securing guides

Question
It has been 15 years since I made a rod. All the websites I check on wrapping guides do not show laying a bed for the guides to sit on. I was taught to to first wrap thread for the eyes to sit on to protect the rod, then finish with a different thread. Has this been done away with? If so, is it because it stiffens the rod or just takes extra time? I am putting together a 9' fly rod 5 weight and just wanted to check. Thanks for your time. Great SITE.
    Greg Gortler
 South Bend , Washington

Answer
Hi Greg,

In general, the use of an underwrap is applicable to heavy duty rods and saltwater rods.  You can certainly use an underwrap if you want to or if you prefer them...there are no wrap police that will accost you on the water.  It is largely a matter of preference and current trends in the craft.

Typically, on fresh water rods, especially fly rods like you describe, the goal today is to produce the lightest rod possible.  The thinking is this enhances sensitivity and is more pleasurable to fish with all day long.  Single foot fly guides reduce the number of wraps, and finish, needed per rod.  Graphite blanks reduce weight but retain casting and fish fighting strength.  Wraps tend to be no more than is necessary to secure the guide foot (or feet) to the rod.  Finish tends to be minimal, just sufficient to adequately cover and protect the wraps from water and UV damage.  Again, this can be a personal preference matter.

Preparation of the guide foot (or feet) is critical to minimize rod damage and to facilitate wrapping.  Probably any time saved by eliminating underwraps is consumed in extra guide foot preparation time.  Guide spacing techniques have evolved a bit as well and guide type and construction has improved over the years.

If you would like additional information, contact me at [email protected] and I'll try to answer your questions in greater detail.

Thanks,  Joe