GSB 1201m or Arra 1205

[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.

[Canalman]

Why not save the $4,000,000 and get the Lami 1231? Great eel rod and it's virtually indestructable

[Finaddict]

Originally Posted by 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.

Mike, you couldn't have picked a more appropriate topic right now, as I am considering the same topic.

Pete, I was considering a 1205 - as I felt it would be a good plugging stick and I like to throw big plugs (but will need to throw smaller plugs at times as well) ... so do you still recommend the 1201m, even though it doesn't seem to throw the larger plugs as well as the 1205 ... based on your photo and comment.
thanks

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Finaddict

Mike, you couldn't have picked a more appropriate topic right now, as I am considering the same topic.

Pete, I was considering a 1205 - as I felt it would be a good plugging stick and I like to throw big plugs (but will need to throw smaller plugs at times as well) ... so do you still recommend the 1201m, even though it doesn't seem to throw the larger plugs as well as the 1205 ... based on your photo and comment.
thanks

If I was going to pick one of the two it would definitely be the 1201m. It can basically do everything the 1205 can and in some cases better (eels), other then hitting a wall more quickly with big plugs.

I'm a big fan of the way the 1201m flexes when fighting a fish, unless you have mobus on the 1205 definitely fights fish further up the rod then the 1201m.

Casting style and personal preference make the difference. In the shop a few days ago I watched 3 guys all with multiple 50+ pound fish from the surf discuss one surf rod. One thought it was perfect, the other slow but good, and the other thought the rod was a joke.

[Back Beach]

Luds,

I have two 1205's. One spinning and one conventional. Both work great with eels and plugs. You can try both of them along with the 120M to see what you like best. Its the only way to decide, because everyone has their preference. Both excellent surf blanks.

[luds]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Luds,

I have two 1205's. One spinning and one conventional. Both work great with eels and plugs. You can try both of them along with the 120M to see what you like best. Its the only way to decide, because everyone has their preference. Both excellent surf blanks.

Thanks for the offer Mike. I really appreciate it. I'm think I'm going with the 120 1m because the price tag is a little lower and I use my spinning 120 1m for just about everything and love it. The oppurtunity to buy the 1205 on the cheap has passed me by so it not that rod has somewhat lost it's appeal.