Packing For A Fishing Trip + Travel Tips! (Travel Rods, Baits, And Gear Storage)

Whether you're going down the road to climb on a friend's boat, or headed around the globe to an exotic destination, packing tackle is a pain! We've developed a system now that makes it much easier to grab our tackle and go, no matter the destination. If you've ever wondered what we pack when we head out on the road, today we're opening up and letting you see it all!

The specific tackle can vary by location, but the staples remain the same. We have a basic set of terminal (hooks, weights, jigheads) that always travel with us, and some specific hard baits and soft baits that go on every trip. With that in mind, we've developed a packing list of our favorite travel gear.

In addition to baits and terminal we rely on travel rods to catch fish wherever we go. We have chosen each of these rods for a specific purpose and would recommend them without hesitation. The key to traveling is using the strongest rods you can afford (strength beats sensitivity during travel) because if you break a rod deep in the mountains or across an ocean there probably isn't going to be a replacement.

Below you'll find links to the exact rod and reel combos, as well as all the baits Matt discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CASTING COMBO #1...

Rod– Dobyns Kaden Travel 741C: https://bit.ly/4aTLcvN

Model: 7'1" Heavy

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

CASTING COMBO #2...

Rod– Megabass Triza Stym Palides: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Model: 7' Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

CASTING COMBO #3...

Rod– Megabass Triza Sparna: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Model: 6'6" Light

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

CASTING COMBO #4...

Rod– Megabass Valkyrie World Expedition: https://bit.ly/3J1gchq

Model: 6'8" Medium

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

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

SPINING COMBO #1...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/414SSrX

Reel– Shimano Stradic FM 2500: https://bit.ly/4hkHxdn

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (22 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

STORAGE CONTAINERS...

•Buzbe Quik Qube (Large): https://bit.ly/3TnKHl7

•Meiho 2010NDDM: https://bit.ly/40I9SCM

LEADER LINE...

•Seaguar Gold Label Flurocarbon leader: https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

Sizes: 8, 10, 15 lb

•Sunline Saltimate FC Leader: https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Size: 20 lb

TERMINAL TACKLE...

•Hog Farmer TacticalBassin Micro Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Owner All Purpose Bait Hooks: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Sizes: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Sizes: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

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

Sizes: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

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

Sizes: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

HARD BAITS...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: GLX Frozen Pink, KS Kasumi Ito

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

Colors: SG Threadfin, RT Scale Minnow

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: True Shad, Clear Water Minnow

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

Colors: Rootbeer Craw, Green Gizzard

•Rapala Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Rootbeer Crawdad

•Megabass Super Z3: https://bit.ly/3HDg7wc

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Phantom Smoke Craw

SOFT BAITS...

•Duo Realis Wriggle Crawler 5.8: https://bit.ly/3TFXocE

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

•Deps Cover Scat: https://bit.ly/3dj8LVl

Color: Green Pumpkin

•Nories Flip Dom Worm: https://bit.ly/45aSojs

Color: Castaic Choice

•Raid 2 Way (2"): https://bit.ly/4aSRQTc

Color: Green Pumpkin Pepper

•OSP Dice Rubber: https://bit.ly/4e0DII9

Color: Fall Webworm, Green Pumpkin Pepper

•Hog Farmer Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Color: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Jackall Rhythm Wag: https://bit.ly/3NT6OvF

Color: Prism Shad

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue, Grass Craw

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Color: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Minnow: https://bit.ly/3yAOQfo

Color: Moon Dust

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

Early Spring Gear Review 2025! Rods, Reels, Tackle And Gear!

This is the hottest new gear in bass fishing for 2025! We've been testing a ton of new gear the past few months and these are the clear stand outs! From the new Shimano Outlier Series, to Aftco's Fortress Suit, to a variety of reels, baits, and tackle, these are the best new items we've found! Let's take a look!

This is our first gear review of 2025 and it's packed with amazing gear! We've been busily testing rods, reels, and baits, throughout Fall and Winter. Most baits didn't make the cut, but these gems earned their place! These new Strolling options are must haves, and the chatterbait trailers speak for themselves. For the swimbait anglers we've got the new Tranx 300 B, and the whole Shimano Outlier series! For those in the armed forces, or who want to support those that are, the Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z is an awesome addition!

Below you'll find links to all our favorite gear that was featured in this video. We've listed them in the order they appeared, and included all relevant information on favorite colors, sizes, etc. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICAL APPAREL...

•New TacticalBassin Gear: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

New Items: Hoodies, Hats, Beanies

AFTCO GEAR...

•Aftco Fortress Rain Jacket: https://bit.ly/42LrGQ8

•Aftco Fortress Rain Bibs: https://bit.ly/4aPp45O

•Aftco Packable Transformer Jacket: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

•Aftco Packable Transformer Pants: https://bit.ly/3Zzy89y

SHIMANO TRANX...

