Hi all.

I'm looking for recommendations/opinions on where you would install the guilds on a casting rod in relation to the spine?

I've built 4 casting rods in the past and have installed the guides opposite the natural curve so that the rod will bend easiest to the fish and will cast a little further this way. I have recently read that this is more of a user preference and the guides can be installed either way.

I'm looking to build a new casting rod based on the type of fishing I most commonly do: 90% of my fishing is from the bank. I like fishing with jigs, spinnerbaits, worms (mostly weightless and wacky style) and Zara Spooks. I have to at times make long casts to get on a hump or a weed line and find that setting the hook on a jig or worm can sometimes be a hit or miss thing.

I'm wondering if I place the guides on the natural curve I would increase my hooking percentage, but I'm not sure if I would compromise casting ability. Do anyone have any recommendations on this?

From what I've read,  some guys build on the straightest line, some use the spline.  I don't think it matters hardly any. 

My preference is to build on straightest axis. 

I build all my rods on the straightest axis.

If you do a lot of research, you will find that the majority of the opinion is that the relation of spine or spline, has no real significant impact on the funtionability of the rod.  I used to spline my builds. 

I no longer do.  I now build on the straightest axis.

Mike