I'm planning to build a 36"-40" medium heavy spinning ice rod for lake trout. However, I'm having trouble estimate the guide spacing. Can any body please make some suggestions? Thanks much

Todd

I'll break the "ice" and then run for cover. Based on your information, in my opinion I would recommend. The following.

Given the distance from the tip to the center of the reel seat 32 to 33 inches then

For 3 guides .......... From the tip 4.0, 11.5 and 20.5 inches.

For 4 guides ...........From the tip 3.0, 7.0, 12.5 and 20.5 inches.

I would opt for 4 guides.

good luck

John


John

John's suggestions are about right.

However, any guide train is essentially set up the same way. Flex the blank and put a guide where ever it is needed to insure that the line follows the loaded contour of the rod blank.

If the blank is stiff all of the way to the tip, the spacing can be much greater at the tip of the blank. On the other hand, if you have a very soft tip, then the guides will have to be quite close to have the line follow the contour of the loaded blank.

Guys,

Thank you very much. It is a very stiff rod and as such I will place accordingly.

As all ways its appreciated!!

Todd - I'm an avid ice fisherman with way too many rods. Built some myself and purchased an equal amount of customs from the shops around me (Thorne, DH, Tuned Up Customs). That said, in looking at my rods which range from 28"-36". Here are the number of guides on each, happy to send specifics as a baseline if you'd like.
-28": 5
-28" (noodle): 5
-30": 5
-32" (noodle): 6
-34": 6
-36": 6