Gear call

[Mike P]

John, I have the 1208 that Mike wrapped for me last year--I think it is a great blank, too. Right now, I have JCXX's Sabre 1208 in my rafters awaiting the opportunity to deliver it, and side by side, there's no question that the All Star is a stronger rod for weights starting at 3 and up--and a better action for jigging, too. I've cast tins and plugs with it too, and IMO it is the equal of my 11' Arra (1322) for casting. I haven't had the opportunity to wrestle with a real LARGE yet, but expect it to at least equal the Arra in that respect. And based on what I hear, if the need ever comes to replace that Arra, it will probably be with the 11'9" that Saltheart seems to have fallen in love with--I just have this funny thing about 2 piece rods, like, generally, I hate 'em!!

Did you have a chance to talk to Big Dave at the show? He was the big guy working at the Hatteras Jack booth. He seems to think that the All-Star 1266 blank is a very versatile, all-around blank--but again, 2 piece. He thought that the 1209 doesn't really begin to load until you get to 5 or 6 ounces, and that the 1208 is plenty of rod for jigs in the Ditch. The 1209 would be the choice for 5 or 6 ounces of lead and a chunk.

OK, favorite rigs. For the back bays and light lures, Sabre 9' 1087 spinning rod with VS or Penn 704 and 30# Whiplash, or 20# mono depending on methods. Favorite rig for the rocks or eels, 9' Sabre 1088 and Calcutta 400, with 50# Whiplash or 20# mono depending on methods. For the high surf, Canal, or other big water, All-Star 1208 with Penn 975, and 50# Spectron for jigging, 25# Big Game for plugging or eels in the surf.