What makes a great Canal rod?

[zimmy]

1209 has the backbone, but you won't feel a small fish much. I don't really care about that personally. My arra 1205 is spinning and I much prefer conventional with more than 4 ozs and braid. However, I bet the 1205 as a conventional would be about perfect.

[Flaptail]

Knowing how to use it.

[Saltheart]

My Arra 1205 is conventional with the BG 7000CL and 50 LB spectron. Works well.