BUYER'S GUIDE: ULTRA HIGH END RODS AND REELS! AS GOOD AS IT GETS!

We’ve arrived! The Ultimate Rod and Reel buyer’s guide is here! G Loomis, Megabass, St. Croix, Daiwa, Shimano, Dobyns, we've got it all! Whether you're a tackle enthusiast, a fisherman considering making the leap into a high-end combo, or a newer angler who's curiosity is piqued, this video is packed with information to educate you about the nicest gear on the market. 

High-end gear is incredible! The only problem is that at these prices, you don’t want to make the wrong purchase! We’re taking out all the guess work and showing you our absolute favorite models. Both anglers were tasked with choosing their 10 favorite high-end rod and reel combos for 2021. Its really interesting to see their unique fishing styles come out in the gear they chose as well as the information they pour out about each pairing. 

Below you’ll find links to every combo. We’ve listed them in the order they were discussed by each angler to help you find the exact combos you’re searching for. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Many items are in stock but most of those that aren’t can be backordered, or in the case of the NRX+, can be pre-ordered. 

TIM’S COMBOS

TIM’S #1 SPINNING COMBO… 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Stella FJ 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

TIM’S #2 SPINNING COMBO… 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 6’10” 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

TIM’S #3 SPINNING COMBO… 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7’5” Med Light (752): http://bit.ly/2KS92gK

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

TIM’S #4 SPINNING COMBO… 

Rod- Megabass P5 Windbuster: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

TIM’S #5 SPINNING COMBO… 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 7’6” 901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Stella FJ 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

TIM’S #1 CASTING COMBO… 

Rod- Megabass P5 Z-Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

TIM’S #2 CASTING COMBO… 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

TIM’S #3 CASTING COMBO… 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 7’1” Med Hvy 853C JWR: https://bit.ly/2hedqsq

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

TIM’S #4 CASTING COMBO… 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7’5” Heavy (754): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

TIM’S #5 CASTING COMBO… 

Rod- G Loomis NRX_ 7’5” Heavy 894C JWR: https://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

MATT’S COMBOS

MATT’S #1 SPINNING COMBO…

Rod- Megabass P5 Baby Plugging: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

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

MATT’S #2 SPINNING COMBO…

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

MATT’S #3 SPINNING COMBO…

Rod- St. Croix Legend Extreme 7’6” Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel- Shimano Stella FJ 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

MATT’S #1 CASTING COMBO…

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 842C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

MATT’S #2 CASTING COMBO…

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

MATT’S #3 CASTING COMBO…

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

MATT’S #4 CASTING COMBO…

Rod- Shimano Poison Adrena 7’2” Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT

Reel- Shimano Antares A: http://bit.ly/2Vz0TRx

MATT’S #5 CASTING COMBO…

Rod- Megabass P5 Tequila Baccarac: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

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

MATT’S #6 CASTING COMBO…

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 7’4” Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

MATT’S #7 CASTING COMBO…

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

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

BUYER’S GUIDE: $500 ROD AND REEL COMBOS

$500 Combos are the best "Bang For The Buck" in the fishing industry! These rods combine high-end performance and incredible sensitivity with affordable prices. If you're looking to take your angling to the next level, any of these rod and reel combos will help you do it. From the Shimano Expride's incredible sensitivity, to the Megabass Orochi's incredible actions, there is something at this price point for every angler!

At this price point its all about sensitivity and durability. Each of these rods offers incredible value and should be considered an asset in your angling line up. The jump in quality from $400 combos to $500 combos, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. These are truly high-end rods, without the high-end price tag. You won't find a more sensitive rod than an Expride without spending $400 or more! You won't find more refined actions than G Loomis’ IMX Pros anywhere, and you won’t be able to match the unique actions of Megabass’ Orochi XX line. 

