Rod build. cone or new guide
 

I was asked to build a couple of rods for a friend and his sons. I think iv'e settled on gsb. 120 1m. They chunk plug and throw eels. Maybe 6-8 trips a year using various reels 704- peen slammer-saragosa 2 with braid 1 with mono. I know there's a lot of factory rods that would work just fine. His son thinks a custom rod is special and these are christmas presents. I was thinking of using alconite guides starting with say a 30 but wonder about that being to small for mono I don't really want to go any bigger. all are spinning with 2at 24"-25" reel seats and one at 28"-29" Maybe a combo of both methods will work? Thanks Mike

Kudos -- a solid choice for what you described.

I think they truly are -- and you have a lot of options to make them truly special to each of them.

I've never built a rod with mono as the primary line, but IMHO a 30 for the stripping guide is more than adequate. Curious though: Is the rod with the 28"-29" reel seat the one that expects to use mono on the reel? Also, what pound test does the angler using mono usually have on their reel?

Rod build. cone or new guide
 

The longer reel seat is for the dad he has big wings 6'4" Mono is 20 to 25lbs. I think the younger son would go back to braid. He cut a finger pretty good but tape may cure that. thanks Mike.

Or a tighter drag?
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So, for the rod with the longer reel position, it'll be about 30" from the spool face to the 1st guide (assuming you wouldn't want to place the stripper further than the 1/2-way point on the blank.) Even with mono, I think that will still work.

BTW, which Alconite guide type(s) are you thinking about using on the rods? That will help identify how to place them and whether or not to use COF or Kirkland's NGC layout.

rod build. cone or new guide
 

I'm thinking i'll use bsvag's or bmnag's leaning toward the vag's. thanks for the reply

If you still need to purchase guides, consider 2-foot K guides; they come in an Alconite version, they are considered more contemporary (might be more appealing to the recipients), more flexible (less risk of epoxy cracking around the feet), and lighter.

In my experience, one of the biggest impressions you can make with a custom rod is making it lighter than a factory version on the same blank.

Good luck.