I'm thinkin about building a rainshadow 1208 as an eelin stick, and want to be able to change over to plugs when I run out of eels. The plugs I would use would be 2-2.5 ounces. Is this rod alright for the job or is there something made by Batson or Allstar that would be better. I want the rod to be 10-11', and I'm gonna be fishing in the rocks of rhode island so it wont see any strong currents. I would put a 7000 abu on it. Any help is appreciated.

Batson is Rainshadow.

The All Star 1208 is a little stronger but both are good blanks for what you're looking for. I think All Start also makes a 1207 which might be a better choice for eels. The 1208 is a 2-5 oz blank in the All Star version. I'd say the Batson Rainshadow 1208 is more of a 1-4 rod.

When I said batson or allstar I meant is there any other models that might do the job better? I wasnt sure if the 1-4oz rating had too much backbone or wasn't enough.

I'm building a rod for the same purpose, goin with the Lamigla's XRA1204 a 10'. An S-glass SSB1363m cut to 10'6 is also a light versatile blank,,,fished it this past season, plenty gutt's..... quickly became a favorit:)

Allstar 1265/2 best alla round rod for 2 OZ range IMO.

i built the all star 1208 conv for eeling/plugging. in my opinion, it is not a good eeling stick. not enough give to the blank for the way i throw eels. i was casting off a lot of eels with it. i really like my 121 3m for eeling. takes a little getting used to in order to cast smaller eels, but it is the BALLS when you get a good fish on! another great choice would be a 120 1M. plenty of power and it has the "give" to keep more eels on the hook when you really lay into a cast. those are both lami's. i fish both of these rods with 7000's.

all star no longer produces a 1207.

for eels, generally a softer tipped rod is better. for plugs you can do whatever you like, fast or moderate. the lami 1204 might be nice up to 2.5 oz. 1205 for up to 3.5 oz. glass is always a nice option for casting rods. lami rules there. several options.

I guess I am from a different school on eeling rods?

I use a Lami S-Glas 1083 built conventional and I hardly ever cast off an eel!
I might even build a brother to it in spinning for those wind in your face nights?