Buyer's Guide: Big Swimbaits, Glide Baits, and Swimbait Rods

Which swimbaits work the best? Which big baits should you try? Is there one rod that will throw every swimbait? Today's Buyer's guide is here to make your bass fishing life easier! Don't waste time with mediocre baits, focus on the proven options that put big bass in the boat every day. Matt shows his favorite picks for soft baits, hard baits, rods, and reels in today's Big Swimbait Holiday Buyer's Guide.

When it comes to soft baits Matt and Tim prefer baits with a jig hook on top. When necessary they switch to a weedless offering around thick cover. Baits like the Huddleston and Trash Fish are great in cooler water while the more rigid boot tail style baits shine year round. Color selection should be focused on imitating the prey species in your local lake but we've included a few color recommendations with each swimbait to give you a starting point.

For hard baits, we focused on a variety of different profiles. We've selected great options that imitate trout, baitfish, and panfish. No matter where you are in the country, these hard baits will help you catch giant bass. Don't be afraid to upsize your offering this year. You may be shocked to find that larger baits actually get more attention from bass and will often draw them from great distances to inspect your swimbait.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and tackle Matt discussed in the video. You'll find direct links to each product on a Tackle Warehouse, links to the hooks and rigging components when necessary, as well as to the rods and reels. These buyer's guides are designed to keep everything simple so you can share these videos with your loved ones for the holiday season.

Soft Baits...

-Huddleston 8" Trout ROF 5: http://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

-Huddleston 8" Trout ROF 12: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Colors- Trout, Ayu, Silver/Blue Back

-Osprey Tournament Talon 6" and 7": http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0

Colors- Chartreuse Shad, TW Shad, Reverse Hitch

-Little Creeper Trash Fish 8": http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

Colors- Chartreuse Shad, LC Hitch, Just Shad, Rainbow Trout

-Owner Beast 10/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 6.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors- Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Ghost Rainbow Trout

-Owner Beast 8/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

-Scottsboro Tackle 6" Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2NpyLjU

Colors- Mullins Madness, ol Smokey, Payback Shad

-Owner Beast 8/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Hard Baits...

-Baitsanity Explorer Ver. 2: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Colors- Trout, Kokanee, Shad

-River2Sea S Waver 168 and 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors- Light Trout, Warden, Rainbow Trout

-Storm Arashi Glide Bait: http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Colors- Oikawa Mesu, Green Gill, Threadfin Shad

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors- Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

Replacement Hooks and Split Rings...

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire Size 4 or 5: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks for Baitsanity, S-Waver 200, Arashi- Owner ST-36 Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Hooks for Gantarel- Owner ST-36 Size 1: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Hooks for S-Waver 168- Owner 3X ST-56 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Favorite Rod/Reel Combo...

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 35 lb Sunline FC-100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Rod/Reel Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Buyer's Guide: Jerkbaits and Blade Baits For Winter Bass

In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide we take a look at Jerkbaits and Blade Baits. Both are great Winter time producers but have great year round applications as well. A jerkbait is one of the best ways to catch a big bass in cold water but with dozens of models to choose from, it can be difficult to build confidence. When it comes to blade baits, not all lures are created equal. Matt and Tim have done the leg work for you so you can get out and fish with confidence all Winter long.

If you're in search of a quality jerkbait there are no shortage of great options on the market. The key is to understand when to throw each style. Winter jerkbaits require precision balance and increased diving depths, while Spring and Summer jerkbaits focus around flash and aggressive action. In addition to the baits themselves, a quality jerkbait rod is CRITICAL to consistent success.

Blade baits come in a plethora of shapes and sizes. The key with blade baits is finding the baits that have immediate action as soon as you move them. Baits that vibrate with minimal motion will out fish the rest of the offerings throughout the cold months. When you can combine that action with a great color selection, you've got the perfect combination.

Below is a breakdown of the various baits that we recommend from each category. We included live links to the baits on tackle warehouse for ease of shopping and even recommended a few of our favorite colors to make it as easy as possible. If you're searching for the related videos we mentioned in the video they're at the bottom of the list.

Deeper Jerkbaits...

-Megabass Vision 110+1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

(GP Pro Blue 2, Tennessee Shad, M Shad)

-Lucky Craft Staysee 90: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz

(Crystal Pro Blue, Nishiki, MS MJ Herring)

Shallower Jerkbaits...

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

(Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, Holo Minnow)

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

(GP Pro Blue 2, Tennessee Shad, M Shad)

-Megabass Vision 110 Silent: http://bit.ly/2mqOuiA

(Gp Pro Blue, Ito Clear Laker, MB Gizzard)

-Rapala Rip Stop Size 12: http://bit.ly/2Vs7HBf

(Carbon, Silver, Speed Monkey)

-Lucky Craft Flash Pointer 100 and 115: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

(American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow, Crystal Pro Blue)

Jerkbait Hook Upgrade: http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

(Size 5 and 6 will fit all of the baits)

Blade Baits...

