I just bought a St. CRoix 10ft med action blank stick
and plan to put a Penn 550 with 20lb powerpro line on it
for the surf.

My question concerns the first rod guide spacing and size
from the reel. I also noticed the reel sits kind of low
on the rod and I'm worried about line slap.

Are there any hard and fast rules for positioning rod guides? ---SNIP

There are no "Hard and Fast" rules for spacing guides. The length and type
of rod would determine the spacing of guides. For your 10' surf rod, it is
suggested that it have one guide for each 2 feet or fraction of the length,
not counting the rod tip-top.

I measured the surf rods that I have and the average measurement from the
tip-top to the last guide (First one by the reel) was 27 1/2" Each rod
manufacturer has it's own spacing specifications and that even differs
between rods of the same maker.

Most rod builders use a formula to figure out the spacing on rods that they
are building. Concidering that this is a rod already made, you have two
choices. The first is to take it back to where you bought it, along with the
reel you will use and look for a different rod, one that the reel fits and
you are comfortable with.

The second option is to seek out a rod builder in your area and take the rod
and reel to him. He would do a deflection test and be able to fine tune the
placement of the guide. The builder could also change the size or style of
guides to suit your taste or needs.
--
Max
http://www.outdoor-links.com
Recipient of the Ken Schultz Award of Excellence

Is there something that raises the reel higher off the blank?

Thanks for your answers.

^Gin^

ps I sometimes need 5 oz and more pyramid to put.