New rod for Xmas. But question?

[Chumba]

Merry Christmas everyone!!

So I got this awesome new walleye rod for Christmas. Lathed wooden handle with my name on it, it's pretty nice.

So my question is this: after the handle there is about 8 inches of just silver and black wrapping. The first eye is about 12 inches from the handle. Is this normal? Does it make a difference that the first eye is so far from the reel? Is the 8 inches of wrapping just all for show? I think so, it looks sweet? Can't wait to ice my first eye with it!!

[TooBusy]

I am not quite clear on where you say the first eye is on the blank. Is it 12" from the handle, or 12"+8" of decorative wrap for a total of 20" from the handle? Depending on the overall length of the rod, 20" would be in the ball park for the first guide. If it is only 12" from the handle, I believe that would seem really on the short side.

[A.W.Wolfram]

First off. Looks nice. What did you use to finish the wood?

A few questions before I comment on your question.

How long is the rod? Spinning?

[Chumba]

I got the rod for Xmas. I didn't make it. I will use as a spinning rod. That fist eyelet is about 15 inches from the handle. Total length I'm not sure. Many 36 or a bit longer

[clKiekhafer]

So this rod is for ice fishing?

[upnorth]

Guides spacing depends on several factors.

1. Type of rod, spinning, casting, ice rod.

2. The action of the rod.

The main purpose of the guides are to guide the line.

There are two main factors that will dictate guides spacing. The first is the action of the rod. 2 rods the same length with different actions will required different spacings. The reason is you want the line to follow the curve of the blank with no sharp angles when the rod is flexed. Too often people focus on the number of guides instead of focusing on how the line follows the blank. Another thing to think about on that note non spiral wrapped casting rods need to keep the line off the blank under flex. 2nd is the funneling of the line off of a spinning rod for casting. Rule of thumb for spinning rods are 24 inches from end of the spool on the spinning reel, that can vary with different sized spools and line weight both will affect what sized you need for the first guide from the reel.

Ice rods - main thing is going to be keeping the line from sharp angles under flex. You aren't casting so that is of little issues, and the more guides on the rod the more the rod will weigh.