Tica Dolphin conventional

[sand.trout]

For those of you that still like budget rods, the new Tica Dolphin conventional casts very well. At $137.00-160.00 it won’t break the bank
Again I’ll stress I’m just an average caster.
I decided to see what this rod could do for the normal guy like me.
I spooled my 30sha with cheap 20lb Berkley, used heaver oil and red breaks. Shock leader was 40lb Stern. Leads were pyramid 6, 8, and 10oz.
Rod: Tica USGA12XH2C
6oz 408 ft
8oz 384 ft
10oz 380 ft
At 12ft this rod is very light and a pleasure to hold for long periods of time.
With a Fuji reel seat and guides I’m hoping this rod will fit in comfortably with my customs

[The Crew]

Nice report Sand.trout. My 12' Tica Dolphin (Spin) is the only 12+ft rod I've ever owned. So I've nothing to compare it to. It seems bulky to me, though I do get good distance out of it using 6oz. And that's all I've ever thrown on it 6oz. Holding it and reeling it in I feel like I need a belt on and that might make it more comfortable. The distance from butt to reel seat is probably standard but it makes for an awkward retreive. Wish it were lower. Another down side to it is that the sections are uneven. bottom is 5' top is 7'. So it make the top half tough to load in the vehicle.

My 9' Tica Dolphin (Spin) is one of if not the sweetest rods I've ever used. Probably would be great for slinging metal lures. I can cast 2oz a mile with little effort. It's the one rated 2-6oz, though I've never thrown more than 3oz on it. It's excellent in every way. Distance butt to reel seat, action, castability, retrieve, bite detection. The 12' has great bite detection also.

They seem to be good rods that won't break the bank.

[atsealevel]

I must agree on the Ticas for money wise.I have four, 12-11- 10.5-10, and I love them all..Wifey fishes the 10.5 and I must say that rod has the most spring.. All rods are heavy/fast. I am looking for a smaller one 8.5, and after seeing you love your 9, you got me thinking.. I have a loomis 7 that I love but the beans for those....HMMMM.

Oh BTW the Tica 12 is the only one that is Dolphin series.. Blue rod... all others are black graphite.

[kenyee]

atsealevel: what do you mean the 10.5 has the "most spring"?

[atsealevel]

When I say spring I mean it has the fastest action of them all. I use that one (when able) to sling plugs and bucktails,fishing along jetties/structure from the beach.Where the other rods are more stiff, although they are all rated the same.

[StormCaster]

Nice report