rod/reel setup

[chris]

I want to get a surf rod (been borrowing one). I am thinking of the tica 10' rod and tica libra sa4000 reel. I will be primarily fishing the jersey shore for stripers and the occasional trip to AI. I would like to stay under 200.00. Is this an alright setup, or is there something else in my price range that I should look at?

Thanks,
chris

[fish-aholic]

I'm guessing since you picked the Libra that you want to pick up a Spinning Combination. There are several good reels out there to choose from. And I love my Tica Rod, however I have just ordered an Ocean Master 12' rod because I hear they are nice as well. I will be comparing them side by side in a couple weeks. The reel you choose should be based on what you want......Do you want a longcast Spool? Do you want a baitrunner option? There should be more thought into your selection.

[Charkbait]

12' or bust unless you are throwing plugs...my opinion.

[Steve]

Yep, go with the 12' instead of the 10'.
I bought an OM from BPS but returned it and bought another Tica.
The OM was just a little heavier in all respects and didn't throw as far as the Tica. Mind you, the differences were small but I wanted to have the same feel for all my gear.
I topped both of them with Penn 850's.
Yeah, a little more than the $200 ya wanna' spend but worth it.

[Charkbait]

The tica will keep you the closest to the range. I like mine a lot for 6nbait and under.