MuskieFIRST | Building a rod » Basement Baits and Custom Lure Painting

Muskie Discussion Forums

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

Random quote: 2005 Spring Muskies Inc Chapter Challege 2nd Place Winner Is Jaime Friedman. Check Out My Pictures.
- (Added by: Jaime Friedman)

Moderators: Slamr	View previous thread :: View next thread
Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [30 messages per page] More Muskie Fishing -> Basement Baits and Custom Lure Painting -> Building a rod

Message Subject: Building a rod

Solitario Lupo

Posted 2/27/2026 12:27 PM (#1036521)
Subject: Building a rod

Location: PA Angler

Having some trouble here. I’ve built fly rods and had help learning a little but got myself into building a 9ft baitcaster.
Looks like they are being built with 11 guides. Need help with spacing also for those that have them are they a heavy duty guide.

Real seat they recommend a size 17 or bigger. I’m guessing I should go that way for bigger reels.

Now the big problem I’m having is winding check and tip top. For winding check my bottom blank starts at a 16mm then very bottom goes to 17mm. What size is needed. Tip top is a little over 2mm so should I go the next step up.

musky513

Posted 3/11/2026 8:44 AM (#1036649 - in reply to #1036521)
Subject: Re: Building a rod

Posts: 532

I would get some surgical tubing to use to hold the guides in place so you can do a static test. The number is up to you really. A general rule is the length of the blank +1 and a tip. Put the guides on the blank where you think they will work best after you have the handle and reel seat mounted. Put a reel on the rod and run the line through the guides and put a load on the blank. This will allow you to see the how the line flows through the guides to see if there are any places the guides need to be moved.
As far as a winding check get one that is as close to the blank diameter as possible, but err on the smaller side because they will stretch.
Reel seat size I would go with an 18 at a minimum or up to 20 depending upon the reel you are using. You may need to use some arbors to shim the seat if it doesn't fit perfectly, likely it will not without arbors.
Feel free to pm me if you have more questions.

Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [30 messages per page]

Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread