I know there are a million options out there, some better than others obviously, but I would like to get a discussion going between the Rainshadow 1209 and the Century 1328 as dedicated jigging rods for the canal.

I understand they will both work, but would like to hear opinions and pros/cons of people who have fished both. Not just test casted or played with a little bit, but people who have put time in on both rods.

Thanks :jump1:

Cant speak on the allstar but can throw my thoughts out on the 1328 century

I use it to jig the ditch when I go and to throw bigger stuff like the fast sinking sebiles, 4oz pencils, custom loaded ss poppers and big wood.

it will still throw an sp minnow or left hook pilgrim, but really shines with anything over 3.5 to 5oz.

I will throw 3oz to 6oz jigs or leadheads with rubber on it all night, rod has plenty of backbone to pull fish off the bottom or to turn em in current.

I took the majority of my canal fish on this rod this season, didnt have to walk to the fish or play the waiting game with em once they got to the side.

I also used the rod to throw big eels at night at the ditch.

I don't do a lot of chunking on the beaches but this was the rod I used, up to 6oz sinkers and bunker chunk or head. Took some nice fish on the beaches this summer with it, nothing over 30lbs, but solid fish.

its a very versatile rod for the ditch, surf and chunking.

It can also be cut up to a foot off the butt without effecting warranty.

Big Dave has probably used both rods, could shoot him a PM.

hope that helps.

I wouln't jig the ditch with anything but a 1328
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PM sent.

Justin you know what I use. The 1209 is definitely a great jig stick. Is it as versatile as the 1328 ? That I dont know. I've jigged all night 4-5 ounce plus rubber then switched to top water pencils 1.75 - 4 oz, stick shads, darters, even loaded red fins and sp minnows. Can the 1209 do that? As a dedicated jig stick the 1209 has been proven for years, can it do everything else too?
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Justin you know what I use. The 1209 is definitely a great jig stick. Is it as versatile as the 1328 ? That I dont know. I've jigged all night 4-5 ounce plus rubber then switched to top water pencils 1.75 - 4 oz, stick shads, darters, even loaded red fins and sp minnows. Can the 1209 do that? As a dedicated jig stick the 1209 has been proven for years, can it do everything else too?
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Nope. It's about as dedicated of a heavy jigging stick as there is out there. About the only other thing I throw with mine (a factory AllStar) is the large shads.

For jigging 5 oz and over on a moon tide it can't be beat. But it takes that much weight to begin to load it. It's really not an enjoyable rod to fish with. But when you really need to put the boots to a nice fish in heavy current, it shines. That's why I can't bring myself to sell mine, even though I only threw it a couple of outings last season.

The 1328 is much more versatile. Still handles jigs to 5oz, just loads much easier with lighter weights. I got mine in late summer and only have a half dozen outings on it. But one of those was during a moon tide with the current running full bore. Caught several fish 20-29#'s and didn't feel the least bit undergunned.

If I was having one built, it'd be the 1328 all the way. The only way I'd consider a 1209 instead is if I found a good deal on one of the BST's.

Just my 2¢

I agree with Matt. If I'm jigging at night, and stick around after the turn into daylight, and fish start breaking, of course I'll throw plugs on my 1209. But I don't like to. :rotf2:

I'd never take it with me on a plugging tide. I'd want a rod that I could use for jigs, too, though, The Century 1327 can handle up to 4 oz. But if you want a do-everything rod for plugs and jigs up to or over 5 oz, the two blanks that I'd consider are the 1328 and the XRA 126 1MH.

BTW, my 1209 is an All Star, and if anything, the RS version is even stiffer in the tip.

You can punch it out there wrapped spinning, but trying to snap cast a conventional isn't a good idea. I just sold my last 1209 conventional, but I'm keeping the spinner.

One is a foot longer. That can make a big difference to some people. For heavy jigging , i favor the 10 footer. The 1209 is useless for lighter jigging but for at least 3 and probably 4 minimum , the 1209 is nice.

The 1328 is more versitile but its 11 feet. its not that easy to handle 11 feet along the canal edge. there are issues with casting in some spots where the bank is sttep and close behind you. Its also easier to land fish with a shorter rod. I think the XRA 1205 is a better choice all around. Now you will be limited to 4 plus a tail . Some fish 5 OZ with it but I think its not as good above 4. 95% of the time 4OZ is enough for the canal , at least the way i do it. yes you do need 5 some tides but not often.

I fish the XRA 1205 and have a Century Tip Tornado Light for when really booking tides call for more weight.