-Damiki Vault 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

(Black Holo, Holo Ayu, Holo Cyber Purple)

-Blade Runner 1/4 -1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2XMNoQj

(Chartreuse White, Natural Shad)

-Jackall Keeburn: http://bit.ly/2or8sy0

(Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Silver)

Favorite Jerkbait Combo...

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget-Friendly Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

In-Depth Videos…

Jerkbaits In-Depth Video: https://youtu.be/jug12fc0eaI

Blade Bait In-Depth Video: https://youtu.be/kPBIGD7tZEo

Buyer's Guide: Best Spinning Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Finding the right rods and reels can be very overwhelming! In today's Holiday Buyer's Guide the guys from TacticalBassin show us their top picks for rod and reel combos that cost less than $200. You can find some amazing options in this price range for new and veteran anglers alike. Which models are the most sensitive? Which reels are smooth and reliable? Matt and Tim help you find the best options available in today's video.

Spending $100 on a rod or reel is the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim focus on 3 combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above the crowd. Below you will find these combos linked in order of appearance. They'll include direct links to Tackle Warehouse where you can see the specific models. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys have also included their favorite models from each line of rods. Below that you will find recommendations from a handful of other brands in case you or the angler in your life prefer a specific brand.

Fury/Sedona Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

7' Medium Light (Dropshot, Ned Rig), 7' Medium (All-Around Fishing)

Reel- Shimano Sedona 2500: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

(SE2500HGFI for perfect balance with either model above)

Line- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Powell/BG Combo...

Rod- Powell Inferno: http://bit.ly/2O2rh5a

7'1" Light (Dropshot, Ned Rig, Tube), 7'1" Medium (All-Around Fishing)

Reel- Daiwa BG: http://bit.ly/32Xscbb

(BG 2000 For perfect balance with the models above)

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

SLX/NASCI Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

7' Medium Light (Dropshot/Ned Rig), 7' Medium (All-Around Fishing)

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

(NAS2500FB For perfect balance)

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Other Great Rods By Brand...

Denali- Fission Series 7' Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2OF1j75

St. Croix Bass-X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Cashion CRT 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/35giUc0

Daiwa- Tatula XT 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2qjhX40

Ladies Specific Option...

W&M Trait Zaldain Elite Pink: http://bit.ly/2r3SBHl

Keep an eye out for the rest of the Buyer's Guides! Next up is Monday morning featuring Jerkbaits and Blade Baits. After that we'll be delving into higher-end combos, budget options, and a variety of other lures and equipment.

Buyer's Guide: Best Casting Rod and Reel Combos Under $200

Welcome to the 2019 Holiday Buyer's Guide Series! These are the most requested videos of the year and we're thrilled to bring them back for 2019! We're kicking it off with Rod and Reel Combos Under $200! Matt and Tim show some of the best values on the market in this quick review of rods and reels from a variety of companies.

Why start with $200 combos? $100 for a rod or reel seems to be the threshold where you start seeing huge leaps in technology. The reels become smoother and lighter while the rods become more sensitive and action specific. Since this is the threshold where most anglers advancing from beginner to intermediate tend to purchase, companies often strive to put products in the category that defy their price point. This is great news for the angler looking for the best equipment at the lowest price!

In today's video Matt and Tim explore 7 different combos. These rods and reels stand out from the pack with great sensitivity, actions, and features that rise above similarly priced products. Below you will find links to all of the products in the video. Matt and Tim also picked their two favorite combos each and are listing those above the rest of the combos. To make it even easier for you this holiday season the guys included their favorite actions for each rod and reel model so that you and your loved once can easily select the best "bang for the buck" models.

Tim's First choice... SLX/SLX Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

(6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

(SLX150HG)

Tim's Second Choice... Fury/Daiwa CG Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

(7' Medium heavy, 7' Heavy, 8' heavy swimbait)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Matt's First Choice... Intenza/Caius Combo...

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

(7'1" Medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy)

Reel- Shimano Caius B: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

(CIS150HGB)

Matt's Second Choice... Bass X/SLX Combo...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

(7'1" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

(SLX150HG)

The Other Great Combos Around $200...

Rod- Cashion CRT: http://bit.ly/2qxYIUj

(7' Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT: http://bit.ly/35hugfH

(FGCT100HS)

Rod- Dobyns Colt: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

(7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium Heavy Cranking, 7'3" Heavy)

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

(CG80HS)

Rod- Lews TP-1 Black Speed Stick: http://bit.ly/2Ovtbxc

(7' Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy)

Reel- Lews Speel Spool LFS: http://bit.ly/2xEElEw

(SS1SHA)