For guide selection I believe the rod should be set up as conventional instead
of spinning for better line control. I use Fuji ceramic guides exclusively
since they have stood up to the test of time. The two choices are Hardaloy or
Silicone Carbide, with silicone carbide the more expensive. The set of guides
with matching tip top
will range in cost from approximately $25-$75, depending on the material
chosen and the number of guides. Both will work on the inshore or ocean
fluking rod.
The blanks selected range in length from 6.5 to 7.5 feet. I would use a
minimum of seven guides on the 6.5 and 7 foot rods and eight guides on the 7.5
foot rods.
The guide sizes are as follows: 20, 16, 12, 12, 10, 10, 10, Tip Top
Add another size 12 guide for the 7.5 foot rod.
For Silicone carbide - SIC - use Fuji model NSG. For Hardaloy - use Fuji model BNLGH.
Reel Seat selection should be a Fuji size 20, either plain or trigger style.
Grip selection can be either cork or EVA synthetic. You want to make sure the
grips are firm. I prefer cork, but good cork is hard to find. Grip length
should be
12-14 inches for the butt and 6-8 inches for the foregrip, depending on your
arm length and hand size. A Fuji rubber butt cap BRC19 will complete the
handle.
The next installment we will talk about spining the blank, handle assembly
and preparing the guides.
The third installment will cover guide spacing and wrapping the guides.
The forth installment will cover finishing techniques.
As a final thought, if you are really serious about building, I would highly
recommend you purchasing Dale Clemens Advanced Custom Rod Building. It is the
bible on the subject and will be very helpful to you as a reference source.
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For anyone really interested in expanding their knowledge of rodbuilding, the
Rodcrafters National Seminar will be held in Allentown, PA. the weekend of
March 20 & 21.
This is two solid days of rodbuilding talks and demonstrations on all aspects
of rodbuilding. Some of the best rodbuilders in the country will be there to
share tips and techniques. It is a warm group of people, both men and women,
that are very enthusiastic about the craft.
Anyone wanting more information, please contact Al Goldberg directly at
rod prof@aol.com
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