GSB 1201m or Arra 1205

[luds]

If you could get a 1201m or an Arra 1205, both for the same price which one would you choose?

Rod is going to be used primarily for eeling.

[jim sylvester]

1201 m

[Pete_G]

1201m for sure.

I have both, the 1205 is just a bit too fast action for eeling.

I can cast plugs further with my 1205 but my 1201m is what I usually use most of time no matter what I'm doing these days.

[Saltheart]

I would choose the 1205 for a conventional eeling rod. I like the rod as an all around rod so 1 rod can be used for eeling and plugging. . Despite the faster action , I won't cast eels off with a conventional . I like the sensitivity for bite detection.

My next choice amongst the rods mentioned would be the 1201L.

I think the Arra 1322 would be the rod I'd buy just for eeling but nobody asked about that one.

[shadow]

1201 m is a better eeling stick the 1205 is to fast of a blank for eels.it can be done just 1201 better fits the bill.

[nightprowler]

1201L vs 1201M
why do you guys prefer the M?
it seems to me that for eeling 4-12 might be a bit heavy? and the 2-6 of the L would be more in the range of the majority of eels.

[Steve K]

I agree with Nightprowler. The oz ratings are way off but I do think that the 1201L is the better eel rod and I have both.

Originally Posted by nightprowler

1201L vs 1201M
why do you guys prefer the M?
it seems to me that for eeling 4-12 might be a bit heavy? and the 2-6 of the L would be more in the range of the majority of eels.

[luds]

1201m has some more balls than the L. That's why I like it.

[Pete_G]

Don't listen to the ratings.

This is a 1201m launching a 2 oz Habs Pencil. Your casting stroke and power will effect what rod you prefer as well. For me, I start to feel the 1201m is out of steam shortly after 3 ounces with a plug. But obviously you don't cast an eel like a plug.

I have never fished an L, although if it still has lifting power like the m it might be of interest as a dedicated eel rod. DZ fishes a cut back L.

[jkswimmer]

My thinking is that the less aerodynamic a lure is the more parabolic can cast it better. Fast action rods are great at throwing tins and the such. I use gsb132 1L cut 12 inches from the bottom it has an almost glass like action.

[snake slinger]

1201m

[NIB]

Why not both..or all three.The 1205 is stiff.The fastest action in the xra series.This along with braided line can also pull the hook on lots of fish.If i was gonna thro 3 oz habs needle's all night that would be a good choice.The L is to light in my opinion.a good bomber red fin rod asking it to much more is takin it to extremes.If u cut the tip down the rating does not go up on the high end only the low end in other words u can;t make a 2-4 rod 3-5 if u cut it it becomes 3-4.So the 120 1M seems to be one of the best rods for alot of applications.It'll tro bombers an red fins ok.Is a good soft action rod for eels.excells in plugs in the 2 0z range.like darters an metal lips..As far as being a good pencil rod it pales in comparison to the 1322 or the gsb 136 1m. simply by the nature of it being shorter.i've gone to 11 fter's 3 yrs ago an i haven't looked back.Yes at times like when in the water tryin to land a fish or on a rock they can be cumbersome.But they offer me the most bang for the buck I don't sacrifice distance.Ya the majority of fish are in close..But sometimes they are not...An the longer rod can be a GREAT advantage when tryin to land a fish in a mine field.
It is a little tough eelin, they tro em great but the added lenght can be cumbersome.I missed alot of hits with it...No one rod does it all good.I have gone thru them all.Including glass...If I had to pick one it would be a 120 1M.

[SeaWolf]

Originally Posted by NIB

...The 1205 is stiff.The fastest action in the xra series...

the xra1084 and the 2006 model of the xra1204 are the fastest action blanks in the arra series. the 1205 is not as fast. the 1204, 1321, and 1322 are more of a moderate fast, which is slightly faster than the gsb1201m.

Originally Posted by NIB

...I fished with a 121 3M i still have it.there is no better rod for whipping a fish made.The soft action is great for jiggin in my little canal.where 1.5 -2.5 is the norm.I like the way it gentily lifts the jig off the bottom.And I can lift 12 lbers up with it.Cast like crap.u gotta wait a 1/2 hr for the thing to unload.It's heavy, ya I'm a big strong guy but it can wear on ya....

if i'm to recommend one casting outfit (or spinning sometimes) for inlet fishing with heavy tide rips, this is the blank. it has lots of power, loads great, but as NIB mentioned, a soft, slow action. they are pretty much indestructable.

[striperondafly]

I got a 1205 for large wood and it fits the bill perfect (3-4oz wood)