Matt's NEW BulletProof Aluminum Boat!! Full Tour + Jet Boat Rigging

Matt's new jet boat made a big splash in recent months and today we're taking a tour! The black boat named "Strawberry" is the culmination of years of planning, preparation, and destroyed boats. The guys have crashed and sunk multiple times and learned valuable lessons along the way. While we tend to focus on the good days at TacticalBassin, the truth is, a lot of the best learning happens while you're bailing water out of a sinking ship!

Matt's new completely custom jet boat was built by Mike Watson of Bulletproof boats. It's built on his famed "Creek Runner" tunnel hull, with a standing center console. Matt spent months thinking through every detail to make this boat as fishable as possible, and Mike brought all of it to life. It's a true work horse, purpose built for running shallow water to target giant fish, far away from crowds.

Below you'll find links to all the gear Matt used to rig this boat. The links will take you directly to  Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included links to Mike Watson's Facebook page, Hennessey Outdoor Electronics, and Omega boat steps' websites.


TACTICALBASSIN MERCH…

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz


MIKE WATSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION...

•Mike Watson's Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/4cmZM1f

•Mike Watson's Cell Number: (423) 292-8102

Boat Model: Creek Runner


OMEGA BOAT STEPS...

•Omega Boat Step Website: https://bit.ly/4c5ixoP

Matt's Steps: Dual Step + Extra Step


HENNESSEY OUTDOORS RIGGING...

•Hennessey Outdoor Electronics Website: https://bit.ly/3kX87kA

Matt's Components...

•Hennessey Harness

•Ulta Mat

•Trolling Motor Sock

•HOE Single Bow Mount


ELECTRONICS AND RIGGING...

•Humminbird Xplore 10 Fish Finder: https://bit.ly/3Qi4R2f

•Humminbird Mega Live 2 Transducer: https://bit.ly/40FHMJR

•Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Trolling Motor: https://bit.ly/41RErpY

•Minn Kota 8' Talons: https://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

•Minn Kota Talon Quick Disconnects: https://bit.ly/4c2eg5v

•TH Marine Rod Tamers: https://bit.ly/2ox8BOm


BATTERIES AND JUMPER PACK...

•Pro Guide Lithium Batteries: https://bit.ly/4drktua

•Pro Guide Lithium Battery Chargers: https://bit.ly/4sg7wae

Matt's Batteries: 12V 235 AH, 36V 75AH

Matt's Charger: PGC-1236

•Noco Boost Plus Jumper Pack: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD


TACKLE AND GEAR...

•Big Drip Magnum Loadstone Magnet: https://bit.ly/3YM2oPE

•BKK OCD Fully Loaded Terminal Box: https://bit.ly/46ph2OI

•Plano Edge 3600 Box: https://bit.ly/2YBaWYX

•Plano Edge 3700 Box: https://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

•Rod Glove Rod Sleeves: https://bit.ly/2GFOT9R

•Mustang Elite 190 Life Jackets: https://bit.ly/3Ql4MLa


TOOLS...

•Rapala Mag Spring Plier: https://bit.ly/3xJFwTu

•Cuda Carbon Steel Hook Cutter: Source Locally

•Nomad Designs Hydra X 11" Plier: Source Locally


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The Best Fishing Rod For Every Technique! ( Budget To High End )

This is EVERYTHING you need to know about fishing rods! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meaning behind rod action and power codes. Tim is showing everything you need to know to get the best fishing rods for your favorite techniques, regardless of your budget and skill level!

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers have no idea what they need. You're at the mercy of a tackle shop employee or an online review as you spend hard earned money on a new rod. It doesn't have to be that way! Understanding ratings, codes, and how popular brands differ, will take all the guess work out so you can make the best selections for your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget friendly rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


TACTICALBASSIN MERCH AND LURE DESIGNS...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz


If you're an advanced angler, let us know two of your favorite models from this rod line. If not, pay close attention and enjoy the cheat sheet below of all our favorite models by technique.

St. Croix Black Bass Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL


FAVORITE CASTING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...


JIG (PITCH AND FLIP): St. Croix Legend X2 7'4" Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU


JIG (FOOTBALL): G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

BUDGET: Daiwa Tatula XT 7'3" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq


JERKBAIT: Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium- Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

BUDGET: Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO


A–RIG: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 7'8" Hvy (784): https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

BUDGET: Dobyns Fury 7'6" Med Hvy (765): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV


CHATTERBAIT: Megabass P5 Destroyer 7'2" Daemos: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

BUDGET: Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Med Hvy Ex Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh


SPINNERBAIT: St. Croix Legend Tournament 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'3" MH Fast: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL


HEAVY FLIPPING: Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

BUDGET: Daiwa Tatula XT 7'6" XH: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq


SENKO/ T–Rig: Fenwick World Class 7’1" Med Hvy XF: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

BUDGET: Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Med Hvy X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh


PADDLE TAIL: Megabass Destroyer P5 7'1" Med Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 7'3" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/48w69eC


FINESSE SWIM/UNDERSPIN: Shimano Expride B 7'2" Med Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

MATT: Daiwa Steez AGS 7'6" Med Med Light: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk


LIPLESS: St. Croix Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: 7'2" Med Hvy Moderate – Carbon Cranker

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL


DEEP CRANK: Dobyns Champion XP 805 CB: https://bit.ly/29OVD4V

BUDGET: 13 Fishing Oath 7'3" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4kbRaNq


SQUAREBILL: Megabass Levante "Flat Side Special": https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 7'3" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy


GLIDEBAIT: Dobyns Champion XP 806H: https://bit.ly/2aivwYX

BUDGET: Dobyns Fury XP 806H: https://bit.ly/4q6IjyQ


JIG HOOK SWIMBAIT: Shimano Outlier 8'0" XH: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

BUDGET: Shimano SLX 7'8" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs


FROG: Dobyns Champion Extreme XP 746: https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

BUDGET: Dobyns Fury 745: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV


TOPWATER: Megabass Destroyer Z-Crank Elsiel: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

MATT: G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT


SHAKEY HEAD: Abu Garcia Zenon 7'0" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

BUDGET: Fenwick HMG 7'1" Med Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW


BAIT FINESSE: Cashion Icon 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/48w69eC


FAVORITE SPINNING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...


