9' rod advice.....please

[south shoreman]

Hey guys, did a search on the site already, and getting more confused the more I read....Basically I am looking for any suggestions for a 9' surf rod....Want to stick to a one-piece rod for lighter plugging for backbays, and smaller surf conditions...Really want a factory rod, not really into the custom jobs yet... I see alot of talk of blanks for customs but like I said I want a factory one-piece...I already have the Lami's xs101ms, and xs11ms and love them, but am worried the 9' version, the xs91ms might be too stiff being it is rated 2-4. I think I may want something in a 3/4 or 1 - 3oz range for redfins, small bombers, plastic, and bucktails..Really can't find many options, the Arra 9' footer I have heard horror stories, rod snapping on casts, etc....Any rod buffs out there let me know your feelings, and suggestions...thanks ahead of time....

[Patrick9915]

The Arra 1083 is a fine rod. Just don't high stick with it. I've had mine for close to 6 years now I think. It's been with me chest deep in water and it's fine.

[Spigola]

I was just agonizing over pretty much the same thing. I recently moved from Lawn Guyland to Joisey and it seems da fishies like Bombers alot here.

 

I asked around and it seems the factory Lami Arra 1 piece 9 footer rated at 3/8-1 1/2 is the ticket. I was a bit skeptical but I actually was contacted by Ron Arra and he pretty much put my mind to rest with his comments. It will be a 9 foot Arra when I get the $$ together.

 

Remember not to overstress the rod with a braid that is too heavy and make sure your drag is set. Also, don't high stick the rod. I had two graphite rods snap doing that while bottom fishing. High sticking is murder on rods.

 

Spig

[rocket500]

I really like my Lami Surf & Jetty 9 footer, although its a 2pc.

[Trigger]

This is an 8'10" one piece rod. It honestly handles lures from 1/2 to 3 oz.

 

Fast action with MH power. I love this rod and use it from shore and boat to cast plugs and other lures.

 

I may be biased because I have the Loomis 1264Sand 1266S rods in the 10'6" length, and, with the 1064S, they are my favorite rods.

[GattaFish]

I have a couple XS901MHS and love them,,, it is good for light plugs, eels and some larger plugs,,,, I also own the XS101MS and that is great for bigger heavier stuff,,,, Between those two rods I can do just about everything,,,

 

I was unsure between a couple rods until the guy who owns the shop told me to bring a few plugs and a reel then take them down to the river and cast them to see which one I like,,,,,,,,,

 

Best thing I could have done,,,,

 

Maybe there is someone close to you that has one that you could cast one day,,,

[jbt114]

I have a nice honey Lami.

 

I beleive its the MB1083M, which I love.

 

Chris

[TBD]

I have 2 Lami 9' Rods to compare-

 

I'M going to give you the custom models but I know they come in factory with different model names.

 

The Lamiglas GSB 1081L is my favorite as it throws the light stuff really well but has plenty of power in the butt to bring than big fish in.

 

The Lamiglas SSU 1081M is also great but throws heavier lures a bit better than the GSB but in my opinion doesnt handle the light stuff well.

 

I would go with the GSB, seems to fit your back bay needs better.

 

IM sure there are other great rods out there but I dont know them.

 

TBD

[south shoreman]

thnks guys, i guess i am gonna try to see if the local b&t will let me play with a few with a 1oz. plug and reel....otherwise i guess it maybe custom time....any other suggestions let me know....btw if anyone knows the factory models of those custom blanks...please let me know...

[JD 57]

I got the GSB 108 1L.I built it last winter after talking to John Skinner about this rod.he has gottin #40 fish on that blank.It is a nice rod.The biggest bass I got on it was #17 & some blues in the low teens,it handled those fish with no prblems.now that season is all but over I wish I had used the rod a little more when I had a shot @ better fish,just to see how good it really would be.anyway like TDB said it's a nice rod I do'nt think ya can go wrong.

[Striped Bass]

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[fishchile]

St Croix, Premier Surf, PSRS86M2.

 

8'- 6" Rated Lure weight 1/2-2 oz. I purchased one to toss small buck tails and small plugs.

 

It's too light to toss the big stuff but with a small reel I don't ever tire tossing and walking.

 

I have been very happy with the rod.

[linesider1969]

a good thing to try is a custom shop in the used section,you can do quite well if you look around and dont buy the first thing you see.i myself have an older ron arra,11' of good times.must have been damaged before the cast.cant imagine that happening to a rod of that quality just by casting,something else at play ie.car door,walking it into the ground,cat chewed it,kids are famous for ruining things or just a big bad ass fish.dont be afraid to buy an arra if you want a quality blank.