Spring Buyer's Guide: Budget Rods and Reels For Bass Fishing!

Welcome to the 1st Annual Spring Buyer's Guide Series! We're kicking this series off with budget-minded rods and reels for serious anglers. We scoured the fishing industry for the best rods and reels for different techniques, so you don't have to break the bank when you need a new combo. This is only the beginning! We've got 6 videos in total, a new video launching every day this week, to help you with everything from rods to baits, and electronics to apparel. Check back every day for a fresh video!

When it comes to budget gear, the rod actions allow for some wiggle room between techniques. As a result, we were able to narrow the search down to a handful of models to cover all the most popular Spring bass fishing techniques. We specifically searched for rods that would multi-task at least 2 major categories, then paired them with affordable reels that could take the abuse needed for the techniques. 

Below you'll find links to the exact rods and reels shown in the video. They're listed in the order they appeared and we've even included our favorite line, based on the techniques we recommend. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CHATTERBAIT/SPINNERBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- 13 Fishing Defy Black 7' Crankbait: https://bit.ly/34UI0mh

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin Chrome: https://bit.ly/3EF9ubC

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

JERKBAIT/FLUKE/ WACKY RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG or XG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

SQUAREBILL/LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" Medium: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

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

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

TEXAS RIG/JIG/SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod- Dobyns Fury 704C (7' Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Lews Speed Spool LFS (7:1): http://bit.ly/2xEElEw

Line- Power Pro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sufix Advance 12 lb Green: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

SHAKY HEAD/SENKO COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- 13 Fishing Inception (6.6:1): https://bit.ly/3JrZSDX

Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sufix Advance 17 lb Green: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

DROPSHOT/NED RIG COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Reel- Daiwa BG 2000: http://bit.ly/32Xscbb

Line- Sunline SX1 12: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Fluorocarbon leader (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2aiu0Wu

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Spring Bass Fishing Gear Review!

Let's see what's new! We've tracked down the hottest new rods, reels, and baits! After putting a ton of new gear through the paces, the best of the best made it into today's gear review. We're covering everything from finesse baits to swimbaits, apparel to boat accessories, and of course the latest rods and reels!

These gear reviews are some of our favorite videos. It lets our inner tackle junkies go wild as we discover gems from every corner of the sport. In today's video we really spread it out, with something for everyone. We also took a few minutes to follow up on our previous gear review and gave an in-depth analysis of the new Expride B rods, after getting to spend more time on the water with them. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits and equipment, in the order it appeared in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included a link to our previous Gear Review so you can see Tim's initial impression on Expride B and a handful of other great items. 

RODS AND REELS... 

-Shimano Bantam MGL A Reel: https://bit.ly/3tdTQ36

-Gamakatsu JDM Luxxe Avenge Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3hzK2ee

-Gamakatsu JDM Luxxe Avenge Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3tom6A2

-Shimano Expride B Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

-Shimano Expride B Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3AFcaFF

APPAREL... 

-Aftco Reaper Soft Shell Jacket: https://bit.ly/3puhk2U

SWIMBAITS... 

-13 Fishing Coalition Wedge Tail Shad: https://bit.ly/3MiBXsj

Preferred Hook- Owner Beast 12/0: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

-13 Fishing Coalition Wedge Tail Gill: https://bit.ly/3pzDsbX

Preferred Hook- Owner Beast 8/0: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

BLADE BAIT...

Bait- Spro Carbon Blade Tungsten: https://bit.ly/35orACQ

Favorite Colors: Nanko Reaction, Nasty Shad, Gold Black

BLADE BAIT HOOK UPGRADE...

Split Ring Upgrade- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hook Upgrade- Owner STX 45 (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2FNnZwR

CRANKBAITS...

-Megabass Super Z Z-3: https://bit.ly/3HDg7wc

Favorite Colors: Phantom Green Craw, GP Skeleton Craw, Green Craw

-Imakatsu IK-800 R2: https://bit.ly/35ku05z

Favorite Colors: Biwako Legend Classic, Baratanago, Power White

ATTRACTOR... 

-Cat 3 Bladed Teaser: https://bit.ly/3vAGmRN

BOAT ACCESSORY... 

-Moto Stop Steering Stabilizer: https://bit.ly/348CQm7

PREVIOUS REVIEWS...

Tim's January 2022 Review: https://youtu.be/i2JQ1_fpAc8

Fall Gear Review 2021: https://youtu.be/sIy0M5_n3qs

ICAST Gear Review: https://youtu.be/5gBkLLM7BpA

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

BUYER'S GUIDE: CRANKBAITS - SQUAREBILLS, LIPLESS CRANKS, AND CRANKBAIT RODS

Welcome to the final buyer's guide of the year! Today we're talking shallow crankbaits and lipless for year round fishing. We're covering which baits stand out from the crowd, which ones have unique actions, and which ones you should make room for in your arsenal. You don't want to miss this!

