Buyer's Guide: Best Rod and Reel Combos Under $400!

Today's buyer's guide is all about finding the best bang for your buck! $400 is the industry standard for quality gear and virtually every company strives to have a great combo in this price point. Matt and Tim tried dozens of options and created this list of spinning and casting rods and reels that stand out from the crowd. If you're looking to purchase a quality combo but want advice from angler's that have the experience that only time on the water can provide, look no further.

The guys put their heads together and came up with an amazing offering from a wide variety of brands. How does a rod or reel make the cut? The guys tried literally dozens of rods and reels in search of the stand outs that were more sensitive, more reliable, and better priced than their competition. No matter your brand preferences, you're sure to find something on this list that will help take your bass fishing to the next level.

Below you'll find a detailed description of each rod and reel combo. We've included links that will take you directly to the products on Tackle Warehouse. We make this as user friendly as possible so you can find what you're looking for but also so your non-fishing loved ones understand the products as they shop for you this holiday season. We've organized the rods below in the same order they were presented in the video to help prevent confusion.

Combo #1...

-G Loomis E6X Casting: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

These are great budget-friendly offers from G-Loomis. You get the same models and actions that you find in their high-end offerings at a more affordable price. Our favorite model: 845C CBR.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Combo #2...

-Megabass Levante Spinning: http://bit.ly/2Ibeo70

Great sensitivity and technique specific actions at a mid-range price. Favorite Models include the Whipsnake and Shakyhead.

-Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Combo #3...

-Shimano Zodias Casting: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

The Zodias offers a perfect balance of sensivity, power, and affordability. Shimano's mid-range offering, these rods are worth far more than the asking price. Favorite models include 7'2" Medium heavy, 7'5" Heavy, 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass.

-Daiwa Tatula Elite: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1

Combo #4...

-Shimano Zodias Spinning: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

The Zodias spinning offers some of the most universal actions available. The 7' Medium light (dropshot, ned rig tube), and 7' Medium (dropshot, shaky head, Neko, senko) will do virtually anything you want to do with a spinning rod.

-Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Combo #5...

-Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting: http://bit.ly/2yLDr9z

These are great all-around rods offering a variety of lengths and actions for virtually any circumstance. The standouts include the 7'1" Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy Ehrler, and the 7'6" Meyer.

-Daiwa Tatula SV TWS: http://bit.ly/2xALqpz

Combo #6...

-Daiwa Tatula Elite Spinning: http://bit.ly/2ONGjLl

The Tatula Elite's feature 4 angler-influenced actions that cover a wide spectrum of actions. The most universal are the 7'1" Medium Heavy Howell and the 7'3" Medium Howell. Paired with a Fuego this combo comes in way under budget, barely breaking the $300 mark.

-Daiwa Fuego LT 2500: http://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Combo #7...

-Cashion Casting: http://bit.ly/2He0r4X

Cashion makes unique actions in the USA with Carbon fiber grips and micro guides. Some of our favorite models include 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Heavy, and 7'3" Heavy.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Combo #8...

-Cashion Elite Spinning: http://bit.ly/2xJGGPt

With their mild actions and slower tapers the Cashions offer unique rods that load deep into the blank to help control big bass on light tackle. Our favorite models include the 7' Medium and 7'2" Medium Heavy Shakyhead.

-Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Combo #9...

-Megabass Levante Casting: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

The 2019 Levante's offer some amazing actions with unique tapers. If you've ever wanted to try a Megabass rod the Levante is an affordable option with that true Megabass feel. Our favorite models are the 7' Tour Versatile, 7'2" Perfect Pitch, and 7'5" Braillist.

-Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Buyer's Guide: Best Spinning Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Finding the right rods and reels can be very overwhelming! In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide the guys from TacticalBassin show us their top picks for rod and reel combos that cost less than $200. You can find some amazing options in this price range for new and veteran anglers alike. Which models are the most sensitive? Which reels are smooth and reliable? Matt and Tim help you find the best options available in today's video.

Spending $100 on a rod or reel is the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim focus on 3 combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above the crowd. Below you will find these combos linked in order of appearance. They'll include direct links to Tackle Warehouse where you can see the specific models. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys have also included their favorite models from each line of rods. Below that you will find recommendations from a handful of other brands in case you or the angler in your life prefer a specific brand.

Fury/Sedona Combo...

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

7' Medium Light (Dropshot, Ned Rig), 7' Medium (All-Around Fishing)

Reel- Shimano Sedona 2500: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

(SE2500HGFI for perfect balance with either model above)

Line- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Powell/BG Combo...

Rod- Powell Inferno: http://bit.ly/2O2rh5a

7'1" Light (Dropshot, Ned Rig, Tube), 7'1" Medium (All-Around Fishing)

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

(BG 2000 For perfect balance with the models above)

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

SLX/NASCI Combo...

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

7' Medium Light (Dropshot/Ned Rig), 7' Medium (All-Around Fishing)

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

(NAS2500FB For perfect balance)

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

Other Great Rods By Brand...

