Buyer’s Guide: Best $200 Rod and Reel Combos!

This Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best value. $100 rods and $100 reels are a huge leap up from their $50 counterparts! The “bang for the buck” that is gained, far exceeds the dollars spent. $200 combos offer increased sensitivity, better components, and the ability to branch into technique specific models. Come along as we explore some of the best $200 combos on the market!

This category really comes down to 3 series of rods. If you’re willing to spend a few dollars more, a 4th series becomes an option as well. At this price its not just about increased sensitivity in the rods, there are also some real upgrades in the reels. The Shimano SLX is by far the stand out reel in this category, offering excellent functionality at an affordable price. 

Below you’ll find links to the different lines of rods discussed in the video, along with our favorite models from each line. Additionally we’ve included the reels we recommend pairing them with. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you’ll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Finally, we’ve included a link to yesterday’s “$100 Buyer’s Guide” and some insights into the next couple videos as we continue through the buyer’s guide series. 

Previous Buyer’s Guides…  

$100 Rod and Reel Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides… 

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

-$500 Rod and Reel Combos

Spinning Combo #1… 

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 1000: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

Favorite Rod Models... 7' Medium Light (702), 7' Medium (703)

Spinning Combo #2... 

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Favorite Rod Models... 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Light

Baitcasting Combo #1... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury Casting: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Models... 7' MH Crank (705 CB) 7' Heavy (704), 7'9" MH Swim (795)

Baitcasting Combo #2... 

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Models... 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Baitcasting Combo #3... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Models... 7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium heavy, 7'4" Heavy

Bonus Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Favorite Models... 7' Medium Light, 7'6" Light

Bonus Baitcasting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Favorite Models... 6'9" Medium, 7'1" MH, 7'3" Heavy, 7'6" MH Glass

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Buyer’s Guide: Best $100 Rod and Reel Combos!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best “bang for the buck” amongst $100 combos. In recent years three brands have really stepped up, offering exception quality and value near the $100 price point. Whether you’re looking for your first quality bass rod, or an entire line up, you can’t go wrong with these three!

With dozens and dozens of brands offering rods and reels in this category, its hard to know which to try. We’ve spent an incredible amount of time trying new gear, getting to know the various models. We’re confident the St. Croix Bass X, Shimano SLX, and Daiwa Aird X, are the best you’ll find in this category. We’ve paired each with the best reels, while attempting to stay near the $100 mark. For those looking to branch out a bit further but don’t want to jump all the way to the $200 mark, we’ve included a bonus combo for you as well. 

You can’t go wrong with any of these lines but if you’re looking for something specific, we’ve included our favorite models from each group. Below you’ll find links to each item that go directly to Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the models. We’ve also included a schedule of a few of the upcoming Buyer’s Guides so you can plan ahead. Keep in mind, these videos are going on every day throughout the holiday season so check back constantly to see what’s next!

Upcoming Videos… 

-$200 Rod and Reel Combos

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

Combo #1…

Rod- Denali Ryker Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/31bKfgp

Reel- Lews Classic Speed Spool: https://bit.ly/2IRMVcB

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy, 7’ Heavy

Combo #2…

Rod- Shimano Sellus Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2XNYB3h

Reel- Abu Garcia Black Max: https://bit.ly/396HlO2

Favorite Rod Models- 6’10” medium, 7’2” Medium Heavy, 7’6” Heavy

Combo #3…

Rod- Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rods: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Reel- Daiwa Revros LT: http://bit.ly/34nCGCj

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium, 7’ Medium Heavy

Bonus Combo…

Rod- Dobyns Colt Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy Cranking, 7’3” Heavy

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Bass Fishing: Top 10 Baits of 2020!!

What were the best baits of 2020? Which baits caught the biggest fish? Which baits caught the most? We were blessed with a bunch of great fish catches this year as we traveled around the country. Come along as we look back on some of the best catches of the year and the great baits that fooled the fish into biting. 

Some of our best baits continue to produce year after year. Others are brand new, but stood out from the crowd this year. Some of these baits made the list because they consistently caught big fish while others made the list because we could rely on them to get bit when nothing else was working. We constantly try new gear, new baits, and new patterns. These are the best of the best of 2020 that are worth a try the next time you're on the water. 

Below you'll find links to all of the baits shown in the video. We've included exact sizes and colors where applicable. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

1) Creatures...

Bait- Zoom Z Craw (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Hook- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football (1/2 oz 4/0): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

2) Crankbaits...

Bait- R2S Tactical DD 75 Crankbait (Mirrored Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

3) Swimbaits...

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" (1/2 oz Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

4) Jigs...

Bait- keitech Tungsten Football Jig (1/2 oz Green Pump/Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

5) GlideBaits...

Bait- G Ratt Sneaky Pete (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

6) Hollow Frogs...

Bait- Jackall Kaera Frog (Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill, White): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

7) Hard Swimbait/Lipless...

Bait- Megabass Vatalion (Gill, Wild Gill, Kinbuna): http://bit.ly/367AOxD

8) Tubes... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits Tour Tube 3.5" (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler 3/16 oz 2/0 Hook: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

9) Alabama Rigs... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

10) Soft Jerkbaits... 

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Keeper- Owner CPS Spring (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

______________________________________________________

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Bank Fishing: How To Catch The Biggest Bass Of Your Life!

Fishing from shore is a huge advantage when targeting trophy bass! Many anglers don't realize how big of a factor "stealth" is when searching for the true giants. Sure, you can't cover as much water, but the element of surprise far outweighs that minor problem. Today Tim teaches which spots to spend your time on whether you're on a big lake or a tiny pond. 

Shore-based angling gives the angler a variety of advantages. You get different cast angles than boats, access to inside grass lines, backsides of lay downs, and most of all, stealth. There is no engine sound, no sonar ping, nothing to tell the bass their next meal might not be real. The only tricky part is that you have to be around big bass to catch big bass. 

The bass will position differently depending on the baitfish they're hunting. For example, trout/kokanee eaters will be found on long-tapering points, choke points, and funnels. Shad/Panfish eaters will use backwaters and shoreline anomalies. The final keys are time of day, and lure selection. Below you'll find links to our favorite baits for targeting these fish, based on what they're hunting and the size of the lake/pond they are in. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Matt's Video (How To Catch Your PB Bass): https://youtu.be/F552R5_ZG9M

Trout/Kokanee Eaters... 

Soft Swimbait- Huddleston 8" ROF 5 Trout: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Soft Swimbait- Savage Gear 8" 4D Trout: http://bit.ly/399bx97

Glide Bait- Gan Craft 230 (Dark Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2fLjSnm

Topwater- Megabass Mega Dog (Live Shiner): http://bit.ly/2VIYoMH

Shad/Bluegill/Crappie... 

Glide Bait- S Waver 168 (Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Squarebill- Lucky Craft 1.5 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Topwater- Teckel Kicknocker (Threadfin Shad): http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Big Ponds... (Add these baits to shad/bluegill/crappie)

Worm- 10" PowerWorm (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2cxomPX

Lizard- Zoom 8" Lizard (Watermelon Red): https://bit.ly/36qHvgs

Creature- Zoom Brush Hog (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Frog- Spro King Daddy (Albino): http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

Small Ponds... (Add these baits to Big Ponds)

Frog- Jackall Kaera (Glitter Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Punch Creature- RI Sweet Beaver (Green Pumpkin Red): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Punch Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1 oz: https://bit.ly/2X35Jtl

Punch Stop- 6th Sense Peg X Stoppers: https://bit.ly/32aJG6J

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 80 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 35 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

All-Around Pond Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen Mono 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget All-Around Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Shimano Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G