For me , if I could have only one rod for everything at the canal , the 1209 would not even be in the running. Now I would likely choose the Century 1327 or 1328. I am tall and 11 feet does not phase me a bit but for some guys its a show stopper. However , if I could have two rods to totally handle the canal under all conditions , i would choose an XRA 1205 and then some real beast like tye 1209 or in my case thye Century TTL to handlke really heavy stuff.

Saltheart the 1328 is designed to be cut a foot off the butt making it 10 feet.

besides for a few spots I dont have any issue with my 11s at the canal, im 5'10" and prefer an 11ft rod, seeing thats what i always used.

I fished 9 footers at the canal for several years (even though I had used up to 12 footers on the beach for over 20 years) . Much easier with the 9 footers at the canal do to no problem with brush behind you and easier to land fish if perched up on a rock. When I switched to the 10 foot 1205 I had to adjust so as not to snag the bushes behind me. Landing the fish you just get used to it. The extra foot did help casting. Going to 11 is another major step up. I suppose cutting an 11 footer is always an option. Like you Chris , a lot of people use 11 footers with no issues. Now if you fish right at the waterline with a very slow slope behind you , the 11 feet would be an advantage.

Saltheart the 1328 is designed to be cut a foot off the butt making it 10 feet.

besides for a few spots I dont have any issue with my 11s at the canal, im 5'10" and prefer an 11ft rod, seeing thats what i always used.

Wait your 5'10"? Man i need tp use your tape this season...

Im 5'8" and the best thing i ever did was go to an 11'er and i have no issues with the 1328 and 1327 at the ditch, from the hill or water line.

I have also tossed and used the 1205 and the 1209 and honestly they dont campair to the 1328.

Come to the new school.


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Wait your 5'10"? Man i need to use your tape this season...


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if i stand up straight and not all hunched over yes I am :rotf2:

Most of the brush has been cut down. ;)

I have the 1327 not a 1328, but I much prefer a 10'er if I am jigging all night. Anything under 5oz, I prefer my 1205. Above that I go to my 1209. If I were only going to have one rod, I would want an all star 1208 as I find it handles 5 oz better than the arra, but is infinitely better for lighter stuff than the 1209. I don't know how different the new rainshadows are, but my understanding is they are pretty close to the old su's. If true, it would be my choice if I couldn't find the all star. I find the increased wear of casting 11' all night outweighs any benefits. Three or four hours of casting the 1327 in the morning is different and I wouldn't want to be there with out it.

You're looking at apples and oranges a little with those rods.

The 1209 is the meanest 10' out there, and THE jigging rod for the canal. It's not a plug rod, it's heavy current and big scary jigs. The greek brothers use them to plug with dogfights...but they're crazy :)...they skate 25# fish with them.

The 1328 is a rod that you can plug and jig with and will do 5oz and a tail or a 6oz Stick Shadd, while still letting you throw an SP or a Redfin or huck a 3oz pencil.


If you want a 10', look at the Zipplex Sea Raider II, it'll do what the 1328 will without having to cut a foot off. They're hard to find, but they're excellent rods for the canal. Big Dave loves this rod for the canal as well.

I have the 1327 not a 1328, but I much prefer a 10'er if I am jigging all night. Anything under 5oz, I prefer my 1205. Above that I go to my 1209. If I were only going to have one rod, I would want an all star 1208 as I find it handles 5 oz better than the arra, but is infinitely better for lighter stuff than the 1209. I don't know how different the new rainshadows are, but my understanding is they are pretty close to the old su's. If true, it would be my choice if I couldn't find the all star. I find the increased wear of casting 11' all night outweighs any benefits. Three or four hours of casting the 1327 in the morning is different and I wouldn't want to be there with out it.

Wait, seriously? The 1327 weights nothing compaired to 1205 & 1208 & 1209 , perhaps you have the wrong reel mounted on it or its wrapped wrong.

I had spine surgery Nov 2011 and again in Dec 2011, and the upgrades to the centuries allowed me to fish in May of 2012 tossing upto 5oz on the 1328 like nothing. This was due to the weight and balance of the centuries, let alone the added advantage of the distance with out trying.......

FYI i never cut the 1328 i dont see a need for it.
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It isn't an issue of weight, but it is not true that a 1327 weighs nothing compared to those other rods. Blanks: su 1208 is less than 8 ounces, a 1327 is just under 9 oz, and a 1205 is 10 ozs. All things equal, they would be practically identical when wrapped. Swinging an 11' rod on the banks of the canal is just more of a hassle and gets old in my opinion. Holding the rod and especially fighting fish on an 11'er takes more effort due to leverage. It adds up after 8 hours.

