing similar to the NFC 1363-3 blank which is the same material, except it is a longer rod and a 3pc instead of a 4 and then do some static load testing on it. But if there is anyone out there that has built on this blank before, some guidance would be appreciated.

What would be the recommended guide spacing and number of guides for this type of build?
Would it be recommended to get a guide close to each of the ferrules?
What would the difference be between using a size 20 stripper guide and a size 16 stripper? If so what would be the advantages/disadvantages of either option?


Thanks,
Michael

I would say you spacing idea is spot on. As for the 20 vs 16 , I go with the 16 as it most aesthetically pleasing to me and I don’t notice any performance issues. I find the only reason to get guides on the ferrules is that it saves a separate wrap for reinforcing the female end and it breaks down nice and straight but it rarely works out that way for me and I don’t really worry about it. I’m a westcoast guy so most of my cp builds are 10-12’ and usually I end up with about 1 guide per foot of length but it varies and could be one more or less depending.

The two inch difference isn't nothing, a small micro adjust of each guide will fix that, moving the guides a bit to match a ferrule is of no consequence either, worry about a problem when it happens, takes all the fun out of the adventure if you start out even a little negative, you can handle this no problem.