•Shimano Tranx 300 B: https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

Favorite Speed: 7:1 (HG)

SHIMANO OUTLIER ROD SERIES...

•Shimano Outlier Rods: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

7'4" MH Baits: S–Waver, 6" Trick Shad, Flag, 6" Magdraft

7'9" MH+ Baits: 7" Trick Shad, TK, Chad Shad, Toxic Gill

7'10" H+ Baits: Hinkle Shad, Phoney, K9, 8" Magdraft

7'11" H Baits: Citizen 6"–7", Bacca Burrito, Tyrant 9, Loose Caboose

8' XH Baits: 8" Hudd, SlideSwimmer 250, Hawghunter Mag, Tyrant 10

8' XXH Baits: Hinkle Trout, DRT Ghost, Roman Made Mother, DRT Frenzy

ABU GARCIA REEL...

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

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

STROLL SHAD...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Green Shad

Pairing– Dirty Jigs HD Tungsten Guppy: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

OWNER HEAD...

•Owner Round Ball XL: https://bit.ly/3Et1q33

Favorite Sizes: 5/16 oz – 4/0, 3/8 oz – 5/0

CHATTERBAIT TRAILER...

•ZMan ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Favorite Colors: Bad Shad, Electric Shad, The Deal

YAMAMOTO SWIMBAIT...

•Yamamoto Shad Shape Swimmer: https://bit.ly/4hOE5al

Sizes: 3.2", 3.7", 4.2"

Favorite Colors: Green Gizzard, Natural Shad, Rainbow 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

The Best Fishing Rod For EVERY Technique! ( Beginner To Advanced + Rod Actions )

Everything you need to know about fishing rods! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meanings of 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!

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers just guess when buying a rod. You're at the mercy of a tackle shop employee or an online review as you spend 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.

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...

Casting Rod– Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Casting Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Spinning Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Spinning Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT 2500D–XH: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

BRAIDED LINE...

Budget– Power Pro Braid: https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Affordable– Sufix 832: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Refined– Seaguar PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Spinning– 10-15 lb Line

Casting– 40 lb Line

FAVORITE CASTING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jig (Pitch and Flip)– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weightless Worms– Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Tail Spin/Blade– Shimano Expride 7’2” Medium LIght: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (4.8)– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Underspin (Finesse)– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'6" Med Med Light: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

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

Lipless Crankbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Bait Finesse– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light Fast: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Spoon– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Texas Rig– Shimano Poison Adrena 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4cVIwOI

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

FAVORITE SPINNING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Strolling– Expride 6'10" Medium XFast (Solid Tip): https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

Northern Hair Jig– St. Croix Victory 7'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

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

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

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

Jig– Fenwick Eagle 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Texas Rig– Daiwa Tatula XT 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

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

Dropshot/Ned Rig– St. Croix Bass X 6'10" Med Light X Fast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Topwater (Walking)– Abu Garcia Veritas 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3CGiPVg

Topwater (Popper) – St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium X Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

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

Frog– Daiwa Tatula 7’4” Heavy Frog: http://bit.ly/2Q4NgKA

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

Humminbird Mega Live 2 ( On The Water Real World Test and Sonar Settings )

Let's head out on the water for a first look at Humminbird's NEW Mega Live 2 Forward Facing Sonar transducer! We've just installed this unit and are checking it out before we even finish dialing it in! Our first priority is to see its bait tracking abilities, how it does with target separation, and to get a look at all the new color palettes we've been hearing about! Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments!

Our first impression is, it's a HUGE improvement over the original Mega Live! This new Mega Live 2 is superior in every way, with incredible clarity and drastically improved bait tracking! It's hard to choose a favorite color palette but if we had to choose two to get started, it would be Alabama Amber and Doppler. Also, pay close attention to Tim's sonar settings if you're looking for a starting place as you dial in your new Live 2.

We'll let you make your own judgement based on the footage, but from what we can see, Humminbird has a WINNER with this new Live 2! Whether you use FFS technology to locate structures and speed up your search for fish, or you're isolating single fish and targeting them with a Strolling bait, this new transducer has the ability to help you fish more effectively.

Below you'll find links to all the gear Tim used in today's video. From the Live 2 Transducer, to the Target Lock, to the electronics he uses to get these images. We've also included some great budget friendly units as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

MEGA LIVE 2...

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

TARGET LOCK TURRET...

•Humminbird Mega Live TargetLock Adapter Kit: https://bit.ly/3DWobfm

TIM'S HUMMINBIRD UNITS...

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

•Humminbird Apex 13 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q

THE LATEST BUDGET FRIENDLY UNITS...

•Humminbird Xplore 12 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/4jjdcwJ

•Humminbird Xplore 10 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/4hmChFf

•Humminbird Xplore  9 Fishfinder: https://bit.ly/4hl9tgy

TIM’S TROLLING MOTOR...

*MinnKota Ultrex Quest 115 lbs: https://bit.ly/41RErpY

Shaft Length: 52"

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