Bass Fishing Gear Review! Best New Rods, Reels, And Baits From ICAST 2026!

Here are the "Best Of The Best" from ICAST 2026! These rods, reels, and baits, were the standouts of the show! From high end gear, to new baits, to terminal tackle, there was a ton of exciting new offerings to see at the show. Let's take a look!

It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the new gear at ICAST. It's hard to tell what will help your fishing, and what will just empty your wallet. Instead of risking your hard earned money on mystery gear, let us cut through the hype and show you the real stand outs! From urchins to swimbaits, storage solutions to reels, this year was packed with amazing tackle.

Below, You'll find links to all the baits and equipment in today's video, listed in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

THE REELS...

•Shimano Curado 150 DC: https://bit.ly/4ySbtGs
•Shimano Calcutta Conquest 200 DC: https://bit.ly/4wBinhZ
•Shimano Vanquish 3000 Double Paddle: https://bit.ly/4fy15ME
•13 Fishing Shyft Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/4xkjT89
•Seviin Reels Lunex 300: https://bit.ly/4w3iZMd
•Daiwa Tatula 60th Anniversary Reel: https://bit.ly/45yxZGS
•Daiwa Tatula SV TW 60th Anniversary Reel: https://bit.ly/4w6mrWr

THE RODS...

•Shimano Poison Glorious Solid Tip Rods: https://bit.ly/44HLOCN

•Shimano Poison Glorious Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/4g5S6ST

•Shimano Poison Glorious Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3TvKLmY

•G Loomis IMX Pro Crankbait Rods: https://bit.ly/4pQHTwR

•G Loomis IMX Pro Swimbait Rods: https://bit.ly/4fINwIX

•G Loomis IMX Pro Lipless Rod: https://bit.ly/3TwPQeP

•13 Fishing Enzo Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/4w5MGfn

•13 Fishing Enzo Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/4wc5lqg

FIRST HALF BAITS AND GEAR...

•Megabass Deep X 300: https://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: See Through Shad, Glitz Shad, Juvy Gill

•Megabass Deep Six: https://bit.ly/2A3clKP

Colors: See Through Shad, Glitz Shad, Juvy Gill

•Baitsanity BFS Shad: https://bit.ly/4x2bnuk

Color: Griff's Shad

•Baitsanity BFS Gill: https://bit.ly/452CYj3

Color: Female Gill

•Dirty Jigs Weekender Finesse Jig: https://bit.ly/4yMGvzL

Colors: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

•Great Lakes Finesse Skirted Ned Jig: https://bit.ly/4yQPIa9

Colors: Green Pumpkin Orange, Green Pumpkin Brown

•Seaguar Brawlr Monofilament Line: https://bit.ly/4g5NwnJ

Favorite Sizes: 17, 20, 30 lb

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Twilight

•Tiemco Harinezumi Elastomer Creature: https://bit.ly/4yX6YL5

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin, Loco Beetle

•Big Bite Baits Flat Tube: https://bit.ly/4hFR419

Favorite Colors: 1099, Green Pumpkin

•Duo Realis Versa Fish: https://bit.ly/4cdvTQq

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Gold Flash Shad, Baby Bass

•Duo Realis Wriggle Curly Worm: https://bit.ly/4wG2ln6

Favorite Colors: Black Blue, Green Pumpkin

•Big Bite Baits 5.5" Nekorama Worm: https://bit.ly/48LN6Qr

Favorite Colors: Matte Green Pumpkin, Matte Junebug

•Megabass DogMax Topwater: https://bit.ly/4wowh6Z

Favorite Colors: Spotlight Shad, Bone Python, STP

•War Eagle Jigging Spoons: https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Favorite Colors: Candy Shad, Smallmouth Candy

•Savage Gear Line Thru Pulse Tail Pro: https://bit.ly/4wBzKzh

Favorite Colors: Brown Trout, American Shad, Dark Trout

•Megabass Magdraft Heads: https://bit.ly/45kyIvz

•Gamakatsu Outsider Treble: https://bit.ly/4fFYIWQ

•Dirty Jigs Clausen Level Head: https://bit.ly/4w5PxF7

SECOND HALF BAITS AND GEAR...

