Reel position

Just bought a 525 mag and a greys mercury 13.6ft rod. What would be the best position for the reel, how far from the butt. Ive also bought bicycle tape for the handle, can I cover the whole handle or just either side of the reel.
Thanks

the position of the reel is down to where you fell comfortable using it high or low.if you cover all the butt make sure you can get a reel seat or coasters to hold the reel in place.you do what you feel comfortable with ,what suits one angler may not suit another.

dont think you would need to cover the whole butt with the tape, just the bits that you will actually be holding, but its down to personal choice.
some people find it easier to start with the reel up on the rod, get used to casting with a multiplier, then change to using it down the butt near the bottom.whatever feels more comfortable andd whatever way gives you better control of the reel.

thanks guys

If your fishing with the reel up the rod put the butt of the rod under your right arm pit, mark where the thumb stops then put your reel here. If the rod came with a reducer then fish down the butt this will let you slow down the speed of your cast and give greater distance.