Below you’ll find links to the rods and reels in the video. We’ve included our favorite models for each line of rods as well as our preferred sizes and speeds for the reels. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

PREVIOUS BUYER’S GUIDES… 

-$400 Combos: https://youtu.be/vRH5LfBphP0

-$300 Combos: https://youtu.be/roGUV4z4YZI

-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/duCPOzl2u50

-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/QE2vm7eL2PQ

SPINNING COMBOS… 

COMBO #1…

Rod- Daiwa Elite AGS: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

Favorite Models: 7’6” ML Feider, 7’1” Medium Ehrler

Reel- Daiwa Tatula LT: http://bit.ly/2zrq4id

Preferred Size: 2000

COMBO #2…

Rod- G Loomis GCX Dropshot: https://bit.ly/3FA19Xt

Rod- G Loomis GCX JWR: https://bit.ly/3qK2yGu

Favorite Models: 822 DSR, 852 JWR, 

Reel- Shimano Vanford: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Preferred Size: 2500

COMBO #3… 

Rod- Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Favorite Models: 6’10” ML, 7’ Medium, 7’ Light+

Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Preferred Size: 2500

CASTING COMBOS… 

COMBO #1… 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Favorite Models: Braillist, EMTF, Perfect Pitch, Flat Side Special

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #2… 

Rod- G Loomis GCX MBR: https://bit.ly/3ykNXSN

Rod- G Loomis GCX Crankbait: https://bit.ly/2G5Bc86

Favorite Models: 843C MBR, 845 CBR

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

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #3… 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro MBR: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Favorite Models: 845 CBR, 906 CBR, 966 SWBR, 844 MBR, 843 MBR

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #4… 

Rod- Savage Gear Black Ops: https://bit.ly/35Qfcc7

Favorite Models: 7’1” Medium, 7’3” Medium Heavy, 

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #5… 

Rod- Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Favorite Models: 7’11” XH, 7’3” XH, 7’2” Heavy, 6’10” Medium

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Preferred Speed: 8:1 (XG)

FAVORITE RODS BY TECHNIQUE... 

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

Lipless- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Chatterbait- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Dropshot- Megabass Orochi XX WhipSnake: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej

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

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

Light Flip- Shimano Expride 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Tail Spin- G Loomis IMX Pro 843 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Keitech (4.8)- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (2.8)- G Loomis IMX Pro 862C SWBR: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Jig (Pitch and Flip)- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jig (Football)- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

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

Deep Crank (Tight Action)- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (10XD)- Dobyns Champion XP 805 Crank: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Squarebill- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Spinnerbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 SBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

BUYER’S GUIDE: $400 ROD AND REEL COMBOS

These rods and reels are for the angler who loves bass fishing, fishes often, and appreciates quality gear! This probably isn’t your first combo and you’re willing to spend a little more to gain sensitivity, casting distance, and longevity. In short, we’re getting into the serious fishing gear now. Pairing a $200 rod with a $200 reel takes you into a completely different class of equipment from our previous guides. 

If you’re ready to elevate your fishing, this video is for you! These are the combos that truly impact how you fish. Depending on the model you choose you’ll be able to detect more bites, get the right action out of a bait, or drive a hook set like never before. Perhaps you want to work a jerkbait properly. Or maybe you’re looking to get a combo that can walk a frog with ease. Perhaps you’re looking for the exact action for a jig. These are the options you gain when you step up to these $400 combos. 

Below you’ll find links to the exact rods and reels shown in the video. We’ve included our favorite models and sizes for each, as well as any other pertinent information. These links allow you to find the gear you’re searching for as well as serve as an convenient way for loved ones to find the exact items you’d like during the holidays. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Additionally, we’ve included links to our previous buyer’s guides so you can find the exact rods and reels that fit your budget.