•BKK Hyperlatch Quad Urchin:

•Crush City Freeloaders: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

•Bucca Brand Trick Crawler: https://bit.ly/4pWsueQ

•Zman Kingpin Sinking Stick Worm: https://bit.ly/4vYx4KA

•Yamamoto Uni HD: https://bit.ly/4wTn2vo

•Yamamoto Uni Mas: https://bit.ly/4fC83Pc

•Yamamoto Uni Max: https://bit.ly/4gW4V3a

•Zman Chatterbait Elite Evo HD: https://bit.ly/4bTBD1G

•Zman Chatterbait PZ2: https://bit.ly/4yYEvED

•Crush City Avatar Shad: https://bit.ly/4g4ZVIt

•Zman Forge Premium Alloy Weights: https://bit.ly/4w6nMMX

•Sufix Calibr8 Braided Line: https://bit.ly/4fKnHZc

•Missile Baits Dice Jig: https://bit.ly/4fKzmHn

•Missile Baits Hang Time Clip Weights

•Owner STX 20 Treble Hooks

•Owner Jungle Fixer Hooks

•Owner Jungle Fixer Weedless Hooks

•Bucca Brand 7" El Toro Jerkbait

•Bill Lewis Brush Crank: https://bit.ly/4fwmi9E

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

Where Do Bass Go When Its HOT?! ( And How To Catch Them )

Summer bass fishing can be amazing, but what about when it gets HOT?! As temperatures rise, bass actually become very predictable. They're driven by 3 main variables, and once you understand these simple concepts, you can always locate fish. Once you know where they are, catching them is easy if you understand which baits to use! Even when Summer temperatures are at their peak, you can catch a lot of fish.

Here's what you need to know; Since the spawn, the bass have separated into two distinct groups. The first group goes shallow into cover and the second heads out to main lake structures. The shallow fish are fun because you can target them with a variety of power fishing techniques. The fish on outside structures group up around current when available and hard bottom when the water is calm. These fish can be caught on a variety of lures and tend to feed in aggressive "bite windows".

Below you'll find links to the key baits we discussed in the video. We've also included details on size and color for each lure, as well as some great budget–friendly rod and reel combos for fishing these baits affectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Blueback Herring, Helsinki Shad

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

Colors: Summer Minnow, Chartreuse Blue, Metallic Shad

•Megabass Deep X 300: https://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: Glitz Shad, See Through Shad, Juvy Gill

PITCHING JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw

•MissileBaits Chunky D Trailer: https://bit.ly/3LcLmDK

Color: Bamer Craw, Green Pumpkin

BIG WORM...

Worm– Xzone 11" Blitz Worm: https://bit.ly/422SaJA

Color: Junebug

Hook– BKK Offset Round Bend: https://bit.ly/4xaDYgR

Size: 5/0

Weight– Zman Forge Premium Alloy: https://bit.ly/4w6nMMX

Size: 1/2 oz

FLUTTER SPOON...

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter (1 1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2kMPIrG

Color: Shattered Glass Holo Silver

JIG AND MINNOW...

•Crush City Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Electric Shad, Green Shad

•Dirty Jigs HD Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 2/0

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Bone Python, Spotlight Shad, Juvy Gill

•Evergreen SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, American Shad, Blueback Herring

•Berkley Swamp Lord: https://bit.ly/3MAFQum

Colors: MF Bluegill, Green Pumpkin, Maverick

SWIM JIG...

•Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Colors: Tactical Shad, Bluegill, Alabama Bream

•Nomad Dozer Paddletail: https://bit.ly/4cciSpA

Colors: Astro, Gold Bullet

TEXAS RIG CREATURE...

•MissileBaits DBomb Creature: https://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Colors: Superbug, Green Pumpkin Red, Bruiser Phantom

SOFT PLASTIC STORAGE BAG...

•Buzbe Quik Qube Breeze: https://bit.ly/43ILiTG

Size: Medium Deep

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 6'8" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4epUFz1

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Reel– Shimano SLX XT 150: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Pounce Fluoro (15 lb): https://bit.ly/4fG9v3f

BUDGET FROG FISHING COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7'3" Heavy+ (735): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel– Abu Garcia Max Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

BUDGET ALL AROUND SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Med Fast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Sunline FCSniper (10 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

Two Baits That Everyone Overlooks In August!

