Ditch Jigging w/ Arra 1205

[JohnR]

I'm not a Ditch expert but I understand lots of 1205s are in use (and have been) for some time. Usually more conventional than spin but it is certainly strong & versatile enough to use there.

There may be better suited rods to use for specific purposes but a 1205 should be fine.

What color is the blank?

[awall630]

I'm pretty sure they recently changed the rating of those blanks, so I could believe that one feels heavier than the other. Correct me if I am wrong. I did a little jigging with an ssu1201mh, the 1205 is similar and has a faster tip. Should make an alright all-around canal rod. It will throw 3 and 4 oz jigs if you need to, but I would say that its better suited for a canal plugging setup obviously. A rod suited for both will mean a slight compromise on both ends.

[luds]

No 2 Lami's I've ever owned have felt exactly the same but the difference between these two is greater. I am confident that they are both 1205 blanks. The newer blank is black and the older one is more of a burgandy.

[Mike P]

I have never seen a black XRA blank. The newer ones are a darker burgundy than the originals, but they all should be some shade of brown or burgundy.

The 1205 is a fine jigging rod for up to 4-5 oz. I bought a convetional 1205 from Bob Samuelson 5 years ago, and it's been my main jigging rod since, for the occasions/locations when I still jig with a convetional. For my money, it's a better rod for 3-4 oz jigs than the 126 1MH. It's easier to lift/work a jig with a faster-taper rod, and the 126 is very parabolic.

[luds]

Originally Posted by Mike P

I have never seen a black XRA blank. The newer ones are a darker burgundy than the originals, but they all should be some shade of brown or burgundy.

The 1205 is a fine jigging rod for up to 4-5 oz. I bought a convetional 1205 from Bob Samuelson 5 years ago, and it's been my main jigging rod since, for the occasions/locations when I still jig with a convetional. For my money, it's a better rod for 3-4 oz jigs than the 126 1MH. It's easier to lift/work a jig with a faster-taper rod, and the 126 is very parabolic.

Thanks. I'll have to check the color when I get home. Thought it was black.

[luds]

Do you guys think having a high speed reel is a necessity? I was thinking about grabbing a Saltist 6000 or should I just stick with my Saltiga 4500?

I hate having to move my reels from rod to rod so I could be easily convinced to get a new reel. Prefer to just be able to grab a set up and go. Just don't see getting anything too high end as justifiable. I'll never spend as much time jigging as I do in the surf.

[MAKAI]

I have the 1205, used to be conventional. Changed it to spinning with a VS 275 for jigging the ditch. Great for jigs up to 5 , launches pencils and has enough backbone to put the boots to the fish.
Bet I have had that blank over 20+ yrs, Roy from franklin spun it up for me way back.

[t.orlando]

Originally Posted by luds

Do you guys think having a high speed reel is a necessity? I was thinking about grabbing a Saltist 6000 or should I just stick with my Saltiga 4500?

I have used my 4500's for jigging and everything else in the canal, you will be fine. Sure, a faster retrieve would be nice, but not completely neccessary. Unless you plan on hardcore everynite jigging, save your $$.