PREVIOUS BUYER’S GUIDES… 

-$300 Combos: https://youtu.be/roGUV4z4YZI

-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/duCPOzl2u50

-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/QE2vm7eL2PQ

SPINNING COMBOS… 

COMBO #1… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Favorite Models: 7’6” Light, 7’ Medium, 7’ Light

Reel- Shimano Vanford: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Preferred Size: 2500

COMBO #2…

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

Favorite Models: Shakyhead, Whipsnake

Reel- Shimano Vanford: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Preferred Size: 2500

COMBO #3… 

Rod- Dobyns Sierra: http://bit.ly/2EyotZU

Favorite Models: 6’9” Medium Light, 7’ Light

Reel- Daiwa Tatula LT: http://bit.ly/2zrq4id

Preferred Size: 2000

COMBO #4… 

Rod- St. Croix Victory: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

Favorite Models: 6’10” Med Light X Fast, 7’1” Medium Fast

Reel- Abu Garcia SX: https://bit.ly/3kFfREg

Preferred Size: 20 or 30

CASTING COMBOS… 

COMBO #1… 

Rod- St. Croix Victory: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Favorite Models: 7’1” MH Fast, 7’4” Heavy, 6’8” Medium X-Fast

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

Preferred Speed: 7.5:1

COMBO #2…

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

Favorite Models: EMTF, Braillist, Tour Versatile

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

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #3… 

Rod- Shimano Curado: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

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

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #4… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Favorite Models: 7’2” Medium , 7’5” Heavy, 7’6” MH Glass

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #5… 

Rod- Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Favorite Models: 7’11” XH, 7’3” XH, 7’2” Heavy, 6’10” Medium

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Preferred Speed: 7:1 (HG)

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

BUYER'S GUIDE: $300 ROD AND REEL COMBOS

$300 combos are being included for the first time EVER in our Buyer's Guide series! There are some awesome new additions at this price point, as well as some old favorites, that couldn't continue to be overlooked. If you're looking to take your fishing to the next level with increased sensitivity and  unique actions, these rods will do it!

$300 for a rod and a reel opens the door to more great brands. At this price we start having the ability to mix and match with higher end rods and reels to build combos that exceed the industry standard at this price. We've fished rods in this category for many years and they have stood the test of time. 

If $300 is outside your budget, you will appreciate our previous Buyer's Guides featuring $100 and $200 combos. You'll find those linked below. In addition to the other guides we've linked all the rods and reels in today's video. We've included our favorite models for each line, favorite speed reels, and any other pertinent information. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES... 

-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/duCPOzl2u50

-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/QE2vm7eL2PQ

CASTING COMBOS... 

COMBO #1...

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

Favorite Models: 7'6" MH Glass, 7'4" Heavy, 7'1" MH

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

Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #2... 

Rod- Shimano Curado: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

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

Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #3... 

Rod- Halo HFX: https://bit.ly/36rfYvW

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7'6" Medium Heavy

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

Speed: 7:1 (HG)

COMBO #4... 

Rod- Falcon Lowrider: https://bit.ly/3negdkY

Favorite Models: 7'6" MH Composite

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

Speed: 8:1 (XG)

COMBO #5... 

Rod #1- St. Croix Mojo: https://bit.ly/3wQ93Zn

Favorite Models: 6'8" MH X-Fast, 7'4" Heavy

Rod #2- St. Croix Mojo Glass: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Favorite Models: 7'2" medium, 7'4" Medium Heavy

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

Speed: 7:1 (HG)

SPINNING COMBOS... 

COMBO #1...

Rod- Shimano Curado: https://bit.ly/3FhEn6d

Favorite Models: 7' Light, 7' Med Light, 7' Medium

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

Preferred Size: 2500

COMBO #2... 

Rod- Halo KS II: https://bit.ly/32Rp9nh

Favorite Model: 6'10" Medium

Reel- Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/2nfApml

Preferred Size: 2500

FAVORITE FISHING LINES ON A BUDGET... 

Braid- Power Pro (Moss Green): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Fluorocarbon- Sunline FC: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Mono- Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz