Mudhole doesn't have any new 1205s or 1205 blems.

So what is compareable to them as far as action, length and weight capacities?

Thanks

The action is what's hard to match. I guess the best bet would be the Lami GSB1201L. That blank has been discussed extensively on Al Goldbergs Forum.The Loomis rods are fast action. Maybe an Allstar (breakaway) 1208 would be close , maybe a little too fast action. There are other places to get an Arra , 1205. Mike T didn't have any when I got mine so I got it from Anglers Workshop. I think Mike had some in his shop a couple of weeks ago though (usually he has the best prices). TimS can also get you one .

Thanks Saltheart.

Price is the main concern since I'll be living on my own money. I'll contact Mike when the time is right.

Mike T had one factory XRCA 1205 in the shop the last time I was there.

The Lami blank that is very similar in action---although not in weight rating---is the GSB 120 1M. The Breakaway 1208 has a much smaller and lighter tip section (size 9 as opposed to size 12 on the XRA 1205).

Hi Mike , where you been? thought you fell off a rock somewhere. :) Yes the action on the Breakaway 1208 is a faster do to the thinner tip but it has a stiffer mid section to butt transition. I think it would be a good rod for similar applications where you would use the XRA 1205. They are both versatile rods. Save about 40% on the Breakaway. too. Something to consider for the budget contious.
I don't think Patrick would like a 1M for his only rod. Not enough zip . I might be wrong though. Its also versatile though. Good chunking rod for up here with 4 OZ and a bunker chunk. Its close to the same price as the Arra blank at Mike T's too . I guess by the time you throw the long dollars at a Lami graphite surfrod , you might as well get one of the Arra's.

I wouldn't mind that rod. I already have the SS100M/2 with the Penn 6500SS (wouldn't mind getting a 7500 Neptune or Nautil so I could use braid) Right now I have 20/8 Fireline but if and when I get the Neptune/Nautil, I'd put 50lb braid on it.

Then I'll have the GSB 120 1M with a 7000C3. I'll probably put 65lb whiplash on there.

Then once Mindi moves down here, we are having a pair of GSB 108 1Ls with 6500 Nautils. Probably "his and hers". :)

Then I already have a 7 foot Shakespeare Alpha with a Penn 4300 SS with 14/6 Fireline on it. Once I rewrap my Empire rod, I'll put it on that. It casts the light stuff but it's not really long enough to cast a bomber far enough.

I guess all of you faced this when you were first launching your fishing career. "Do I buy the rod and reel with nothing to cast or do I buy the lures but can't cast it on my current setups."

I figure I'll get the rods and reels out of the way and then slowly but surely get the right size plugs when I can afford them.

Seems like the better way to go than buying some plugs and just having them lay around.

Nevermind. I just edited my former message.

I just put in a search for Breakaway rods on another site and I see Mike P listed the Breakaway err Allstar 1208 for 1.5-4.5 oz. That's perfect for what I need. Eels, medium to largish plugs. Nothing over 4 oz.

First question though. How would this rod do with an Abu 7000C3. I figure it's a 10 foot rod, it should do fine but ya know, every rose has it's thorn and sometimes when something has every logical reason behind it, it still just doesn't work.

Next question. Mono or braid? I'm new with the conventional thing so until I get the hang of it, I'll use thicker mono. This rod do well with braid? You know, once I get the mono thing down.

The only money I have burning a hole through my pocket is when a quarter goes through the dryer :D

Thanks guys.

The 7000 will go fine with the 1208. I've used a 6500CL and a Penn 525 Mag on it as well. For 20# or thicker mono, you're better off with the 7000.

Mike W is right---the price difference between the GSB and XRA blanks for similar applications isn't that much. $10-$15 on the 120 1L vs 1204, about $15 on the 120 1M and the 1205. The XRAs are a higher modilus graphite, however, and are less forgiving. They don't take knocking around on rocks as well, either.

I remember Nick Meyer, from the old WMI days, saying that the Breakaway blanks have one layer of S-glass cloth in the mix to add a little durability. The 1208 doesn't have an ultra-fast taper like some of the other models in their line.

Of course, you could always go "retro" and pick up a Harrington/Harnell 542 blank for $90. ;) Then, you'll have one that bends almost to the reel but can still lift a cement block. As well as a hernia :D