Anyone have any input on this stick? I was thinking of buying one from a friend that wants to sell it.

hey, why don't you try contacting Ron Arra by his email or go to the Redtop b&t store? Ron Arra's email address is ronarra@lamiglas.com.

I have the one piece---best 10' light and medium plugging stick I've ever held. It's rated 3/4 to 2-1/2 oz but can handle 3.

It's classified as a "medium fast" taper but still has what I consider to be a parabolic bend to it. Lots of backbone for a light stick. Great with braid as the bend cushions the pressure on the hooks--I tend to rip trebles loose too often on stiffer/faster rods.

DaveS, Thanks for your interest in the Lamiglas XRA 1204-2 10'....This rod was designed for live eeling and lures.The rods optimum use is with 1 to 2 1/2 oz lures. The XSRA 1204-2 took first place at the 1997 American Sportfishing Association Trade Show, in the surf rod category. We are also offering the Lamiglas XCRA 1204-2 10' in conventional this year. I will have the full line of the XRA series rods on display at the coming shows....Big E Springfield Ma. , World Show Suffern NY, Mass Striped Bass Show, kingston Ma. Regards, Ron

HEY!!! welcome to s-b.com!!!!:D
dude, you cast wicked far.:)

Thx for 'da poop Ron. It is a nice looking stick and feels good in my hands and for the price I'm buying it for it's a steal. Glad ya mentioned the live eel thing, because when I walk out to Naps, I wanna sling eels and if the situation is right, needlefish and pikies too. I was a little wary because of it being a 2 piece rod, but ya know what? I cant tell, feels like a 1 piece to me, that is until I cast a fat eel and the top half of the rod goes sailing to Fischers Island:D (J/K).

Mike, have you noticed any wear on the guides from braid? What braid do U use? Also do ya think it' gonna meet my needs ala eels/needles?

I use the 1204 a great amount of time in Rhody. It is a great rod and I like it best for throwing eels. Not jumbos though. For me, the sweet spot on that rod is right around 2-2.5 oz. It is also great for throwing needlefish...Can't really comment on the 2piece, Just about all my surf rods are 1piece, don't think you could talk me into using a 2piece, but thats just me.

Thx for the info Ken. 1 piece 2piece, I dont see the difference anymore. The way the blanks are made nowadays, fisherman cant use that "it dont feel right" excuse anymore because I didnt even know this rod was 2 piece till I held it and looked at it, and I really doubt that it would snap at the ferrule, would have to be a hell of a fish with a greenhorn holdin' the rod lol.

I've been using 20 and 30# Fireline and 50# Whiplash. The guides are Fuji BSVLG Hardaloys (it's custom wrapped, not a factory rod). They're holding up fine.

I agree with CH on the sweet spot. It throws a 2-1/2 oz Gibbs darter out of sight. With braid and a 2 oz Hab's needle, you can cover a lot of water.

Not likely that the ferrel will snap on any of the better two piece rods. They may twist or come apart but that has to do with how clean you keep them and how you put them together. Beyonet them together and keep the male and female very clean and you will never have a problem.

That rod is great for eels.

Thx for the vote of confidence in the rod SH. How do you recommend the ferrule be cleaned? I was just thinking washing the rod with the garden hose like I always do(every 2 or 3 years hehehe) I guess the only way to see is to give it a go at Naps huh?:D Dear God, please make this snow go away:angel:.

Dave, I wouldn't be too concerned about a two piece rod. I have the All Star 1265/2 and the 1266/2, both two piece and have never had the pieces wiggle apart. In fact they both feel like a one piece rod when they are put together, just wipe the spigot clean, make sure the female section is clean, slip them together and give the pieces a little twist.

Clean them good with alchohol both inside and out. Any grease or oil will cause grit to stick and eventually scratch the ferrel or cause them to come apart. Do as Fishpart said. Clean then put together with a twist to sock them down.

Welcome Ron good guys in here!

CanalRat, Thanks...I can see that right away, that there is good people here. Is this the same Canal Rat that I fished with at the cribbin ?

Yup that would be him. :D Welcome aboard Ron.

The twisting and slipping on 2-piece rods is something you get when you fish lures like a pencil popper. The whipping back and forth will loosen the top piece no matter how good the fit is at the ferrule.

Just from looking at where the two pieces fit on the factory 1204, if space isn't an issue, some epoxy and a finishing wrap will make it a one-piece that even a Lami engineer would have a hard time telling from a true one piece.

