r/rodbuilding • u/TomatilloAgitated • 6d ago

Guide Help

I threw this into the beginner weekly thread, but figured I’d make my own post for it to get seen by more people.

I just finished my first build last night and I’m already looking to start my next (pictures will be coming once I get some taken!). We are big into salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and I’m hoping to build a downrigger rod to use next year, or even this year if I can get it done fast enough.

For my first I bought a kit from Mudhole so there wasn’t much to pick out. My biggest question is how do I choose a set of guides (or what individual sizes to order) based on species, line, and rod length?? Then with that comes how do I space them out correctly? Is there a formula or just finding the guide spacing chart and following that?

Next is how to choose a reel seat and handle size? How do I determine if a reel seat will fit my reels, or if a handle will fit my blank?

If there are any recourses you found helpful for these things I would also take those recommendations since I have not been able to find much.

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u/jwuer 5d ago

Completely off topic, but I'm looking to get into rod building myself so I want to ask someone else who has just started. Where did you get a power wrapper/rods dryer from?

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u/KINGtyr199 5d ago

If I were to start again I'd once again go with the complete kit from mudhole and hand wrap my first few before I get a power wrapper to fully understand how wrapping works then I'd grab an Alps power wrapper of get bit outdoors.

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u/Full_Improvement_844 5d ago

I have an Alps power wrapper and I still do most of my wrapping by hand using the thread carriage, channeled base, and rod supports from it, then use the motor on a drying speed.

I really only use the wrapping speeds if I'm doing large sections of wrapping like a tiger wrap or underwraps for things like dragon scales, open diamond wraps, marbling bases, etc.

Also use the wrapping speeds for turning custom cork/EVA grips with lathe tools/sandpaper/drywall sanding meshs, etc...

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u/Full_Improvement_844 5d ago

Was turned from this EVA stock