Buyer’s Guide: Best $200 Rod and Reel Combos!

This Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best value. $100 rods and $100 reels are a huge leap up from their $50 counterparts! The “bang for the buck” that is gained, far exceeds the dollars spent. $200 combos offer increased sensitivity, better components, and the ability to branch into technique specific models. Come along as we explore some of the best $200 combos on the market!

This category really comes down to 3 series of rods. If you’re willing to spend a few dollars more, a 4th series becomes an option as well. At this price its not just about increased sensitivity in the rods, there are also some real upgrades in the reels. The Shimano SLX is by far the stand out reel in this category, offering excellent functionality at an affordable price. 

Below you’ll find links to the different lines of rods discussed in the video, along with our favorite models from each line. Additionally we’ve included the reels we recommend pairing them with. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you’ll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Finally, we’ve included a link to yesterday’s “$100 Buyer’s Guide” and some insights into the next couple videos as we continue through the buyer’s guide series. 

Previous Buyer’s Guides…  

$100 Rod and Reel Combos: https://bit.ly/37aupED

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides… 

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

-$500 Rod and Reel Combos

Spinning Combo #1… 

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

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 1000: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

Favorite Rod Models... 7' Medium Light (702), 7' Medium (703)

Spinning Combo #2... 

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

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

Favorite Rod Models... 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Light

Baitcasting Combo #1... 

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

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

Favorite Models... 7' MH Crank (705 CB) 7' Heavy (704), 7'9" MH Swim (795)

Baitcasting Combo #2... 

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

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

Favorite Models... 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Baitcasting Combo #3... 

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

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

Favorite Models... 7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium heavy, 7'4" Heavy

Bonus Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

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

Favorite Models... 7' Medium Light, 7'6" Light

Bonus Baitcasting Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Favorite Models... 6'9" Medium, 7'1" MH, 7'3" Heavy, 7'6" MH Glass

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Buyer’s Guide: Best $100 Rod and Reel Combos!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best “bang for the buck” amongst $100 combos. In recent years three brands have really stepped up, offering exception quality and value near the $100 price point. Whether you’re looking for your first quality bass rod, or an entire line up, you can’t go wrong with these three!

With dozens and dozens of brands offering rods and reels in this category, its hard to know which to try. We’ve spent an incredible amount of time trying new gear, getting to know the various models. We’re confident the St. Croix Bass X, Shimano SLX, and Daiwa Aird X, are the best you’ll find in this category. We’ve paired each with the best reels, while attempting to stay near the $100 mark. For those looking to branch out a bit further but don’t want to jump all the way to the $200 mark, we’ve included a bonus combo for you as well. 

You can’t go wrong with any of these lines but if you’re looking for something specific, we’ve included our favorite models from each group. Below you’ll find links to each item that go directly to Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the models. We’ve also included a schedule of a few of the upcoming Buyer’s Guides so you can plan ahead. Keep in mind, these videos are going on every day throughout the holiday season so check back constantly to see what’s next!

Upcoming Videos… 

-$200 Rod and Reel Combos

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

Combo #1…

Rod- Denali Ryker Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/31bKfgp

Reel- Lews Classic Speed Spool: https://bit.ly/2IRMVcB

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy, 7’ Heavy

Combo #2…

Rod- Shimano Sellus Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2XNYB3h

Reel- Abu Garcia Black Max: https://bit.ly/396HlO2

Favorite Rod Models- 6’10” medium, 7’2” Medium Heavy, 7’6” Heavy

Combo #3…

Rod- Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rods: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Reel- Daiwa Revros LT: http://bit.ly/34nCGCj

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium, 7’ Medium Heavy

Bonus Combo…

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

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy Cranking, 7’3” Heavy

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Sonar Basics: How To Identify Fish (Bass, Panfish, and Baitfish)

Ever wondered if you're really seeing fish? Which lines and marks are bass? Can you tell the difference between crappie, bluegill, white bass, etc? Which marks are fish and which ones are just stumps or rocks? Come along on the water in real time as we idle through creek channels and flats and identify the different fish we come across with our electronics. 

Modern electronics give anglers an incredible advantage over the fish. Even with the most basic units you can now quickly identify active fish, even on a lake you're unfamiliar with. Of course nicer electronics offer increased sensitivity and functionality but none of that matters until you understand what you're seeing on the screen. Tim has spent countless hours behind the wheel analyzing fish positioning on structure and today he's giving you the quick basics you'll need to go out on the water and confidently locate fish on your own. 

Below you'll find links to the Humminbird Solix 15 Tim was using in the video, along with a variety of other great units. We've included some of the best units from different brands but also some amazing "budget" options that will get you on the water, identifying fish with modern technology, without breaking the bank.

Tim's Electronics... 

Main Unit- Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY

Secondary Unit- Humminbird Solix 12: https://bit.ly/364OviT

Top End Models From Other Brands... 

Lowrance- HDS 16 LIVE: https://bit.ly/352Pp0d

Garmin- GPS Map 8616: https://bit.ly/2I61Zmv

Best Budget Models... 

Humminbird- Helix 7 GPS G3: http://bit.ly/2SoFl8a

**We both use this Helix unit on our fishing kayaks**

Lowrance- Hook Reveal 7: https://bit.ly/3k0b7pN

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Top 5 Rod and Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Which fishing rod should you get first? Which rods give you the best "bang for the buck?" Are there rods that can do it all? Should I use a spinning reel or a baitcaster? These are questions we get constantly so today we're showing you the top rods every angler should own. We're explaining the different lengths, actions, and powers so you know how to get the most for your money when you're shopping for rods. 

Choosing 5 rods proved more difficult than we expected. Matt and Tim had no problem deciding on the first 4 but when it came to that 5th rod they just couldn't agree. As a result, you're actually getting the top 6 rods every angler should own! Whether you're a brand new angler, looking for one rod that can do it all, or a seasoned pro with an affinity for high-end gear, we've got you covered. 

Today's video description is very detailed. We've broken down the top 6 rods into 3 different categories. The first section is dedicated to versatile high-end gear, the second to mid-priced combos that bring the best "Bank For the Buck", and the last section, to "budget" options that far exceed exceptions. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Budget Casting… 

Medium- Bass X 7'1 Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Medium heavy- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy 703: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Crankbait- Shimano Intenza 7'2" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Matching Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Heavy- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Matching Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Budget Spinning… 

Medium- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

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

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

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

All-Around Casting… 

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

Matching Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

**Best Rod we've found at any price for jerkbaits**

Medium heavy- Daiwa Tatula Elite 7'3" Ehrler: http://bit.ly/2yLDr9z

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

Crankbait- Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Matching Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

**Can throw 10XDs, 6XDs, and Squarebills, Awesome all-around combo**

Heavy- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

**This Rod is available for PRE-ORDER and is worth every penny!!**

All-Around Spinning… 

Medium- St. Croix 7'1" Medium Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3kmQN2F

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

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

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

**Vanford available for PRE-ORDER only**

High End Casting… 

Medium- G Loomis NRX 852C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Matching Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Medium heavy- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Matching Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Crankbait- Megabass Orochi XX 7’11” Launcher: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Matching Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Heavy- Megabass Destroyer P5 Tequila Baccarac: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Matching Reel- Shimano Metanium DC HG: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

**This Rod is INCREDIBLY versatile, throwing everything from frogs to swimbaits, to flipping and punching**

High-End Spinning… 

Medium- Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

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

Medium Light- Megabass Destroyer Flyssa: http://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Matching Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 3000: http://bit.ly/35Kclij

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G