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!

Early Spring Gear Review! Rods, Reels, And Baits For Bass Fishing!

Check out all this awesome new gear for bass fishing! We're reviewing a high-end rod line, then looking at a great budget-friendly reel. We're covering baits from BFS and Finesse, all the way up to big swimbaits. If you're a bass fisherman (or a trout fisherman), this one is for you!

This review is packed full of amazing baits and gear! We've spent the Fall and early Winter testing and comparing a ton of new products and these are the best of the best! Whether you finesse fish or power fish, minnow fish or drag a worm, there is something here for everyone!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, models, and colors where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE GEAR IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE...

•Megabass Great Hunting "Huntsman" Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/48URsnX

Model Shown: 6' Light Med Fast


•Megabass Great Hunting GH 51 FS Humpback: https://bit.ly/4sdt1JU

Favorite Colors: AL Indicator Yamame, Takumi Yamame


•Abu Garcia Max5 300 Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/4pYubaE


•Bucca Brand 2.5" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4blc761

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic


•Rapala DT 12 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/4pSzbNU

Colors: Citrus Shad, Crystal Craw, Lemon Shad


•DUH 2.0 Spoon: https://bit.ly/4iGlkrd

Colors: Tactical Shad, Shattered Glass Silver, Sierra


•Yamamoto Uni Bait: https://bit.ly/4q359Hp

Colors: Baby Bass, Natural Shad, Green Pumpkin


•Hog Farmer Utility Player Worm: https://bit.ly/4s8AzxH

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Plum


•MissileBaits Freedom Flyer: https://bit.ly/4qnPvGn

Colors: Electric Shad, Live Minnow, Silver Shiner


•MissileBaits Eye Roll Head: https://bit.ly/3JiR3BP


•Buzbe Lure Sleeves: https://bit.ly/4pcb1wP


•Berkley Chop Block Glide Bait: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: CA Hitch, Chrome Gizzard, Shad


•Bill Lewis Big Gizz: https://bit.ly/494ZoSb

Colors: Numb Shad, Chrome Black Shad


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

Cold Water Bass Fishing Patterns That Work!

Jump in the boat with Matt and Tim for some cold water bass fishing! With water temperatures hitting the lowest of the year, it's critical to understand what baits will keep catching fish. The guys are on a brand new lake today, they have no idea what to expect, and it's going to require everything they both know about bass fishing to develop two successful patterns.

Matt dialed in the jerkbait bite immediately. During the low light period fish were moving around a little and a handful of them were willing to commit to a jerkbait. It had to be fished incredibly slow, but the bites were there. Once the sun was overhead, all of that went away. The fish locked to the bottom and the only bait they would touch was a downsized football jig.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear the guys used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors for the jigs and trailers, as well as the rod and reel combos they used to fish the baits effectively. 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


JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110+1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Color: Kasumi Ito


•Hook Upgrade: Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp


FINESSE JIG...

•Keitech Tungsten Football Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue


•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue


HULA GRUB...

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake


•VMC Finesse Football Jighead: https://bit.ly/3CZ1cQK

Size: 3/8 oz


JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 6'5": https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Oneten Stick

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0


MATT'S SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel– Shimano Stella 2500 FK: https://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Line– Power Pro 10 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (8 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


TIM'S JIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 6'10" JBR: https://bit.ly/4mKAf4S

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


MATT'S JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Med Hvy (723): https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

Top 5 Baits For February Bass Fishing!

Come along as we look at the top baits for bass fishing in February!  February is awesome because you can start power fishing again! Yes, the water is still cold. Yes, it's still Winter, but the the fish can sense that the very early Spring transition is right around the corner! Fish are about to start eating different lures, using different spots, and getting really fun to catch!

Despite the continued cold, the fish seem to know the end is in sight and they start moving, regardless of weather. February is an awesome time to fish! You can forget the Winter struggles and start loading the deck of your boat with jerkbaits, crankbaits, A-Rigs, swimbaits, and other fun power fishing techniques!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, including our favorite sizes and colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

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


BLADES AND LIPLESS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu


•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin


•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Aqua Ghost, Sexy Shad


JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, GG Illusion Tennessee Shad


•Jackall Rerange 95: https://bit.ly/3JCi7f6

Colors: HL Hasu, Blue Pearl Shad


UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Finesse Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 – 1/4 oz


•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz


•Xzone 2.75" – 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


•Megabass 4" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Silver Shad


SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Berkley Frittside HD 5: https://bit.ly/4hcwfXJ

Colors: HD Brown Craw, HD Green Craw


•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Red Crawdad, Tuxedo Shad, Chartreuse Black


•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw


MICRO FLEX RIGS...

Bladed– HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Non Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex: https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc


Swimbait– 3" Damiki Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

Head– Zman Trout Eye Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Size: 1/8 oz


MINI FLEX RIGS...

Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Non Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex: https://bit.ly/3isTio0


Swimbait– X Zone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Dummy Bait– MissileBaits Shockwave: https://bit.ly/3Y72VKC

Color: Fishaliscious

Head– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz


SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 8" Magdraft Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: White Back Shad, MB Shad


•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Gizzard Magic, Threadfintastic, Glimmer Bone


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Moderate: https://bit.ly/493hwNy

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


BUDGET JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


BUDGET A–RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix