Looking for some input from Canal regulars on a spinning rod for the canal for plugging/ jigging. I realize that I'm talking two different applications, but cant afford to have specific rods for both. I need to keep the rod at 10' max due to shoulder issues. I was looking at the XSRA 1205 or the SU 1208. I know CMS carries some Canal rods and may check in with them, but would love to hear any feedback. I have a budget of around $300. Thanks in advance.

I'll nominate the RA 1205.
Sweet stick.
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Hands down Lami GSB 120 1M. Understatement to say it's proven. Can throw anything from SP to 5oz shad. CMS can do one up nice and simple in a timely manner. I love my 10 ft 1 pc Lami SSU but others have had different experiences so I am hesitant to recommend that blank. Don't think you can go wrong with a GSB...

GSB
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I am a 1205 fan, but can't speak for the GSB. I have not fished much this year, but used to spend some time down there and it can certainly handle plugs and jigs. Some say up to 5oz I have never thrown that much in a jig but have 4 just fine as well as fish in current and work a pencil just fine as well. There is a reason people have both a jig and a plug stick. It does both pretty well but not as perfect as rods specifically designed for each purpose. In the end it became my plug rod and I jig with a different rod. I have a few 1205s and my custom wrap is a lot different feel and action than the standard. I feel it cuts down on some of the vibration after the cast and handles the fish deeper into the rod.
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I own spinning versions of a 1205, 1201m, and an all star 1208 (~equivalent to the su 1208) and if I were picking the one I like best for the canal, I would probably go with the 1205. All are great and you can't go wrong. I lean toward the 1205 since it kinda falls between the 1208 and 1201m. I would put the 1201 as my 3rd choice, but it is still great. The 1208 is great for jigging, but it is really pretty fast action. I prefer plugging with the 1205 and I especially like it for fighting fish in the current as the moderate action of the rod seems to do the majority of the work. I like the 1205 over the 1201 as it at least feels a bit lighter and slightly faster action and seems to casts slightly better. All of mine are customs that I made and I use pretty small guides. I have handled a friends factory 1205 and without the color of the blank, you would never guess mine and his were the same blank. I only mention that because I would take a factory version spinning of an all star 1208 over a factory 1205 hands down (one built ~10 years ago, anyway).

By the way, you could probably get that factory version of the 1205 for pretty cheap. I think Paul S kidnapped it or so I heard :).

I had a 1205 a couple of years ago, but sold it to fund another rod. Big mistake! It was a little heavier than I liked, but was the best overall plugging rod that I've fished. I really am leaning toward that rod if I can lighten up some.
Interesting on the GSB thrown into the mix. I have a couple of 9 ftr's (1081m&l)and absolutely love them both. I take the L to places and conditions that are way beyond its limits, but it still performs well. I just love that rod. Not sure why I hadn't thought of the 1201, but will give it some consideration. It would definitely handle what I plan on throwing, as I only jig as the tide begins to turn, and not at full run as I just suck at it! It will be mostly a pencil popper, swimmer, Sebile and SP rod.
Thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate your input!
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Last time I was at cms he had some 1205's spun up in the rack. All black with k concepts and x flock. Took all my will power to not buy another.
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Gonna call Charlie when I get a minute today... hope he's got a couple ready to go! Thanks for the heads up!
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Now I want another just in case! Surprised none of the Century fans chimed in. I don't own one but they certainly have a following for good reason.
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1205 lighter than the 120 1M? Hmmmm. Not sure, but have not thrown my 1205 in some time.

120 1m is a great all around rod - love it.

1205 lighter than the 120 1M? Hmmmm. Not sure, but have not thrown my 1205 in some time.

120 1m is a great all around rod - love it.

CMS's site lists the 1205 at 10.25 and the GSB 1201m at 11.75. Surprising as the Arra's always felt heavier to me.
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Fiber Star Composites

Definetly check out the Fiber Star line up.

Looking for some input from Canal regulars on a spinning rod for the canal for plugging/ jigging. I realize that I'm talking two different applications, but cant afford to have specific rods for both. I need to keep the rod at 10' max due to shoulder issues. I was looking at the XSRA 1205 or the SU 1208. I know CMS carries some Canal rods and may check in with them, but would love to hear any feedback. I have a budget of around $300. Thanks in advance.

