I just got a blank in the mail today (Lamiglas 6'6" 3wt glass fly blank) and it has a slight curve to the tip. My question is - should I build along the "straight" or should I spine the tip as usual? If along the straight, should the guides go on the inside or the outside of the curve?

Thanks.

Bob

I have found in most cases the spine matches the curve, check it and see. I wrap the rod when curved so the weight of the line will straighten it, which is "tip up". Sometimes the curve is not on the spine. In those cases I wrap um for straight.

I'm probably not the guy to be answering this but I'll try. The natural curve is usually the stiffest axis but it isn't the spine. If you spine the blank you will find that the curve ends up being about 90 degrees off to the side. If I wanted the most fish fighting power I'd put my guides on the outside of the normal curve. If I wanted the best casting accuracy I think I would spine the blank and put the guides on the spine. I think most factory rods are built on the curve.

I would call the factory and find out about getting a straight one.

Todd