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

New TacticalBassin Baits And Designs For 2025!! ** Full Review **

We're thrilled to announces our latest lure collaboration! We've partnered up with Hog Farmer once again, this time to build the ultimate 5–Hook Rig! The Tactical 5 Hook, 4 Blade Rig is here! Anglers have been asking for a 5 hook option for years that has great flexibility, durability, and high end components. We've answered that call with our 7th addition to the Tactical family of rigs with Hog Farmer Bait Company.

The fun doesn't stop there! We've also launched an entire line of Merch! From T Shirts and Sun Shirts, to hats, stickers, and more... you can now get our merch directly from Tactical Bassin for the first time in years! Keep an eye on the merch page, as there are constant additions being made, with all the cold weather staples arriving soon.

Back to the rig... the Tactical "Flex" line of rigs has seen incredible success the last few years. From the full size, to the mini, to the micro, giant bass have been fooled by these rigs all over the country! The one request that constantly arises is from the anglers in states that allow 5 hooks. No matter how you modify the rigging, many anglers just prefer 5 hooks, and today we've answered that call with a perfectly balanced, flexible, and durable 5 hook rig.

Below you'll find links to the baits, apparel, and merch. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse for the baits, and directly to the "Merch" page on TacticalBassin.com for the gear. Thank you for your continued support of Tactical Bassin as we continue to teach as many anglers as possible how to catch more and bigger fish!

THE RIG...

•Hog Farmer TacticalBassin 5 Hook 4 Blade Rig: https://bit.ly/429NWTK

THE MERCH...

•TacticalBassin.com Merch And Apparel: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

TACTICAL'S EXISTING BAIT AND GEAR COLLABORATIONS...

•Eye Surrender Tactical Bassin Sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Favorite Lenses: Matt– Grey, Tim– Green

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Favorite Colors: Copper Carp, Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill

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

Favorite Colors: True Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

TACTICAL'S EXISTING JIGHEAD AND UNDERSPIN COLLABORATIONS...

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

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz

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

Favorite Size: 1/2 oz, 4/0 Hook

•Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Favorite Size: 1/4 oz

•TacticalBassin Screwed Up Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/3U5RsIx

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

•TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

TACTICAL'S EXISTING A–RIG COLLABORATIONS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

•HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

If you plan to do any shopping, using our affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't see any change, but they'll know you're part of the Tactical Bassin Family!

Megabass Karashi: Why This Little Bait Could Take Over Bass Fishing!

The Megabass Karashi is changing Bass Fishing! This finesse bait is drawing reaction strikes in bass that we've never seen from any other bait this size! From the action it creates, to the way fish respond, this bait is rapidly creating a whole new category in bass fishing!

The Karashi is a finesse bait and you'll need to adapt your gear to fish it effectively. Whether you prefer bait finesse gear or spinning tackle, it will take a light rod to get the action from this lure that bass can't resist. The bait comes stock with size 10 hooks, drastically smaller than anything we're used to. But don't let the size fool you, this bait will catch BIG fish!

Below you'll find links to the Karashi, our favorite colors, as well as the rod and reel combos we've used to fish it effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items.

THE MEGABASS KARASHI...

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

Natural Colors: HT Setsuki Chiayu, GP Flying Gorilla

Bold Colors: GLX Frozen Pink, GP Clear Lime Chart

Matt's Favorite Color: HT Ito Wakasagi KS

Tim's Favorite Color: Kasumi Ito KS

HOOK AND SPLIT RING UPGRADES...

•Owner Hyperwire Split Ring: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 1

•Owner ST–36 Treble Hook: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Size: 10

•Owner ST–26 Treble Hook: https://bit.ly/3URHlrP

Size: 10

MAIN KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

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

HIGH END KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Pop X Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Size: 6'3" Ultralight

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

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

SPINNING KARASHI COMBO...

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

Size: 7'2" Light

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

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

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