Mike P, I have used my XSRA 1083 9' and 1204 10' two piece frequently last year without any problems. If your concerned about movement in the joint, a couple of wraps of electrical tape around the feral will take care of your feelings about the new two piece rods. 99% of two handed spey rod fly casters use this method so why not try it on a surf rod for extra security. It will not put any extra weight on the rod or disturb its balance or casting performance.

Dave S
Yes get the rod and as many others as you can get CMS custom tackle in New bedford makes custom rods using the blanks
thats where I got mine.
Also Red Top sporting goods in bourne carries a full line made by lamiglas and designed by Ron Arra himself.
Also pick up Ron's book great reading for a surf-caster at any level. His video was extremely helpful with casting.
And if you can catch one of his seminars there good listening and very informative.

Originally posted by CowHunter
I use the 1204 a great amount of time in Rhody. It is a great rod and I like it best for throwing eels. Not jumbos though. For me, the sweet spot on that rod is right around 2-2.5 oz. It is also great for throwing needlefish...Can't really comment on the 2piece, Just about all my surf rods are 1piece, don't think you could talk me into using a 2piece, but thats just me.
Bingo.........................

BM, you ever thrown a 2 pc? Didn't like it? Or just staying in the box? My 1265 Allstar was first 2 pc, and I don't notice a difference. Just wondering. Besides, 10 footers won't fit in vehicle, and carrying too many ladders lumber and chit for rod rack on roof

I got a st croix bendoer conv in 2 pc
all My others are 1 pc

I have built rods on all the arra models except the 1 piece 1083 (I built a two piece 1083). They all make nice rods. the 1204 is an excellent plugging and eeling rod to 2.5 OZ. They have a moderate action and cast well.

Hey Ron, welcome to the board. This is Joseph Tien here. I was the one who sent you an email about Canal fishing. Ron, I tried my luck there and caught nothing. I have some questions about my rods, but lemme find them first and i will post them to you soon.

Ron, I am considering buying XCRA1322-2. What do you think of this rod being two piece. In your book it doesn't mention this rod but only spinning model. I really enjoy reading your book.
Are you coming to Suffern Show again in March?

Don ;) :p

ron, i am 5'10 and 169 lbs(i hope so). what rod do you think that should suit me? i am a medium built. and how is a conventional surf fishing different from a spinning surf fishing?

The size and height of a surfcaster does not really matter if your casting a rod under 12'... however it can and may work against you if your not in good condition or not casting correctly with a longer rod. The new conventional models XCRA 1322-2 11', XCRA 1204 -2 10' are offered for all of you who asked for more 2-piece, casting models,your requests have been granted.You do not have to worry about two piece models for performance....they will handle fish and cast with authority and may I add that Lamiglas rods are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for the lifetime of the original purchaser.

wow, ron, you amazed me. damn, i am thinking about buying one of your product, but if they weren't so expensive. no offense, ron. i wished that your company could make comboes. I always like to buy combo rod/reel because they save my time. i like the two piece models because i can reattach it anytime. ron, i like using spinning outfit. ron, maybe i should stop by your seminar or something. you would probably have to provide me an interprepter because i am deaf...
and i liked your book!

off the subject, do we have any wahoo or red drum on NE water?

I 'spose if ya went 20 miles south of the Vineyard, you might run into almost anything, including a rare 'hoo.

Red drum? Never heard of one but ya never know. Tarpon have been hooked in Hyannis harbor.

Originally posted by Ifishgibbs
Dave S
Yes get the rod and as many others as you can get CMS custom tackle in New bedford makes custom rods using the blanks
thats where I got mine.
Also Red Top sporting goods in bourne carries a full line made by lamiglas and designed by Ron Arra himself.
Also pick up Ron's book great reading for a surf-caster at any level. His video was extremely helpful with casting.
And if you can catch one of his seminars there good listening and very informative.

Friend of yours Ron? LOL:D . Sounds like a tackle add from On The Water.

Oh - almost forgot Yes get the rod and as many others as you can get CMS custom tackle in New bedford makes custom rods using the blanks

Of Course - we heartily recommend (in order of official sponsorship start date :) ) :

CapeCodTackle
Saltheart
Sportsman's Den
Capesams

No kidding, MikeP? I am considering about targeting Wahoo, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore, Swordfish, grouper, snappers, and halibut. I would like to catch a drum. A Wahoo in MV? Thia onw I gotta try. Mikep, do you chase 'hoos? If you do, I would like to catch one. But I never have done it.

JohnR- If I ever got to the Sportsmen's den and rent their kayak and baits, what water do you think I should touch? Sea kayak fishing isn't as easy as it looks, correct?

