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

This Buyer's Guide takes it to the next level! The $400 price range for rod and reel combos opens up a whole world of higher end equipment. You're talking about sensitive blanks, dialed in actions, and technique specific rods. With reels you're looking at lighter weights, stronger components, and smooth gearing. Come along as we explore the best rod and reel combos around the $400 mark. 

The $400 threshold brings a lot of new companies into the mix. Cashion, 13 Fishing, and a few others join the ranks of the traditional leaders in this category. These combos are a huge leap up in sensitivity and durability over the previous videos. If you're able to reach this price range you're looking at gear that will stay with you year after year, taking all the abuse you can dish out, and delivering excellent performance all along the way. 

Below you'll find links to all of the combos in the video. In each series there are stand out models that are a step above the rest, we've included those recommendations as well. All of 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://bit.ly/37aupED

$200 Combos: https://bit.ly/2USSCJv

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides…

-$500 Combos

-High End Combos

Spinning Combo #1...

Rod- Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

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

Spinning Combo #2... 

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

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 3000: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7'2" MH ShakyHead

Casting Rod #1... 

Rod- 13 Fishing Muse: http://bit.ly/2xVM80V

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept A2 7:1 Ratio: https://bit.ly/36XlOVs

Favorite Models: 7'4" Heavy, 7'5" Medium Heavy

Casting Rod #2... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

Favorite Models: 7'2" Med Lt, 7'5" Med hvy, 7'5" Heavy

Casting Rod #3... 

Rod- Shimano Curado Full Handle: http://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Heavy

Casting Rod #4... 

Rod- G Loomis E6X: http://bit.ly/2lzoEMm

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

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

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 $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