New weapon
 

Was able to hang a few fish this weekend on a new rod! Allstar 1208. Was very fortunate to locate a new unwrapped blank through Kevin/onedozenraw in RI. Redsoxticket generously picked it up and got it into Saltheart's hands to do the build. Mike has wrapped two other rods for me in the past, and had originally introduced the Allstar line to me. Throwing Timber met up with Mike and brought the rod to the ferry for me on Friday. So four longtime members went out of their way to allow me to now have this hard to find, beautifully wrapped, rod. And I was impressed. After searching through the old threads I have a rod that I can lay into with 2-4 oz. Perfect all around rod that completes my needs. (My other surf rods are a Rainshadow SW1088, and an Allstar 1265) Thank you gentlemen!

I'll give you 150 dollars for it.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

You can even throw 6 and bait with a all star 1208. Probably still best all around rod ever.

Happy I could help out Ross!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

great blank!

The Fiberstar composite line is supposedly a very similar action rod to the Allstars.

wish I never sold my 1088. that was an awesome nighttime plugging and slug-go rod for boulder fields and inlets...

I sold my 1208 but kept my 1088 conventional. With the 400TE it's a sweet lightweight and powerful combo.

-spence

Toby Lapinski sold me one last winter that he had stripped. I have Mike (Saltheart) wrap it for me. An OUTSTANDING ROD!!! I love it.

That 1208 is one of the classic Allstar rods. There were a lot of Allstar models but the 1088 , 1208 , 1209 and the 1418 were as good as any rods you will find for the applications they were intended.

I'm happy to hear both Ross and Paul are happy with the rods I built for them. Like any other craftsman , it is a pleasure to hear that people are happy with your work. Best of luck catching more fish with your 1208's gentleman ( I say "more" because I know you both have already caught some good fish on them! ) :)

:nopics:

Black matte blank, blue over black wraps, K guides, cork tape, 6" EVA at butt. Pretty simple, no flash for me. I should be at the Castle before the game tonight... You will see/ throw with it soon....

Bumping this in tribute to Mike. He built three rods total for me through the years, including my first custom, which really steepened my addiction for stripers and surf fishing. Thanks, Mike. Good friend. Great craftsman. I will especially think of you whenever I fish those rods

Wish i could find myself either a 1208 or 1209 blank. I been hunting for one of the 2 for about 6 months.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I connected with Mike throught this site. He wrapped an AFAW Estuary for me that I don't let out of my sight. I appreciated that he took the time to ask me about intended use and preferences priopr to the build. It paid off.

So sad. I miss Mike already. He was good friend, true gentleman and a superb craftsman.

This rod has hardly been used. It is time to pass it on to someone who can better navigate walking boulders and access surf fishing areas than I. It has passed through the hands of some respected members here and deserves to be fished. Please PM me if interested. I will do some research as to what is a fair price.

A piece of history - nice ; )

Very nice read, thanks JR. Nice to see some of our old friends names that have passed on. BTW still have my 1208 and I still think it's one of the best blanks ever made :).

I still fish the 1208 Mike wrapped for me.

I was looking at all the old names from the past on this thread and it made me nostalgic.