How To Choose The Right Fishing Rod (Beginner To Advanced)

This is the information no one is talking about! From the basics (how to interpret rod models) to advanced details on rod action and power, Matt is laying down everything you need to know to make educated decisions about fishing rods. 

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers are guessing when they make a purchase. They have no idea if the rod they're buying will do what they need. But it doesn't have to be that way. Understanding ratings will take out all the guess work so you can begin making easy decisions. 

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget-minded rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. In many cases the rods are available, in a few they're available for pre-order and expected to arrive in early Spring.

FAVORITE RODS BY TECHNIQUE... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chatterbait- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy Glass: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

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

Light Flip- Shimano Curado 7'5" XH: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

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 (All Around)- Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

BFS- Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 7': https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Northern Hair Jig- Megabass P5 Baby Plugging: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE... 

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

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

Jig- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Texas Rig- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" MH Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

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

Topwater- Halo XDIII 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3ojz68h

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

Frog- Dobyns Fury 7'3" Mag Heavy: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

2022 Gear Review - Shimano Expride B + New Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, and Creatures!

They're here!! Who's ready to check out the latest rods, swimbaits, hard baits, and soft baits to hit the market?! Its no secret that we're tackle addicts! We spend countless hours each week tracking down the newest gear from around the globe so we can put it through the paces! Some of it turns out to be junk, some of it is amazing and the best of the best make it into our gear review videos.

Today's video begins with the all new Shimano Expride B line of rods. We've been fanatical about Expride since the original series and have been blown away each time an updated version has come out. Shimano continues to advance the performance and sensitivity while still keeping the price affordable. 

From there we branch into a variety of new hard baits. From flash boosting jerkbaits to hard knocking crankbaits, there are some great new additions. On the softbait side, there are several downsized creatures to check out and just in time for the pre spawn, Mike Bucca has introduced a medium-sinking version of the Bacca Burrito. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits and equipment in the video. Many items are in stock today, those that aren't can be pre-ordered. For the Expride B's we've included some of our favorite models as a reference if you don't know where to start. 

RODS...

-Shimano Expride B Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'2" ML, 7'3" XH 

-Shimano Expride B Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3AFcaFF

Favorite Models: 7'2" ML, 7' Light 

JERKBAITS...

-Shimano World Minnow Jerkbait: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

-Shimano World Diver Jerkbait: https://bit.ly/3o1BwrR

CRANKBAITS...

-Strike King 6XD Hard Knock: https://bit.ly/3rTd1OZ

SOFT BAITS... 

-Strike King Midsize Rage Bug: https://bit.ly/3HanGLB

-XZone Adrenaline Craw 3.5": https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

SWIMBAITS... 

-Bucca's Bacca Burrito (Medium Sink): https://bit.ly/3AFcV1t

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: TACKLE STORAGE AND GEAR MANAGEMENT

Tackle management doesn't have to be a nightmare! In today's buyer's guide we're covering some of the best storage solutions for line, baits, and gear. These are the tools we use to stay organized. Whether we're at home, on the boat, or traveling, these items make our lives easier and keep our gear secure.

After catching fish, keeping our gear organized is one of the biggest challenges in fishing. Tackle storage at home, on the boat, traveling between vehicles, and while traveling on major trips, all requires different equipment. You can invest a fortune in your tackle management so to help narrow it down, we're sharing our favorite items. Each of these items came out of our personal gear and is an item that has tangibly helped us stay more organized. 

If any of these items stand out to you, you can find them linked below. We've listed them in the order they appeared in the video to help you find the right items quickly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACKLE MANAGEMENT ITEMS (In Order Of Appearance)

-13 Fishing Skull Cap Casting Reel Cover: https://bit.ly/37oWmIL

-Plano Edge Thin Box: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

-Plano Weight Retainer Inserts For Edge Thin: https://bit.ly/3HsfBT7

-Plano Edge 3700 Master Terminal (Hook) Box: https://bit.ly/2SuzhOm

-Eye Surrender Swimbait Pocket Wraps: http://bit.ly/2h4IN6I

-Plano Edge 3600 Box: http://bit.ly/2YBaWYX

-Plano Edge 3700 Deep: https://bit.ly/3dbdbby

-Plano 3700 Hydro-Flo: http://bit.ly/2PR1kU0

-Plano Edge Master Spinnerbait: http://bit.ly/397m4Bd

-Plano Edge Master Plastics (Big Box): http://bit.ly/2PaiAq6

-Spoolin Buddy (Line Holder): http://bit.ly/2YDUaZ3

-Maxima SharkTooth Line Control Bands: https://bit.ly/3ltXzDD

-Plano Edge Line Management Box: https://bit.ly/3oG706u

-Plano Pro Latch Line Spool Box: https://bit.ly/30VngVs

-Plano Waterproof Standard 3700 (Treble Hook Box): http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB

-Plano Waterproof 3700 Deep (Topwater Box): http://bit.ly/2WWIrU9

-Plano Umbrella Rig Stowaway: http://bit.ly/2DUvbJN

-Plano Atlas Tackle BackPack: https://bit.ly/3E1wGBn

-Plano Z-Series 3700 Tackle Bag: https://bit.ly/3l8iyh9

-KVD Speed Bag Worm Storage: http://bit.ly/2GYT4RC

-Plano Guide Series Reel Bag: https://bit.ly/2WvH9A3

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: 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