Hello, new to the forum and building rods, I need help with the guide spacing of my conventional surf rod, I am going to use a blank black hole 12 feet 50/50 2-6 oz,
Are 8 guides enough? I'm thinking of putting #25,#20,#16,#12,#10 x4
I will use it for jigg from 2 to 4 oz.

You don't need to use all those different sizes. Are you building a casting rod? Start with maybe a 20 and then drop right down to whatever the smallest size you plan to use. The in-between sizes aren't doing anything for you. Number of guides should be determined by a static stress distribution test or you can start with surf rod guide spacing from any company that lists such on their websites. These are generally starting places and you may find that you need to tweak placement a bit once you do your distribution test.

If you're going to be building a spinning rod, then you'll want to go a different route.

..........

Thank you very much for your reply. If casting rod, I will do the load tests when I have everything in my hands.
the reel seat is placed about 29 inches and the first guide about 32 inches from the reel seat, would that be correct?

Don't know. It depends on several variables such as the reel size and height. I suppose you can start with whatever spacing you have a favorite rod now and see how that works. Adjust as needed once you test cast it a bit.

...........

Carlos-
How are you determining those measurements?

Carlos,

I think it would help to choose an easily identifiable starting point for the butt guide (first guide from the reel) when discussing measurements to help the surf rod pros give you some distances to consider and try as a starting point. Example, a common set point for measurement of the butt guide placement for a casting rod is from the reel face (or spool guide). A spinning rod butt guide is commonly measured from the tip of the spool axel (spool removed) at the mid-point of its up and down oscillation. (I have cheated a little before and just measured from the top of the spool at the mid-point and did not take the spool off beforehand.) Fuji charts show measurements from the center of the reel foot stem sometimes.

Whatever measuring point it is, it is one that is consistent and easy to identify.

Tom said it clearly: Any measurements and/or initial placement locations are just starting points, not set in stone. Definitely do a two-line static test. Your specific rod's deflection profile, under various amounts of load, will tell you where the guides should be located. Test cast. Tweak it. .It can take a bit of time to get a superior result.

And on top of that, if you are doing a casting rig, have you considered a spiral wrap? From the size of line and lure the rod is rated for, a spiral wrap will give you some advantages.

What are your goals for your build?

Michael Tarr Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Carlos-
> How are you determining those measurements?

putting the butt of the rod on my shoulder and stretching my arm, and about the distance of the exit guide I read it in the forum and from other sources



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2024 08:48PM by Carlos Vargas.

Les Cline Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Carlos,
>
> I think it would help to choose an easily
> identifiable starting point for the butt guide
> (first guide from the reel) when discussing
> measurements to help the surf rod pros give you
> some distances to consider and try as a starting
> point. Example, a common set point for measurement
> of the butt guide placement for a casting rod is
> from the reel face (or spool guide). A spinning
> rod butt guide is commonly measured from the tip
> of the spool axel (spool removed) at the mid-point
> of its up and down oscillation. (I have cheated a
> little before and just measured from the top of
> the spool at the mid-point and did not take the
> spool off beforehand.) Fuji charts show
> measurements from the center of the reel foot stem
> sometimes.
>
> Whatever measuring point it is, it is one that is
> consistent and easy to identify.
>
> Tom said it clearly: Any measurements and/or
> initial placement locations are just starting
> points, not set in stone. Definitely do a two-line
> static test. Your specific rod's deflection
> profile, under various amounts of load, will tell
> you where the guides should be located. Test cast.
> Tweak it. .It can take a bit of time to get a
> superior result.
>
> And on top of that, if you are doing a casting
> rig, have you considered a spiral wrap? From the
> size of line and lure the rod is rated for, a
> spiral wrap will give you some advantages.
>
> What are your goals for your build?

Hi Les

I just want a fishing rod to cast 2-4oz jigs.
for fish from 20 to 40 pounds, and I will use 15 to 30 lb braided lines (pe 1.2 and pe 3.0)

spiral wrap? mmm I don't think it's necessary, I won't fight with fish over 60 lbs.