GSB 1201m or Arra 1205

[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.

[spence]

People say this, people say that...

It all depends on how you fish.

-spence

[t.orlando]

I love my 1205 for eels

[SeaWolf]

the xra1205 is a great plugging rod. although some may like it for eels, it is a moderately fast action rod and tends to throw off eels more easily. the gsb1201m has a moderate action, which is better for loading eels, especially any larger ones.

the gsb1201L is nice, but a better pencil popper rod and best for lures under 2.5 oz. it can handle 3, but you dont have the needed power to push the heavier lures out. dont bother paying too much attention to the lamiglas specs on the gsb1201L/M and 1321L/M. both are way overrated.

i have all 3 rods rods and if i had to choose one to suit all applications, it would be the gsb1201m. i've built many gsb1201m for customers and all are extremely happy w/ the result. i have several customers that have both rods, and prefer the gsb1201m to the xra1205 for throwing eels. peteg is one of those customers. stop down the saltwater edge and check the rods out as he usually has the rods in the shop or on his truck.

[nightprowler]

Originally Posted by SeaWolf

the xra1205 is a great plugging rod. although some may like it for eels, it is a moderately fast action rod and tends to throw off eels more easily. the gsb1201m has a moderate action, which is better for loading eels, especially any larger ones.

the gsb1201L is nice, but a better pencil popper rod and best for lures under 2.5 oz. it can handle 3, but you dont have the needed power to push the heavier lures out. dont bother paying too much attention to the lamiglas specs on the gsb1201L/M and 1321L/M. both are way overrated.

i have all 3 rods rods and if i had to choose one to suit all applications, it would be the gsb1201m. i've built many gsb1201m for customers and all are extremely happy w/ the result. i have several customers that have both rods, and prefer the gsb1201m to the xra1205 for throwing eels. peteg is one of those customers. stop down the saltwater edge and check the rods out as he usually has the rods in the shop or on his truck.

if the 1201 M is overrated, what would you estimate the rating to be?
im interested in picking one up, and was looking at the blanks cat last night and based on the ratings was leaning towards the L. I throw almost exclusively eels, but do throw wood swimmers and poppers up to about 4 oz.

[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.