Zimmy, im going to leave it at, lets agree to disagree with out hijacking the post.

But i will leave you with this thought, your saying that a 2 10'sticks sticks weight 1and oz less and 1oz more the a 11'er. Hmmmmmm balance and weight distrobution?


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Zimmy, im going to leave it at, lets agree to disagree with out hijacking the post.

But i will leave you with this thought, your saying that a 2 10'sticks sticks weight 1and oz less and 1oz more the a 11'er. Hmmmmmm balance and weight distrobution?


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It isn't a question of disagreeing... it is purely personal opinion, beyond the fact that the blank weights are what they are. You are right, a 1327 is extremely light for an 11'er. I own the rods I discussed and my opinion is that I prefer a1208 or 1205 vs. the 1327 or 1209 for jigging all night. The original poster would be best served to fish he rods and make his own decisionbefore he buys. Each rod has trade-offs.

Thanks for all of the discussion going on in this thread. I understand the benefits of having a rod that will do just about everything needed , but as I mentioned earlier, I am looking solely for a dedicated jigging rod for the canal. I have no problems with carrying 2 rods, as I always do anyways. The plugging rod that I currently use, I love. I would not be looking to do anything with this rod aside from jiggng and throwing big shads and sebiles. Everything else I can do happily with my current set up.
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Thanks for all of the discussion going on in this thread. I understand the benefits of having a rod that will do just about everything needed , but as I mentioned earlier, I am looking solely for a dedicated jigging rod for the canal. I have no problems with carrying 2 rods, as I always do anyways. The plugging rod that I currently use, I love. I would not be looking to do anything with this rod aside from jiggng and throwing big shads and sebiles. Everything else I can do happily with my current set up.
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Rainshadow. You don't want an 11ft rod to jig the canal.

So what does cutting a foot off the bottom do to the 1328?

other than make it shorter

So what does cutting a foot off the bottom do to the 1328?

other than make it shorter

Nothing. Was designed to be cut up to a foot off the butt.
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The one piece Lamiglas XSRA 1261 10' 6" rated for 2-6oz lures, is specially designed for the Cape Cod Canal and the blank has proven itself for over 20 years. "The feel of a one piece rod is really something special" Hope This Helps"

Rainshadow. You don't want an 11ft rod to jig the canal.

Why 11' no good?
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Banks, trees, fatigue.
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Why 11' no good?
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too long in some spots where the bank is steep, easier to lift a big jig with a shorter lever

I tend to agree Chris. My jig rod is a ten and it is easier to pickup a jig with. Not to mention it feels a bit stouter as well if that makes any sense.
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The best rod for the job is the one that fits u. The 1209 allstar was a great rod to jig with. I own 3 of the originals and they just dont cut it like the RS1209. The RS1209 is the best jigging rod out there. Its not a rod for the faint at heart because after a night of casting ur arm is jello
No play at all. In my opinion the RS1209 casts pencils just as good as any rod. The only thing i say to people is this rod works better with bigger reels. I would love to try a cts rod but would love it to be rated 4- 12oz.

Nothing. Was designed to be cut up to a foot off the butt.
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Not to start an arguement but it might be designed to cut a foot off but no matter what it will change the feel of the blank without question. No rod can be cut without changing it straight butt or not. This is just the way it is!!

Seriously, its really a personal preference. None of the rods mentioned are "bad". I happen to really really like my 1205(s) as they are versatile both day and night. I also have 2 1209s spinning is an AS, and the conv is a RS and like those too but their use is specific, basically exactly what you said. As some have mentioned the 1209 takes a lot more to load it but effortlessly moves the jig once its on the bottom and just puts the boots to fish. I know several friends who love the new century series but frankly someone would really have put the time into different situations / conditions / locations to have an educated opinion. That all said I really am thinking about trying out a 1327 this year for AM tides, as I think the new setup and certainly the length improves distance. I don't think I'll ever be able to cast as far as some of my buddies, but I would like to at least try the new sticks out. Thats plugging, and thats a different thread however if I was going just really heavy stuff, I think the 1209s even though older style are still worth a look.

Soon my friend..
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own and use the AS 1209 conv. and spinning ,, Great jigging rods but my Century 1328 is more versatile .. I throw 6.25 heavy weight shads with that .. That's as heavy as I want to throw . I've caught literally a ton of fish on SP minnows thrown with the 1328 .. All though it's not the ideal stick for that it works good enough ,, Wouldn't want to throw an SP with a 1209 ,, Can't see that working at all .

I jigged heavy all year with my 1328..no problems at all. It's user preference, whatever works.
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Very informative thread.

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