lami 1201L vs 1201M

[merch]

Rod question. I’m thinking about getting another 10 footer. I have a 10’ lamiglas XRA 1203. I like the rod but it is a little soft and slow for some applications. Too slow for poppers, spooks, etc. I hear a lot about the 10’ lami 1201M and 1201L. I tend to prefer rods on the lighter side with a pretty fast tip. My question is to anyone who has experience with both sticks. Does the 1201L have enough backbone to handle larger plugs and big fish? Another question about the 1201M. Is it too heavy to throw smaller plugs that aren’t necessarily poppers (i.e. plugs that aren’t aerodynamic and between 1 and 2 oz) or is it strictly a big plug and pencil popper stick? Any info is appreciated. Basically I’m looking for something a little tougher and faster than my Arra.

Thanks,
Tom

[jimmy sly]

tom

120 series are not faster than any arra

slower, more parabolic

1201m will put the screws to any fish on the east coast..sweet spot at 3-3.5

1201L likes it @ 1- 2 oz

if you are looking at something faster than an arra, look at rogue 905 s, great stick

[Dave]

I'd say go with the 1201 M simply because you have the 1203. The M will throw 1 oz plugs ok but it won't load and really toss em out there of course jigs, tins, needles and pencils are another story they almost always toss well. Like Jim stated the M has plenty of backbone for big fish in boneyards and areas with plenty of structure.
The L is a sweet blank also. More than capable of handling any big fish and tossing up to a smidge over 3 but is more suited to open beaches or areas with slight structure.

[merch]

Thanks guys. I'll take it all into consideration. What is a Rouge 905 s? Is it lamiglas?

[steve24]

Rogue is a rod brand. I believe the 905 s is 9 ft rod. I, however have never used one.

I have however used the two lamiglas rods.

As previously stated, the M is for your hairy areas and bigger plugs. The L is a great all around rod, and happens to be my most commonly used rod. I have thrown as little as 1/2 an oz with it and easily thrown SS darters with no problem. I havent pushed it to the max lure rating, that is why I have another rod.

You state that you already have a 1203 so in my opinion you would be better off getting the M, rather than a similar rod that you already have. The GSB 120M and L have a really nice parabolic action, also previously stated, but they will definatly handle most fish.

[jimmy sly]

Originally Posted by merch

Thanks guys. I'll take it all into consideration. What is a Rouge 905 s? Is it lamiglas?

rogue is a manufacturer

a spin off from gloomis as gary's brother started rogue fishing rods

the 905s s a GREAT plug rod

2-5 oz fast as hell...can whip a fish pretty quick

not a good eel rod at all..way too fast

[ChiefLinesider]

The 120 1L is not going to be faster than your Arra. I dont even think the M will be..

The L is significantly lighter in weight than the M and still has plenty of backbone for big fish.. IMO

[FontaineRods]

a gsb1201L is similar to your xra1203 and maybe slightly more powerful. they are close in action w/ maybe the 1201L being slightly more moderate in action. the gsb1201M is also a moderate rod and as others have said, is a nice rod for heavier lures w/ weights up to 3-3.5 ounces. i have handled lures up to 4-5 with this rod, but they were metals and jigs and you start to lob more than give a power cast. it is one of the better pencil popper rods out there, with only it's 11' brother being better in my opinion. the 1201L is up there as well as a pencil popper rod. the 1201M it is my all around favorite blank built either as a spinner or caster. i throw from 3/4 oz jigs to 3.5 ounce lures and 4 oz lures. the sweet spot if 2.5 - 3 oz. the rod is best at turning big fish, which is more important to me than having that wide lure castability. you can always cast lighter lures w/ a heavier rod, just not as well than w/ a lighter rod, which doesnt fight fish as good as a heavier rod. you have to weigh your tradeoffs and decide what you need more.

the rogue su905 is a 9' blank rated for 2/5 oz, but it maxes out around 3-3.5 as well. however, this blank has a thin wall. i have built one spin rod on it and although it is a nice, powerful, crisp rod, i dont trust the thin wall to what the average surfcaster will put the rod through. nevermind a surfcaster putting in many, many trips in a year w/ that rod. i have one more blank in stock i am hoping to sell because i will not stock this blank and warranty it. but, i do know others that have had good luck w/ this blank.

if you want a 10' faster action blank, you could go with a lamiglas xra1204 or rainshadow su1208. both are faster than the average arra rod and much faster than your xra1203. i believe the SW Edge has a factory xsra1204 in stock. i saw it there last weekend when i was there.

[wrikerjr]

I have tried the 1201L and the 1201M. If you are fishing any sort of structure and need to control a fish as everyone has said opt for the 1201M. With a 1201L even a teen sized fish will be tough to control in structure.

I find a very good setup to be a 1321M or 1201M and a 9' lami in the L. The reason for this is that if you are fishing the open beach with no structure you can go with the L and launch some lighter stuff (perfect bomber rod). If you are fishing any sort of structure, than the M is your rod as it can help you control a fish and give you a fighting chance. If you hook a 30# bass on an L near a rock and land that fish you better play the lotto that night because you were extremely lucky.

I also like the St. Croix 9' M. Friend has one and I used it a couple of times and was presently suprised.

Billy