Was wondering were i can see and feel a Tica reel in RI.I am interested in the libra series,seems like a good reel in my price point for bait and plugs,anyone out there use these? Or what Penn do you suggest in about the same price point,i plan on putting one of these on the 9' Tica dolphin rod i checked out today,medium heavy action for 2-6 oz,does this sound like a good package.Thanks in advance.

I have used a Libra 4000 for 5 or so years. Unbeatable for the money in my opinion. Smooth, good drag, casts well. Used to have handle issues, but I hear the new handle solves the problem. The service department is also unbeatable. After a couple of seasons of heavy use, I burned one out on a very large fish in the canal. Sent it in for maintenance and they sent me a brand new reel free.

I have the Tica libra 4000, Tica Taurus 3000 & 4000. They are good boat reels for the price. I don't think they would make good surf reels. I think the 2 to 6oz rod is to heavy. I have the 9' tica which I think goes up to 3 or 4oz. Great all around rod for the price!

FWIW, I only use mine from land/surf... not sure what the concern would be in the surf as opposed to the other 99% of reels that aren't vs or nautil. Do the basic rinse, clean etc and no problem (although I have to admit I don't do that enough). Just my experience though... The tica question has come up abunch on another online striper site and practically all who own and use them have great things to say (minus the occasional handle problem as discussed above).

Just noticed the rod question... not sure about the tica rod. Tough to find a rod that will throw heavier bait and still be a good plugging rod. If you only need a couple ounces and a sandworm and want to throw bomber weight plugs maybe try to get something like a custom batson 1088 or similar. Reasonably priced, nice rod. Its hard to get one rod to chunk and plug, but the tica may be great for it , i don't know the rod or accuracy of the rating. Best thing is to check with a reputable tackle shop and they can point you in the right direction.