I have both (actually, my 1208s are All Stars, but they're very similar to the SU). Either will work. I don't think $300 gets you all the way to the 1205 anymore, though.

The 1208 works OK for plugging, even with pencils, in the Canal. The current helps give a pencil some lateral movement, and the tip on the AS version is soft enough to bounce the plug.

The 1205? IMO one of the most versatile surf rods ever designed. Does everything. And at almost 20 years in production, it's as proven as any rod.

I totally agree Mike, it was the best rods I've ever fished. I am going to go with 1205, and will go to CMS Sat. and talk to Aaron.
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Gonna call Charlie when I get a minute today... hope he's got a couple ready to go! Thanks for the heads up!
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Ask Charlie about the new Lami he sold me late last year. Awesome!!

Other than that I'd say an Allstar 1208

Well if you're really looking to keep it around 300 getting a factory lami or a custom job is going be a little more than that, no? By a few hundred I think.
The shimano Tiralejo 11' 3-6 is a great rod. Strong butt and mid section and very sensitive tip. I mostly throw 2 3/8 oz poppers and 3oz pencils and it casts them beautifully, plus plenty strong to jig up to 5oz savages... Been using one for a few months now. REALLY light, lighter than anything I've touched, Im positive it would be as light if not lighter than any 10' lami. And retails at 3 bills. Just food for thought

Ask Charlie about the new Lami he sold me late last year. Awesome!!

Other than that I'd say an Allstar 1208

I love their work, and they're just good people. I didn't think the Allstar's were still available, Paul?
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By the way, you could probably get that factory version of the 1205 for pretty cheap. I think Paul S kidnapped it or so I heard :).

You wrapped that?

It has been in my basement for over 5 years.:jump1:

Well if you're really looking to keep it around 300 getting a factory lami or a custom job is going be a little more than that, no? By a few hundred I think.
The shimano Tiralejo 11' 3-6 is a great rod. Strong butt and mid section and very sensitive tip. I mostly throw 2 3/8 oz poppers and 3oz pencils and it casts them beautifully, plus plenty strong to jig up to 5oz savages... Been using one for a few months now. REALLY light, lighter than anything I've touched, Im positive it would be as light if not lighter than any 10' lami. And retails at 3 bills. Just food for thought
You are correct johnny, the thought of getting a custom Lami for $300 is a longshot. I will most definitely have to throw a few extra bucks at it if I go that route. Although I have seen some gorgeous rods in the rack for around $325-350, depending on the time of year and promotions.
I appreciate the suggestion on the Tirajelo, I saw one at the beginning of the season and they are a well built rod. Extremely light, and felt very responsive. The problem I have after two shoulder surgeries on the same shoulder, is being able to successfully "load" a rod at that length, to be able to get the maximum performance and distance out of it. If I were on open beaches alot it may not be as much of a factor, but I fish mostly on the rocks in RI and find the need for a shorter rod. Strictly my preference, as I know alot of guys like an 11 ftr.
I need to look over a few blanks, as they have one the GSB's suggested earlier, in the rack, and I'de like to look at it. They have a 1205 in the works too.
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glad I read this because I have a 1205 coming to me from li. Brand new bought it for a cool 250, it is conventional and I can't conventional out of my blood.

I love their work, and they're just good people. I didn't think the Allstar's were still available, Paul?
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Has to be close to ten years since they went out of production.
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You wrapped that?

It has been in my basement for over 5 years.:jump1:

No, the one in your basement I am pretty sure is a factory version. One time a few years ago he who must not be named and I were talking and the rod came up in conversation. He told me it was in your possession. I told him if he wanted me to that I could stop by some time after work and grab it for him, but obviously that didn't happen.

Has to be close to ten years since they went out of production.
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That's what I thought. I remember one being on here not that long ago for sale, 1dozenraw maybe, and thought of pulling the trigger on it, but I think it was a 9 ftr.
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I have a couple of 9 footers, too, a 1087 and a 1088.
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