Ron Arra rod- Questions??????

[Saltheart]

Mike P summed it up pretty good.
I would cut down the GSB 108 1L for a great 9 footer.
The XRA 1205 is a great all around rod that is now available in a factory built and its light and easy to cast so you would get used to the extra foot really fast and have a Do-All type rod.

I think the XRA 1084 would make a great rod but until the dust settles on the braekage issues , I would not go there.

[Mr. Sandman]

Nice rod but I think it is too light (slightly too short) and too fast for eels IMO. Further the ARRA is stale technology, get something more up to date, that has more current technology that are more rugged and with better warranties for that kind of money, then the ARRA. There are several that would work.

[Clogston29]

seams that alot of people don't like the 9' gsb blanks. i really like the 1081m that i have. good for eels, not great - but i think that's just because i prefer a 10' rod for eels. very good for sluggos and plugs from about 3/4 up to 3 oz.

i think that the gsb1201m cut down to 9' might be alittle stiff for what you want. i have one cut down to 9.5' from the but and find it significantly stiffer than the 1201m at 10' (although that may be due to variation in the blanks). i'd say that the 1201m cut down to 9.5' is more of a 1.5 - 4.5 or even 5 rod, and is a bit stiff for live eels. It really shines as a riggie rod IMO though and thats what i use it for most.

i had a batson sw1088 for about a month and sold it. Didn't like the feel of it at all.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

i had a batson sw1088 for about a month and sold it. Didn't like the feel of it at all.

Was that mine? I can't remember who bought it.... Or did you buy the 9ft conven?

either way; I could never feel where my rod tip was with the Batson, too stiff, fast.
1201M still the best all around eel-riggie rod IMHO!

[Clogston29]

nope, got a conventional from you. not sure the blank number, but i think it was a pacbay. maybe a 1087. still have it.

thats pretty much how i felt about the batson too. even with braid, had no feel for what was going on.

[Slipknot]

9' Fisher would be perfect

[steve]

Thanks again guys, I learned alot!!! I'm using a 9 foot gsb 108 now (nocuts) , for live and rigged eels now and like it. I just thought there might be something better for live snakes. I been doing this for a long time and wish I had the money I spent looking for the "perfect" rod over the last 35 years. This is my first full season fishing eels again and wanted to see what everyone else thought. You have been a big help!`

[The Iceman 6]

I was luck enough to get the 1322 as a gift. I sling eels with it and plugs without problems. I love the rod.