GSB 1201m or Arra 1205

[jim sylvester]

1201 m

[Pete_G]

1201m for sure.

I have both, the 1205 is just a bit too fast action for eeling.

I can cast plugs further with my 1205 but my 1201m is what I usually use most of time no matter what I'm doing these days.

[Saltheart]

I would choose the 1205 for a conventional eeling rod. I like the rod as an all around rod so 1 rod can be used for eeling and plugging. . Despite the faster action , I won't cast eels off with a conventional . I like the sensitivity for bite detection.

My next choice amongst the rods mentioned would be the 1201L.

I think the Arra 1322 would be the rod I'd buy just for eeling but nobody asked about that one.

[shadow]

1201 m is a better eeling stick the 1205 is to fast of a blank for eels.it can be done just 1201 better fits the bill.

[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

[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.