Just watched an old movie clip about surf casting and noticed the rods only had 2 guides and a tip. I am looking to either have my 11' Ron Arra XRA 1322-2 using a calcutta 700 conventional (using mono)built or if I have to build it myself. I wrapped a 10' one piece about 20yrs. ago and was going to do this rod but don't want to do it wrong. I was hoping to get Mike at M&D's to do it but I don't think he is taking rods right now. I plan on fishing with 3oz.+ plugs and may use it for eels. I also like jigging bucktails and shad leadhead combos. What would you use the rod for and how would you set it up? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

That Calcutta is a monster size reel IMO. UYou should reconsider that.

Assuming something like Abu 7000/7500 or similar sized reel I would make the rod with 7 guides. For mono goFuji Hardloy 30 , 25, 20, 16 , 16 , 12 , 12 , 16 SiC tip. Fuji trigger seat , cork tape handle , wrap it all on with A nylon (if you want to decorate it choose what you want but do use the HT nylon on the guides. You can go all SiC on the guides if you have the money , its about $40 more for the guide set if all Sic . They are better but more fragile. definitely get the SiC tip.

I would offer to build it but I'm too busy with other stuff right now.

I agree about the Calcutta 700. I bought one for heavy plugging, cast it once, and sold it at about a 90 dollar loss.

Thanks for the advice, hopefully I will get the time to do the rod this season. I've had it for atleast 8 years and only managed to put the cork tape, fuji reel seat (with the trigger) and first wrap above the cork tape and then I lost my confidence to continue the build (wasn't sure how to find the spine on both sections and have them line up). I have no idea where the guides went so it is like starting over. The calcutta 700 is the reel I use now (2 already) and I have gotten used to them so I thought I would stay with it and get another which would be number 3. I also fish 50# big game and need the larger capacity for fishing the canal.