No 'hoos--no boat :(

I sometimes fish for wahoo at Watch Hill, fresh squid on a hi-lo porgy rig with a plastic bobber does the job fer me.

DaveS- How often do you catch a 'hoo? What is their average size and weight? If you are planning to catch 'hoosies, I would like to go on a trip with ya for them. If you PERMIT me to join ya, then it's all settled. I want to respect your wishes. Do you catch tuna on the Watch Hill?

Originally posted by Notaro
No kidding, MikeP? I am considering about targeting Wahoo, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore, Swordfish, grouper, snappers, and halibut. I would like to catch a drum. A Wahoo in MV? Thia onw I gotta try. Mikep, do you chase 'hoos? If you do, I would like to catch one. But I never have done it.

JohnR- If I ever got to the Sportsmen's den and rent their kayak and baits, what water do you think I should touch? Sea kayak fishing isn't as easy as it looks, correct?
I worked the island alot, um some funny fish would show up. at the fence is where You would get alot of those wierd fish BY CHANCE.
the trick is to find the warmer water the 1st 2 weeks in august, You troll for the Bones, then they will come up later in the month then the albies would show.
It would Be Bones out front of the Gut at cape poge and then the albies would go inside. the bones never go in...
tossing a 3/4 lead head with a pearl grub I got a Bass right infront of the wind mill Just over 30 lbs I got a fluke an albie a Bone and a Blue. GRAND SLAM!
when venturing out You need a box Of cheeze its. I think I was the 1st to do this.
If any one rembers a Guy in a grady with a brown stripe I was out half the week and on week ends.
toss them in the watwer and the turns will dive on them.
the rat pack will charge them. point being. there are a few who know to set up and wait for the bones to show in the spot. they blast here and there but will show a pattern.
the cheeze its keep the Ya hoos Busy so You can hook up.
remeber to drop rod and Hide it so no one will see You hooked up.
some times In sept school Blue fin show up off the bridge.
and alot of pelegics show off the hooter in august,
can U say yellows and school Blue fin.
You can book into the hole and work on filling live well with scup butter fish and snappers. then head out:D
so i was a Boat heathen for many years:smash:
sorry I wont let it happen again, I meen we all know boats are for people who cant fish from shore:smash: :happy: :eek:

BM, that's cool, but BONEFISH? no way, man. i would like to catch an ablie if it's an ebigle table fare. well, is it? i can catch a fish from the shore, but not on the race point beach. the place is too damn big for me! how would cheeze its work on 'hoosies? u re screwing me around, arent u, dude? they strive on a fastest fish like mackerls and their clans. even tuna or blues.

I an not messing with You, sorry Bone is bonito here....
false albicor are a bloody Mess the go back as well as the bones.
I would keep a bone here and there

eeeww, no way, man! i read some where on the eagle claw saltwater fish info abt bonito and their table fare rate is a whack!

Notaro,
I was just kidding about Wahoo at Watch Hill, however I do catch 2 or 3 a year while I'm tuna fishing in the Hudson Canyon off the Jersey coast, and also in Cape Hatteras North Carolina. They are strong fast fish, with nasty teeth, and you usually miss them when they hit your trolling lures unless you are using wire. They are my favorite fish to eat by the way.

DaveS, Sorry I don't know "Ifishgibbs" and just got on the site,but will go along with him enjoying the product. Thanks for the good words.

I think bonito taste better after they eat a handful of cheeze-its :)

Nota---ya gotta understand that different fish have the same name in different parts of the country. What we call a bonito, or bone, up here is an Atlantic Bonito, scientific name sarda sarda . They are really a mackerel, like a 'hoo, king or Spanish Mack. They have pink meat and taste fantastic. :drool:

Down south, they call a False Albacore a bonito. They are the red bloody mess BM was referring to, and even dogs won't eat them :yak: Those are probably what your fishing guide was calling bonito.

Tha cheeze-its are for catching other fishermen, not fish, get it? ;) It's sorta like putting your foot down on your lure, on the beach, and leaning back on your rod to make all the guys sitting in their trucks with binoculars think you're onto a fish, and make them come running down to where you are so you can fish in someplace out without them snooping on ya.

Notaro - you might be able to chase Mahi Mahi if you had a boat you could run 30 miles out in 4-6 footers with....

Like said above - most of those fish are caught by chance, not by design. Just a case of being in the right place at the right time AND being prepared....

BTW - Bones taste great...

point taken, gentlemen. well, guess we have to go to NJ for that.