Hello,

Looking for a little advice or guidance. I have a 12ft centerpin rod that is rated 10-20lb that I am converting into a baitcaster. I am struggling with guide spacing and amount of guides. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

EP

Not having the rod in front of me, I would try 3, 6.5, 10.5, 15, 21.5, 28, 34, 40, 46.5,44 53, 61.5,71, 81, 92, 104 inches to start then use the static distribution test in the library to finish up. 12mm, 8mm, 7 mm to the tip.

If you reply with the following info, I'll get you an additional custom spacing to try. Likley will be 14 or 15 guides total like Spencer's.
Rear grip length from back of reel seat (including end cap)
Reel model
Desired first guide size (10-12?)
Climate rod will be used in (freezing weather?)

-Geoff

Thanks for the help. Below is the info you requested.

14" rear grip
Abu garcia Revo Rocket
First guide size 12
Rod will be used in PNW. So not really below freezing.

-EP

Below is a 15 guide spacing for a 14" rear grip which puts that reel spool around 20.5" from first guide (my best guess at optimal distance for that low profile reel.) If you were to get into icy situations, size 07 running guides perform a bit better than 06's. This is a dual-progression spacing that assumes your blank action shuts off (backbone kicks in) somewhere between 40 and 50". If you find that the shutoff range is somewhere else, reply back and I can adjust accordingly. Lastly, not sure if this is a 2, 3, or 4 piece blank. If a guide lands on a ferrule and the migration distance (ideally onto the female ferrule) is not to your liking, I can adjust for that too. Hope this helps.

-Geoff

Distance from Tip Top (in)/Suggested Guide Size/ Alps Guide Frame
3 12/16 6 TIPFZG
7 12/16 6 TIPFZG
12 2/16 6 TIPFZG
16 12/16 6 TIPFZG
21 12/16 6 TIPFZG
27 3/16 6 TIPFZG
32 15/16 6 TIPFZG
39 3/16 6 TIPFZG
45 15/16 6 TIPFZG
53 8/16 7 TIPFZG
62 7 TIPFZG
71 9/16 8 TIPFZG
82 5/16 8 TIMXNZG
94 7/16 10 TIMXNZG
108 12 TIMXNZG

Perfect I actually forgot the buttcap measurement included. The rear grip included with the buttcap is 14 7/8. The backbone does kick in about 41" in. I am running size 7 for running guides. It is also a 2-piece blank. Ia appreciate all the effort.

-EP

Based on the previous post, I'd stick with my original suggested spacing (assuming the cap adds 7/8" to the rear grip and the blank doesn't extend into that additional 7/8"). Also, you'll likely need to slightly reduce the distance of the 71 9/16 guide so its foot clears the end of the female ferrule.

-Geoff