The "1" surf rod
 

If you could have only one rod what would it be. Only one rod for plugs live bait or any other method of fishing. How long how heavy spin/conventional and what reel would you pair it with

I like my GSB1201M. I use this rod exclusively since I lightened up my inventory of rods.

1201L with 10" chopped off the butt vs 200

Maybe a bt1083m, with a little surgery that rod can be made to do anything.
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This question comes up all the time and the GSB1201M usually gets the most votes for all around surf rod.

-spence

any 10'6'' 1-4 works for me. good length, not to tall and not to short, and .5 oz to 4oz is mostly what i am throwing anyway. I like my Rogue SU1064s-2 i built. paired with a vs200, its great

Mojo 10/6 Mh and a 704, it's the one I usually use out of half a dozen. I'd have a VS but $ drives that. A new to me deer rifle is in front of that purchase.

all you need is a gsb 1201 m

An L with 4 inches cut off the tip.
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What's the low end with 4" off the tip?
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I'd think one and a half if you want get some action out of the rod.
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my arra 1205 cut 6" from the butt with tiny guides. It is completely different than an off the rack 1205, though, Otherwise, a 1201m would suffice, but it might lose out to All star 1208. If we are really talking only 1 rod ever and for all shore purposes, I think I would go with the 1208. It can throw 6-8oz and a chunk if necessary, or a red fin. Although, the 1201m probably wouldn't break either, but it would be awfully soft with that weight.

I currently have a sw1209 that I bought at cms. I love it for eels, but I feel like I am at a disadvantage when it comes to big plugs and heavy jigs, as I will not throw more than 3oz. I am contemplating making my new "1" rod a conventional but I am concernened about casting distance and versatility and just plain a$$ aches that comes with them
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Honey Lamiglas 121-3M with a nonlevelwind conventional, Saltist 20H or SL20SHV and 65 lb PowerPro SuperSlick, Yup, I like the new Slick PP.

You probably won't regret going conventional if you give it an honest try. Just another tool in the shed.
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GSB1201M

For a parabolic rod.... GSB 1201M, obviously a fan favorite. for a faster Rod, Loomis 1266-2. (out of production)

I love the loomis, I HATE the 1201M.

Spinning would be Custom GSB 132 1L spinning shortened to 10'6". 2" from the tip and 4" from the butt or my GLoomis 1266.

Conventional....yikes... too many and can't reject any of them.... but I'd probably grab the 1201M Lami... maybe...

I think I'd go with 9 or even 8 foot rod if I could only have 1 rod.
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I almost went with my lami glb961mh. The problem is that I could never throw very heavy weights if I had to. All Star 1088 or 1089 would get consideration if I could have a cut off in the 5 oz range.

I'm gonna go with an Allstar 1088 with a vs150 or an Abu 6500 chrome rocket
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Star Rod DLX 15-8CT with Penn Sargus SG5000 for light stuff

Tsunami Five Star TFSSC-802MH with Penn 7500SS or the Greenie 704 for heavier

The century stealth 10' that i built in the Saltheart building class is becoming a favorite of mine. Its very versatile and a pleasure to fish. I landed a 28 lber on it in a cranking canal current. Not something that i would recommend. The canal and breachways aside it is about the best rod out there in my opinion.

depends where you'll use the one rod most

sand or plugs less than 3 oz, 1201L
rocks or plugs to 4.5 oz, 1201M

I use those two rods 90% of the time.

I find I'm happy with my 1201m in 99% of the circumstances I fished. Used to love my 1204, 9 foot loomis, and 1205 but have stopped using them. There is a lot to be said for sticking to one rod.

The majority of use will be the canal

Impossible :hihi:

You need 2 rods to do all that at the canal....its the jigging that would probably give you problems...

I love the 1201m as well....but I think it would be a struggle trying to effectively jig the canal with it. When I go there I always bring 2 rods....one to jig and one to plug. you could fish bait with either.

just my opinion though...take it for what its worth

1201M. Can throw up to 5.5oz+ but soft enough to handle 1 oz and still load up. Can turn a fish in the canal no problem and throw eels without ripping them off the hook. Rod itself if pretty much bomb proof.

I use a 1201L, 1321M and 1205 arra under specific circumstances, but the 1201M can cover these situations as well. Its nice to pack light.

The canal, I'll stick with the mojo 10/6 2-6oz. I'd buy a fancy spinning reel since it won't get submerged.

I find the best rod that's always bent over is the best one.

RoyL's Spongebob :grins:

live line with Sponge Bob - YouTube