Crankbaits are some of our favorite lures! Next to swimbaits, we've caught more double digit fish on crankbaits than any other lure category. Understanding how to use these baits and which ones are actually worth putting time into, will cut your learning curve dramatically. From the largest square bills, to the smallest lipless, we're breaking it all down in this final review so you can go out and fish with confidence. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear in the video. We're listing them in the order they appeared and including important details like size, weight, and favorite colors, for each bait. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS…

-Lucky Craft 1.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, BP Golden Shiner

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad, TS Minnow

-Spro Little John 50: http://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive, Matte Shad

-13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Colors: Olive Crush, Epic Shad, Day Old Guac

-Megabass Super-Z Z1: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2, Wild Craw

-Ott's Garage Slim: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Green Gizzard Shad

-Ott's Garage Tiny: https://bit.ly/3A76zGi

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad, Green Gizzard Shad

-Spro Fat John 50: http://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, honey Shad, Citrus Nasty

LARGE SQUAREBILLS... 

-Lucky Craft BDS 6: http://bit.ly/2sRZby9

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, TO Craw

-6th Sense Mini Mag: http://bit.ly/31KGyeC

Colors: Shad Scales, Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad

-Lucky Craft LV-100: https://bit.ly/3HGwNnV

Colors: Ghost Minnow, BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, RT Scale Minnow, SG Threadfin

-Jackall TN-50: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Sprinkle Wakasagi, RT Scale Minn ow, SG Threadfin

-Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Cali Craw, Silverado, Diamond Dust

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Royal Red, Chrome Black, Chrome Blue

LARGE LIPLESS... 

-Spro Aruku Shad 85: https://bit.ly/37seMJN

Colors: Red Crawfish, Clear Chartreuse, Chrome Shad

-6th Sense Quake 80: http://bit.ly/2Kxt4zm

Colors: Shad Scales, 4K Shad, American Shad

FAVORITE CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam 150 MGL (XG): http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

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

DEDICATED LIPLESS COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 855 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2 (8.3:1): https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sufix 131 Braid 40 lb: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

PREVIOUS BUYER’S GUIDES… 

-Jerkbait guide: https://youtu.be/bBxQGiHfQjM

-Chatterbait/Spinnerbait Guide: https://youtu.be/eoYj1XH2dbc

-High End Combo: https://youtu.be/WF5ncz-UWy8

-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/duCPOzl2u50

BUYER'S GUIDE: DROPSHOT FISHING - BAITS, TACKLE, RODS

Today's buyers guide is all about dropshotting. Drop shot fishing is a great technique that every angler needs to know. You can keep it simple, or you can learn to fine tune it with changing conditions. Today we're exploring the different worms and swimbaits that work for this technique, and giving you some key tackle tips that make all the difference when you're fishing.

The concept of a dropshot rig is very simple. By suspending a bait up in front of the fish away from cover and protection, you increase the odds of the fish eating the bait. The details of actually applying this method to its full potential is what today's buyer's guide is all about. We've separated the baits into a handful of categories to help you understand when to use them. We've given our favorite baits in each category as well as the hooks we use to fish these baits effectively through changing conditions. 

Below you'll find links to the baits, terminal tackle, and rods we showed throughout the video. We've listed them in the order they appeared and included sizes, favorite colors, and any other pertinent details. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

PADDLE TAIL WORMS...

-Big Bite Bait Smallie Smasher 3.5": http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Chick Magnet, Smoke Purple

-Netbait STH Junior Crush 3": https://bit.ly/3s5BcIn

Colors: Smokin Joe, Bang, LON Goby Pearl

-Berkley Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Natural Shad, Black Shiner

SHAD SHAPES... 

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

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad

-Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Colors: Pure Gill, Tennessee Shad

FINESSE SWIMBAITS... 

-Megabass Hazedong 3": http://bit.ly/2CIwgzt

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Green Pumpkin Shad

-Keitech Easy Shiner 3": http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Crystal Shad

STRAIGHT TAILS... 

-Roboworm 6" Straight: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Colors: Margarita Mutilator, Hologram Shad, Oxblood Light

-Roboworm 4.5" Fat Straight: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Colors: MMIII, Hologram Shad, Oxblood Light Red Flk

HOOKS... 

Light Wire Nose Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Heavy Wire Nose Hook- VMC Dropshot (Size 1): https://bit.ly/3oXxOz8

Weedless Hook- Owner Cover Shot (2/0): http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

WEIGHTS... 

Traditional- Swagger Tungsten Pencil 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Tie On- Swagger Tungsten Casting Pencil 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Lead- QuickDrops 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2BjFCp3

HOOK KEEPER... 

-Cal Coast Cali Clips: http://bit.ly/2lNGGL9

FAVORITE DROPSHOT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 822 DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

"BANG FOR THE BUCK" DROPSHOT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Power Pro Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b 

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BFS COMBO... 

Rod- Dobyns Sierra 7' Ultra Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'10 ML Xfast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz