I think the spine answer is correct. best solution: Strip the guides off and re-wrap after you correctly spine the rod. You can determine the spine by holding the tip of the rod in one hand and, while placing the bottom of the top section on a flat surface, bend the rod and roll it from side to side (works even with the guides on but better with a clean blank). The rod will "jump" in a couple of places. You want the guides aligned with the area where the rod does not jump (where it is stable).

One of the spots that the rod is stable will have less bend with the same amount of pressure than the other. The is a fair amount of controversy over whether you want the guides mounted so that the rod bends against the face of the spine (more power for casting) or agaunst the back of the spine (more power for fighting). Either way, get the guides off the jumpy part!