eye size and number

[ddratler]

im looking to build my first 2 rods, i already have the blanks, color threads, and all other accessories picked out but i dont know what size eyes to get, and how many of each one?????

any help please?

[Fuji_Pedler]

Depends on the blanks, reels used, etc... Need more info.

[ddratler]

one blank is a calstar graphiter 900m, the other is a gator glass 8ft 20-50 lb blank
i have a squidder for the calstar, and a penn 3/0 for the gator
i want only foul proof guides for both rods

[Fishslayer]

General rule of thumb is Rod Length in feet +1 = Number of guides, not counting the tip. I usually use 2 or 3 more, but that's a good starting point.

Stripper guide (closest to reel) is usually a #25 or #20. It's mostly personal preference or determined by reel size.

For an 8 footer with 3/0 I would start with #25, #20, #16, 2 x #12, 2 x #10, 4 x #8. Flex testing would determine any changes, but I would be pretty confident that that setup would get me what I was after.

A 9 footer with Squidder for me would go #25, #20, 2 x #16, 2 x #12, 2 x #10, 4 x #8.

You could probly start with a #20 on that rod for a total of 11 guides & be fine. If I ran into any line clearance problems while testing I would just add another #10 for a total of 12 guides.

There is no hard & fast "right or wrong" as long as you're happy with the way the flex testing goes and your happy with the look & feel.

Sometimes the actual height of the particular guides chosen can determine how many & what size ya have to use.

If you use large knots you may want to use #10 as your smallest guide size.

If you noticed a pattern in my sizing, you're right. For some reason I've always preferred an even number when using multiple of the same size. No reason at all except that's what I like to look at. If you find you like something different, go for it.

I also never use more than 4 of a size. I've found when using more than that you get an optical illusion of the guides decreasing in size as they get toward the reel. Again, no functional reason at all. I just prefer the way it looks to me.

Fishslayer

[BakerStBobby2]

TYPE OF GUIDES GOES TO YOUR PREFERENCE. CHECK OUT ACIDROD.COM FOR THE GUIDES. THEY ARE MY ONLY ONLINE SOURCE.
ON THE NINE FOOTER USE 11 GUIDES PLUS TIP. 8 FOOTER TRY 10 GUIDES.
IF YOU NEED GUIDE PLACEMENTS CALL ME AT THE TACKLE SHOP MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-7PM PST. 714-957-1408

[ddratler]

thanks fishslayer for the advice!

Bakerbobby, what are guide placements?

[Lend-a-Fish]

dani,
guide placement is where the guides go. You can figure out where they go by doing a static test by masking taping the guides to the blank and then loading up the rod. You do this before wrapping to make sure that under a heavy load, the line will not rub on the blank. Or you can PM Bobby and he will give you the guide placement. These are numbers he has already pre-determined through trial and error having already built rods on the blanks you have listed. Taking him up on his offer will save you alot of time. Static testing is time consuming. You can buy ruber surgical tubing to make static testing a little quicker. Tubing is stretched and spiraled around the blank to hold the guides in place while performing your static test, otherwise you have to use masking tape which will often allow the guides to shift during the static test process and each time you have to unwrap tape and move a guide its takes alot of time. Nice offer Bobby.

Didnt mean to steal your thunder Bobby, but i know you are running a business and not on here every day.

[ddratler]

ohhhhhhhhh
well then Bobby i will definitely take you up on your offer and will give you a call when i get the blanks (planning on placing the order tomorrow) thanks alot!