Jump in the boat with Matt for an awesome afternoon on the water! He's been on an amazing jig bite and it looks like he's picking up where he left off. As the bite begins to fade, he switches gears to the swimbait, another overlooked bait, and loads the boat again!

August can be a difficult month for bass fishing. A lot of anglers struggle to understand how bass position in the heat. Today Matt is explaining exactly how the fish are positioned, what cover is holding the fish, and why these baits are so effective to catch them.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the jig colors, trailers, swimbaits, as well as the rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

THE FINESSE JIG...

•Nomad Lures Wee Bit Jig (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/43oHE1E

Color: Ring In

•MissileBaits Mini D Chunk: https://bit.ly/3lGE8gx

Color: Green Pumpkin

THE PITCHIN JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black

SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: Nude Rainbow

ST. CROIX JIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 7'1" Med Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

Reel– Seviin Reels GX (7:1): https://bit.ly/4octPMZ

Line– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DOBYNS JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 755: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: 7'5" Mag Heavy

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon X: https://bit.ly/4klsOju

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

HIGH END SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Ultima 7'4" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/3OfNBGe

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Seaguar InvizX (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– 13 Fishing Oath 7'6" Med Hvy XFast: https://bit.ly/4xXeuVJ

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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

Top 5 Baits For August Bass Fishing!

August may be HOT but so is the FISHING!! Today we're showing you the best baits to catch fish all month! Whether you're fishing a murky lake, a fishery full of grass, or a clear highland reservoir, there are baits here to help you succeed! Bass are predictable on hot days and become very easy to catch, so get out there and have some fun!

Heat is your friend when bass fishing! We've already done several videos talking about how bass position in the heat and how to predict their movements. Once you understand that positioning, all you need to do is fish these key lures with confidence. Summer fishing can be amazing and this is your year to shine!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've listed them in the order they appear in the video and have included all the rigging components needed to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TOPWATER...

•Rapala PXR Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Mat Shad, Silver Flitter Shad

•Evergreen SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, American Shad, Blueback Herring

•Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Spotlight Shad, Juvy Gill

•Berkley Swamp Lord: https://bit.ly/3MAFQum

Colors: MF Bluegill, Green Pumpkin, Maverick

•Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Bluegill, Glitter Hasu

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Zoom Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Megabass Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: G Bluegill, Wakasagi

Favorite Hook– Gamakatsu Superline Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/4bbBuDW

Size: 3/0 – 4/0

Swivel Hook– VMC Redline Swivel Hook: https://bit.ly/4x0ME9z

Size: 3/0 – 4/0

UNDERSPINS...

•BKK Titan Diver: https://bit.ly/3kzagCo

Favorite Sizes: 4/0

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

Size: 1/4 oz

•Rapala Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Albino Shad, Shad

•Xzone 4.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Blueback Herring, Helsinki Shad

•Nomad DTrak 65: https://bit.ly/4a5wAYX

Colors: Natural Threadfin, Tennessee Shad

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

Colors: Summer Minnow, Chartreuse Blue, Metallic Shad

CRANKBAIT HOOK UPGRADE...

•Owner ST-35 Trebles: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: 2

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

Size: 3

CREATURE BAITS...

•Missile Baits Baby D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/2QiTTrM

Colors: Super Bug, Candy Bug

•Tactical Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/4x3Npij

Size: 1/4 oz

•BKK Offset Worm HD: https://bit.ly/4lcHa6U

Size: 3/0

PITCHING JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black

POWER SHOT...

•MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Colors: Junebug Dream, Blue Back Secret

•Berkley 6" Lab Series Worm: https://bit.ly/3OYhSOr

Colors: Payload, Oxblood Red Flake

•Owner Covershot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2/0

•Xzone Tungsten Dropshot Weight: https://bit.ly/40NDHjT

Size: 1/4 oz

TIM'S TOPWATER COMBO...

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

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 6'8" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4epUFz1

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TIM'S POWER SHOT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 16 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 7'1" Med Hvy XFast: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Reel– Shimano SLX XT 150: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Pounce Fluoro (15 lb): https://bit.ly/4fG9v3f

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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