Denali- Fission Series 7' Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2OF1j75

St. Croix Bass-X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Cashion CRT 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/35giUc0

Daiwa- Tatula XT 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2qjhX40

Ladies Specific Option...

W&M Trait Zaldain Elite Pink: http://bit.ly/2r3SBHl

Keep an eye out for the rest of the Buyer's Guides! Next up is Monday morning featuring Jerkbaits and Blade Baits. After that we'll be delving into higher-end combos, budget options, and a variety of other lures and equipment.

Buyer's Guide: Best Casting Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Welcome to the 2019 Holiday Buyer's Guide Series! These are the most requested videos of the year and we're thrilled to bring them back for 2019! We're kicking it off with Rod and Reel Combos Under $200! Matt and Tim show some of the best values on the market in this quick review of rods and reels from a variety of companies.

Why start with $200 combos? $100 for a rod or reel seems to be the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim explore 7 different combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above similarly priced products. Below you will find links to all of the products in the video. Matt and Tim also picked their two favorite combos each and are listing those above the rest of the combos. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys included their favorite actions for each rod and reel model so that you and your loved once can easily select the best "bang for the buck" models.

Tim's First choice... SLX/SLX Combo...

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

(6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Heavy)

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

(SLX150HG)

Tim's Second Choice... Fury/Daiwa CG Combo...

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

(7' Medium heavy, 7' Heavy, 8' heavy swimbait)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Matt's First Choice... Intenza/Caius Combo...

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

(7'1" Medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano Caius B: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

(CIS150HGB)

Matt's Second Choice... Bass X/SLX Combo...

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

(7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

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

(SLX150HG)

The Other Great Combos Around $200...

Rod- Cashion CRT: http://bit.ly/2qxYIUj

(7' Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT: http://bit.ly/35hugfH

(FGCT100HS)

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

(7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Heavy Cranking, 7'3" Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Rod- Lews TP-1 Black Speed Stick: http://bit.ly/2Ovtbxc

(7' Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Lews Speel Spool LFS: http://bit.ly/2xEElEw

(SS1SHA)

Bass Boat Restoration Complete: Full build with rigging, Rewire, Repower, and Electronics Tour!

The used boat restoration is complete! After nearly 2 years of upgrading wiring, parts, electronics, and motors, both of the Champion 210 Elite bass boat restoration projects are done! Come along for a full boat tour of Tim's and Matt's finished projects as they show you what is possible if you decide to buy a used boat instead of a new boat.

The project began nearly 2 years ago when Tim decided he wanted a larger boat. Shortly thereafter Matt's boat was lost in a crash and he too was searching for a new option. Each chose a used boat instead of jumping into the new boat market. With the high cost of new bass boats the duo looked toward one of the greatest rough water hulls of all time, the Champion 210 Elite. The boats were discontinued around 2008 but the anglers realized that if they could find a pair of boats in great shape that the money they'd saved would allow them to build two truly incredible fishing machines, complete with every part and component they'd ever wanted.

The boat Tim located was in near factory condition. Matt's was beautiful outside but needed a bit more work inside. Both boats were about to get a makeover that would make them near unrecognizable to the previous owners! The anglers started from the ground up and filled both boats with state of the art equipment from the money they had saved on the purchase price. Since these projects were done at the same time the anglers researched together and built two virtually identical boats with the best components they could find. Undertaking a project off this size is a commitment but is worth the effort and saves a lot of money over buying new boats. In case this is something you're considering doing or you liked one of the items we installed on our boats, here is the list of upgraded equipment on the boats.

At The Bow...

Trolling Motor- Ultrex 112 MEGA DI I-Pilot: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

Trolling Motor Sleeve- Troll Jacket: http://bit.ly/2xBxoVf

Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15 CHIRP G2: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

Electronics Mount- T-H Marine Wave Tamer: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

Electronics- Hydrowave H2 KVD Feeding Stimulator: http://bit.ly/2rcbebU

Electronics- Humminbird 360 Imaging: http://bit.ly/2K8jPl4

Security- Loc-R-Bar: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP

Talon Wireless Foot Switch: http://bit.ly/2O7zWUE

At The Console...

Hot Foot Throttle: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO

Main Unit- Humminbird Solix 15 G2: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

Side Unit- Humminbird Solix 12 G2: http://bit.ly/2AE2YDB

Main Mount- Bass Boat Technologies: Direct From Manufacturer

Side Mount- BalzOut Mount w/ 6" arm: http://bit.ly/2HnxLtu

At The Stern...

Anchors- Talon 15' Shallow Water Anchors: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

Jack Plate- Atlas Hydraulic 12": http://bit.ly/2QpkCkS

Remote Drain Plug System: http://bit.ly/2jkZqjS

Battery Charger- Minn Kota Precision: http://bit.ly/2vcrbjA

Additional Equipment…

Battery- Odyssey PC 2150M

Power Switch- Perko Battery Disconnect

Motor- 2018 Yamaha VMAX SHO 250