Any Idea on who has a good price on this rod? Looking for a second rod and figured I try something different than the Calcutta 820XFA I just got(great rod), that way I could compare. Any other suggestions.

The GLoomis recommends a $265 sales price, OUCH!


FIT

The BBR 965 is a GL3 model only, thus the higher price. Try the BBR 966. Its a GL2 model and goes for $160. Great wood bait and swimbait rod.

Yes I saw a few on the net for 260-265, but sombody should have it cheaper. I think the 966 is rated for 2oz more and I don't think I need a heaver action. I figure I could actually go with a lighter action for the light 12" generic trout or better feel with swimbaits such as the Opsrey or Optimum. I just figured why get 2 of the same rod? I have a heavy flippin stick that is rated for 2oz but it strains way to much when casting but the Calcutta 820XFA I can launch them and the rod is fine. Was also thinking of a Graftech if I can find one cheap or even a Rainshadow(rob mentioned), but have never heard of rainshadow.

I looked at a BBR965 today and it seems way to soft for me. It would probably make a great swimbait rod for lures about 6".

Try a phenix 965, I believe it's the same rod and you'll save a few bucks. I was told at the time when I bought mine that Phenix was making them for Loomis. The only difference was the two was the label. Not sure of the legitimacy of that story so don't hold me to it.

What I can tell you is that I've been fishing mine for 11 years. I went to the factory in Orange picked up the blank. I think I paid $60 for it. I wrapped it and was fishing it by the second day I had it. As I recall I broke it in on a Winter time calico bite at Santa Cruze Island. Since then it's caught halibut, seabass, yellows, tuna, Dodo's, and of course bass.

I use it about once a week and I've used almost exclusively as a light line stick for fishing the Socal local coast and islands. I finally decided to retire it after last season. I have several rods in the same class but I still prefered the 965 so I decided to wrap another one and let the original retire it's on the wall of fame. The 965 is on the drying rack right now and I'm going be taking with me in the morning to go fish some coastal calicos. I can't wait to break it in. I fish 12lb on mine and I would recommend it to anyone who's in the market for a 12lb-15lb stick.