STROLLING: Shimano Expride 6'10" MH XF: https://bit.ly/47Cdeee

BUDGET: Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Medium XF: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC


DROPSHOT/DICE: St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" MLXF: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 7'1" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA


NED RIG: G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/4bIiddV

BUDGET: St. Croix Bass X 6'10" ML: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren


HAIR JIG: G Loomis NRX+901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

BUDGET: Daiwa Tatula Cork 7'6" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2


NEKO RIG/COIKE: Megabass Destoyer P5 6'11" Landsat: https://bit.ly/31Pt839

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT


If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're part of the TacticalBassin Family! Thank you for your continued support!

How To Adjust Your Humminbird Mega Live 2 Forward Facing Sonar (Full Settings)

Tim's Live Imaging is dialed! If you struggle to adjust your FFS image, or don't understand what you're seeing, this video will help! Tim is an expert at dialing in his Humminbird electronics to get the clearest possible picture. He uses a handful of simple settings that you can easily replicate on your own unit. Whether you're using an Apex 16 like Tim, or a smaller Xplore, these settings will give you a clear image the next time you go fishing.

We know there are mixed feelings about modern electronics. We recognize that different anglers have different budgets and beliefs, but we are here to help everyone. For those that are using forward facing sonar, these are the best settings we've found to get a consistent image across conditions and times of year.

Below you'll find links to all of Tim's favorite electronics. We've included the high end units, his favorite mid–priced unit, along with the mapping card that he uses to effectively navigate new lakes. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz


MEGA LIVE 2...

•Humminbird Mega Live 2 Transducer: https://bit.ly/40FHMJR


TARGET LOCK...

•Humminbird Target Lock Turret: https://bit.ly/3DWobfm

(Use in conjunction with Mega Live 2 to control the transducer separate of the trolling motor)


TIM'S ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Apex 16: https://bit.ly/3QBaOli

•Humminbird Xplore 12: https://bit.ly/3JrZ2vZ


MAPPING...

•Lakemaster VX Premium Cards: https://bit.ly/3z2RFmK


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Casting Reels For Fishing! (Budget To Enthusiast)

These are the best Baitcasting Reels on the market! Whether you're looking for an affordable casting reel, or you need a high end reel to pair up for the perfect combo, we've got you covered! From incredibly light to incredibly strong, from precision to durability, these are the best options we've found. There are a ton of great bait casters from a variety of brands, let's go check them out!

Yesterday's spinning reel video only had a few brands. When it comes to casting reels, the flood gates open! There are a ton of great reels from all around the industry. Price, weight, and durability,, combine to create the best baitcasting reels at every price point. Whether you're just getting started, or you're a seasoned angler, this information will help you find the best reel in your budget.


Below you'll find links to all the reels in today's video. We've also included our favorite retrieve speed for each reel. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


KEY DAIWA CASTING REELS...

•Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1


•Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Speed: 7.3:1


•Daiwa Tatula 200: https://bit.ly/4ig0woA

Speed: 7.3:1


•Daiwa Tatula SV TW 150: https://bit.ly/3yiO3zJ

Speed: 7.3:1


•Daiwa Kage SV: https://bit.ly/3JEBep4

Speed: 7.1:1


•Daiwa Mangetsu: https://bit.ly/3YwWAZK

Speed: 7.3:1


•Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Speed: 7.1:1


KEY ABU GARCIA REELS...

•Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Speed: 7.5:1


•Abu Garcia Revo SX LP: https://bit.ly/40nsz0i

Speed: 7.3:1


•Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Speed: 7.1:1


•Abu Garcia Zenon X: https://bit.ly/4klsOju

Speed: 8.3:1


•Abu Garcia Beast 200: https://bit.ly/49BAQlE

Speed: 7.3:1


SEVIIN REELS...

•Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Speed: 7.3:1


•Seviin GX: https://bit.ly/4octPMZ

Speed: 8.1:1


FULL FRAME SHIMANO REELS...

•Shimano SLX A 150: https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Speed: 7.2:1


•Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Speed: 7.2:1


•Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

Speed: 7.4:1


•Shimano Curado 200 M: https://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Speed: 7.4:1


•Shimano Bantam MGL A: https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Speed: 7.1:1


•Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Speed: 7.1:1


FINESSE FRAME SHIMANO REELS...

•Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Speed: 7.2:1


•Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Speed: 7.4:1


•Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL: https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Speed: 7.4:1


•Shimano Metanium DC A 70: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Speed: 7.1:1


AMERICAN STYLE BFS REELS...

•Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

Speed: 7.3:1


•Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Speed: 8.2:1


•Abu Garcia Zenon MG–LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Speed: 8.3:1


JDM BFS REELS...

•Ark Gravity BFS: https://bit.ly/3UtgXnY

Speed: 8.1:1


•Daiwa Tatula BF 70 BF: https://bit.ly/4b7UbYM

Speed: 8.1:1


•Daiwa PX BF 70: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Speed: 8.6:1


•Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Speed: 7.8:1


PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Jig And Minnow– https://youtu.be/oUbtQNb6ok4

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz