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When you’re looking for a new bass rod, you’ll likely find plenty that claim to be perfect for bass. The TICA Libra spinning rod is one of those rods. But is it any good?
We’ve checked out the TICA rod and reel to see how they fare in the real world and help you decide if it could be your next go-to bass combo.
TICA Spinning Rods Are For…
The TICA rods can be ideal for targeting small to medium sized fish and can be great for catching bass, trout, catfish and many other species. The rods are designed to offer good value, mixing quality features with an affordable price.
The rods can be ideal for a range of bass techniques, with the 6 foot medium power rod being a good option if you’re looking for a little more versatility to be able to try out various techniques.
The medium power rod combined with the slower gear ratio found on the TICA Libra reel could be great for using with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.
The rod and reel can be used for kayak fishing or fishing from the shore and could make a good starter combo. It could be equally suitable if you’re looking for a lightweight, sensitive combo that you can use for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
However, the TICA rods might not be the best option if you’re after something that can handle very large fighting fish.
Top Features Of The TICA Libra Spinning Rod & Reel
The Spinning Rod
- Length: 6 foot
- Power: Medium
- Action: Moderate fast
- Pieces: 1
The TICA Libra spinning rod is a lightweight rod designed mostly for freshwater fishing and has been built to handle bass. It can also be used for inshore saltwater fishing.
Versatile Fishing
The TICA Libra rod has been engineered to handle bass, as well as catfish, trout and smaller saltwater species. This means it might be a good choice if you want to change up your tactics and fish for other species besides bass.
The rod is crafted with graphite and features stainless steel rod guides, which can be useful if you’re fishing in saltwater conditions, as stainless steel tends to be corrosion resistant. However, if you are fishing in saltwater, you might want to rinse the rod and the rest of your gear afterwards to help prevent damage to the components.
Lightweight Comfort
The TICA Libra is a lightweight rod that benefits from a split grip cork handle. The cork handle adds durability and can be more comfortable to hold if you fish in cold weather. It also tends to be naturally slip resistant, giving you a better grip even if your hands are wet.
Another handy feature is the stainless steel foldable hook keeper.
Sensitivity
The rod is built to be sensitive enough to let you notice small bites. The graphite reel seat and the cone shaped cork handle adds to the level of sensitivity and could give you more control over your techniques.
The Spinning Reel
- Gear Ratio: 4.6:1
- Size: 3000
The TICA Libra spinning reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, but may be more suitable for freshwater species due to its size.
Slow Cranking
The Libra spinning reel features a gear ratio of 4.6:1 which is pretty slow, meaning it can be ideal for techniques that require a slower retrieval rate, such as in winter and when fishing with crankbaits.
Durable
The reel is built for durability and features eight shielded ball bearings that are designed to be resistant to rust. It also features a lightweight cybernetic body with a spool crafted in an anodized machined aluminum alloy. Additionally, the bail wire is aluminum and the line roller is titanium coated and designed to prevent line twist.
TICA Libra Alternatives
St Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod
If you’re looking for a dedicated bass rod that’s designed for freshwater, the St Croix Mojo rod could be a good alternative. These rods come in slightly longer lengths than the Libra but are available in a range of power options to suit bass specific fishing techniques.
The Mojo also features a Fuji DPS reel seat and durable cork handle but is in a higher price range than the Libra.
Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
Similar in price to the TICA Libra, the Penn Battle II spinning reel could be a good alternative if you’re after a reel with a bit of a faster retrieve. The gear ratio on the comparable 3000 size if 6.2:1 so it could be better if you’re looking for a more versatile reel that can work with a wider range of techniques.
Questions And Answers
Is This Combo Good For Catching Bass?
Yes the rod and reel are designed for bass, as well as other species like trout and catfish.
What Is The Line Weight?
For the SX3000 reel the recommended mono line weight is 6/280 (pounds/yards), 8/230, 10/200.
Ok To Use Around Saltwater?
Yes, you can use them for inshore saltwater fishing but remember to rinse your gear well after each fishing trip.
In Conclusion
Pros
- Saltwater and freshwater
- Good value
- Ideal for bass
Cons
- Not for very large fish
The TICA Libra spinning rod and reel can be an ideal combo if you’re looking for affordability and performance, with the added benefit of being suitable for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
If you think the TICA Libra rod might be what you’re after, check it out on Amazon here and if you want to pair it with the TICA Libra reel, Amazon has that too. Remember to share this with your buddies in case they’re after new gear and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
