what is a good starting measurement for the guide closest to the reel?
also, how do you determine the best distance for this? this is a 7 ft. bass rod.

how in the world do you do this marble thing??

THANKS

Don't know what you mean by marble thing. Marbleizing?

The first guide can be found by taking a look at your other current rods and using that as a starting point. You want it close enough so that when the rod is under full load the line doesn't touch the foregrip or your hand there but it has to be far enough out that the reel can cast easily. Most of mine are between 17 and 20 inches from the reel spool on bass rods.

If you are talking about finding the spine of the blank following is some help I got on this board a few months ago from Tom Kirkman. It works and I have been using the marble method ever since.

"Also on a smooth floor or other hard surface, try setting the blank butt on a marble and pressing straight down on the tip. Mark the outside of the bend that forms. Do this several times. If the outside bend keeps turning up at the same location, you've found a subtle but definite spine."

What methods are you implementing with the "bass rod". If your not casting any great distance, Use static guide placement. When you set the butt guide just make sure it wont hit your hand when its on the fore grip.

I think you need to click on the FAQs button above and read up. Then click on LIBRARY for the Fuji Concept Guide System, then the Static Distribution System. On, FYI, the butt spinning guide should be about 1/2 the diameter of the reel spool, and the F.C.G.S.determines the placement to the choke guide, then the S.D.S. determines guide placement from the choke guide to the tip. This is much simpler than it sounds after you read the above mentioned articles, trust me. What marble thing? I just looked back and saw "Bass Rod". If this is a casting rod, ignore the Fuji Concept, it doesn't apply. The S.D.S. does. I think 16 in. to 24 in. from the reelseat to the butt guide, probably 17 to 19 in. Tape the guides on and test cast. Chuck, Good Building. Ralph

The concept of using the smallest guides you can get away with after the first two or three butt end guides does still apply. I use single foot fly rod guides on the last three or five maybe more on longer rods.check out some so called high end rods at a shop and see what they are doing.
Mike

Mike, I agree. The "Fuji Concept Guide System", designed for spinning guide placement is specifically what I was referring to. The position of the butt guide is different for casting or spinning. Ralph

I would like any information on marbleizing guide wraps