Is there a generic, one size fits all spiral wrap when you do not have a
reel to do the setup. the rod is a rainshadow HS 1023 , 81/2 ft steelhead
blank for casting. what would be the pacing on the first 3 quides?
Some one at the woodland meeting mentioned a spacing that works
on all rods when you do not know the reel to be used

Hello Baughn,
It may not be the right way but I have good success with putting the guides on like I normally would. Of course after the stripper they go on the bottom side of the rod. Then just putting the transition guide on after the stripper guide. I do like to put the transition guide on the opposite side of the reel handle. I hope this helps but there will be some good and better information coming soon. Also you might do a search.
Have a good day.

Big John
Rio Hondo, Texas
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting

The thing to consider would be if the reel is round or low profile. Even then the object would be to keep the line from touching the blank before getting to the first guide when the rod is stressed and that should be easy enough to do with any reel. If you want to make it really simple, try the simple spiral. It's easy to set up and works as well, or even better, than other methods. If the rod is indeed used as a steelhead rod, the choice of reel size and shape isn't really that broad, you should be able to do a good static placement with an available reel.

I'd agree with Grant, but I think what you're asking is how to set the butt guide - which would really determine where the remainder go, when you don't have the actual reel.

There isn't gong to be a one size fits all thing here, because the reels used run the gamut from small freshwater baitcasters to large offshore and boat reels. But, you can probably come close if you're willing to stay in the same category of rods/reels anyway.

Try using the same butt guide placement that you do on any other rod of similar length that you use the same general size reel on. That should put you close enough that things will work just fine.

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