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

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How To Choose The Right Fishing Rod (Beginner To Advanced)

This is the information no one is talking about! From the basics (how to interpret rod models) to advanced details on rod action and power, Matt is laying down everything you need to know to make educated decisions about fishing rods.

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers are guessing when they make a purchase. They have no idea if the rod they're buying will do what they need. But it doesn't have to be that way. Understanding ratings will take out all the guess work so you can begin making easy decisions.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget-minded rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. In many cases the rods are available, in a few they're available for pre-order and expected to arrive in early Spring.

FAVORITE RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jig (Pitch and Flip)- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jig (Light Football)- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Jig (Heavy Football)- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jerkbait- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Alabama Rig- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

Chatterbait- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy Glass: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Ned Rig- G Loomis NRX+ 821S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Tube- St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Heavy Flipping- Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Light Flip- Shimano Curado 7'5" XH: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Tail Spin- G Loomis IMX Pro 843 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Keitech (4.8)- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Big Swimbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Deep Crank (Tight Action)- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (All Around)- Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Squarebill- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Spinnerbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 SBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Frog- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Northern Hair Jig- Megabass P5 Baby Plugging: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

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

Crankbait- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Jig- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Texas Rig- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" MH Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

All Around- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Dropshot/Ned Rig- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Topwater- Halo XDIII 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3ojz68h

Big Swimbait- Savage Gear 8' Heavy Squad: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

Frog- Dobyns Fury 7'3" Mag Heavy: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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BUYER’S GUIDE: $500 ROD AND REEL COMBOS

$500 Combos are the best "Bang For The Buck" in the fishing industry! These rods combine high-end performance and incredible sensitivity with affordable prices. If you're looking to take your angling to the next level, any of these rod and reel combos will help you do it. From the Shimano Expride's incredible sensitivity, to the Megabass Orochi's incredible actions, there is something at this price point for every angler!

At this price point its all about sensitivity and durability. Each of these rods offers incredible value and should be considered an asset in your angling line up. The jump in quality from $400 combos to $500 combos, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. These are truly high-end rods, without the high-end price tag. You won't find a more sensitive rod than an Expride without spending $400 or more! You won't find more refined actions than G Loomis’ IMX Pros anywhere, and you won’t be able to match the unique actions of Megabass’ Orochi XX line.

Below you’ll find links to the rods and reels in the video. We’ve included our favorite models for each line of rods as well as our preferred sizes and speeds for the reels. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER’S GUIDES…

-$400 Combos: https://youtu.be/vRH5LfBphP0

-$300 Combos: https://youtu.be/roGUV4z4YZI

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

-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/QE2vm7eL2PQ

SPINNING COMBOS…

COMBO #1…

Rod- Daiwa Elite AGS: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

Favorite Models: 7’6” ML Feider, 7’1” Medium Ehrler

Reel- Daiwa Tatula LT: http://bit.ly/2zrq4id

Preferred Size: 2000

COMBO #2…

Rod- G Loomis GCX Dropshot: https://bit.ly/3FA19Xt

Rod- G Loomis GCX JWR: https://bit.ly/3qK2yGu

Favorite Models: 822 DSR, 852 JWR,

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

Preferred Size: 2500

COMBO #3…

Rod- Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Favorite Models: 6’10” ML, 7’ Medium, 7’ Light+

Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Preferred Size: 2500

CASTING COMBOS…

COMBO #1…

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Favorite Models: Braillist, EMTF, Perfect Pitch, Flat Side Special

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #2…

Rod- G Loomis GCX MBR: https://bit.ly/3ykNXSN

Rod- G Loomis GCX Crankbait: https://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

Favorite Models: 843C MBR, 845 CBR

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

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #3…

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

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro MBR: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Favorite Models: 845 CBR, 906 CBR, 966 SWBR, 844 MBR, 843 MBR

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #4…

Rod- Savage Gear Black Ops: https://bit.ly/35Qfcc7

Favorite Models: 7’1” Medium, 7’3” Medium Heavy,

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #5…

Rod- Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Favorite Models: 7’11” XH, 7’3” XH, 7’2” Heavy, 6’10” Medium

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

Preferred Speed: 8:1 (XG)

FAVORITE RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jerkbait- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Dropshot- Megabass Orochi XX WhipSnake: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Ned Rig- Shimano Expride Spinning 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Heavy Flipping- Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Light Flip- Shimano Expride 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Tail Spin- G Loomis IMX Pro 843 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Keitech (4.8)- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (2.8)- G Loomis IMX Pro 862C SWBR: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Jig (Pitch and Flip)- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jig (Football)- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Big Swimbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Deep Crank (Tight Action)- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (10XD)- Dobyns Champion XP 805 Crank: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Squarebill- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Spinnerbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 SBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Frog- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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BUYER'S GUIDE: $200 ROD AND REEL COMBOS

The Buyer's Guides are here! In today's guide we're looking at the best fishing rods and fishing reels that combine to create a $200 combo. These are the very best rods and reels we've found at this price! If you're looking for a really quality combo to help you advance as an angler, these are for you.

If you missed video #1 ($100 Rod and Reel Combos) we have a link to that video just above the rods and reels from this video. $200 Combos have always been the cut off where fishing rods and reels become really solid. You're looking at better longevity, more sensitivity, and a lot more options.

Below you'll find links to the exact rod and reel combos in today's video. We've included our favorite models from each product line and our favorite reel sizes/speeds for each combo. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/QE2vm7eL2PQ

SPINNING COMBOS...

COMBO #1...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium Light, 7' Medium

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

Preferred Size: 2000

COMBO #2...

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

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7' Medium

Reel- Shimano Nasci FC: https://bit.ly/2g278cC