Top 5 Rod and Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Which fishing rod should you get first? Which rods give you the best "bang for the buck?" Are there rods that can do it all? Should I use a spinning reel or a baitcaster? These are questions we get constantly so today we're showing you the top rods every angler should own. We're explaining the different lengths, actions, and powers so you know how to get the most for your money when you're shopping for rods. 

Choosing 5 rods proved more difficult than we expected. Matt and Tim had no problem deciding on the first 4 but when it came to that 5th rod they just couldn't agree. As a result, you're actually getting the top 6 rods every angler should own! Whether you're a brand new angler, looking for one rod that can do it all, or a seasoned pro with an affinity for high-end gear, we've got you covered. 

Today's video description is very detailed. We've broken down the top 6 rods into 3 different categories. The first section is dedicated to versatile high-end gear, the second to mid-priced combos that bring the best "Bank For the Buck", and the last section, to "budget" options that far exceed exceptions. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Budget Casting… 

Medium- Bass X 7'1 Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Medium heavy- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy 703: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Crankbait- Shimano Intenza 7'2" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Heavy- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Budget Spinning… 

Medium- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Matching Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

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

Matching Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

All-Around Casting… 

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

Matching Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

**Best Rod we've found at any price for jerkbaits**

Medium heavy- Daiwa Tatula Elite 7'3" Ehrler: http://bit.ly/2yLDr9z

Matching Reel- Daiwa Tatula Elite HS: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1

Crankbait- Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Matching Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

**Can throw 10XDs, 6XDs, and Squarebills, Awesome all-around combo**

Heavy- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

**This Rod is available for PRE-ORDER and is worth every penny!!**

All-Around Spinning… 

Medium- St. Croix 7'1" Medium Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3kmQN2F

Matching Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Matching Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

**Vanford available for PRE-ORDER only**

High End Casting… 

Medium- G Loomis NRX 852C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Matching Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Medium heavy- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Matching Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Crankbait- Megabass Orochi XX 7’11” Launcher: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Matching Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Heavy- Megabass Destroyer P5 Tequila Baccarac: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

**This Rod is INCREDIBLY versatile, throwing everything from frogs to swimbaits, to flipping and punching**

High-End Spinning… 

Medium- Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

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

Medium Light- Megabass Destroyer Flyssa: http://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

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

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Fishing With Spoons: Everything You Need To Know For Fall and Winter

Spoons are one of the most universal lures in fishing but are often overlooked. Today we're taking an in-depth look at jigging spoons. We start with a look inside Matt's spoon box to see exactly what he's using, then we cover how to modify them, the retrieves, and how to use your electronics for this fishing style. Come along as we explore the world of spooning. 

In the Fall and Winter the vast majority of big bass school in deeper water. Many lures can't reach these depths effectively. Amongst those that can, the spoon is the easiest to fish and arguably the most consistent producer. Once you know how to adapt the baits and retrieves to changing conditions, you'll be able to consistently spoon for bass throughout the cold water months. Don't miss the details on how Matt modifies these spoons, including how he's bending them to create different actions. 

Matt only uses a few baits for this technique but he uses a variety of colors and sizes for different situations. He also modifies his spoons with different hooks, swivels, and bends. Below you'll find links to all the different gear discussed in the video. In addition to the baits Matt has included his favorite spooning rod and reel combos along with the budget combo he has caught so many fish on. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Small Profile Spoons... 

-War Eagle Jiggin' Spoon (both sizes): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Blue Herring, Nickel, Purple Shad

-Acme Tackle Kastmaster (1/4, 3/8, 1/2): http://bit.ly/2PtUwi3

Colors: Chrome, Chrome Neon Blue

Panfish Shaped Spoon... 

-Duh Spoon 1.25 oz: http://bit.ly/2zXfwGa

Colors: Black Shad, UV Black Crappie, UV Bluegill

Matt's Primary Spoons... 

-Duh Spoon 3/4 and 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

-Duh Spoon 2 oz: https://bit.ly/2TdgJ52

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

Matt’s Spoon Box…

Box- Plano Edge 3700 STD Box: http://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Swivels- Spro Power (Size 2, 4): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

1X Hooks- Owner ST-36 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

3X Hooks- Owner ST-56 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Feather- Owner Feather Trebles: http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Treble Sizes... 

Size 6: Small Profile Spoons

Size 4: 3/4 Duh

Size 2: 1.25 oz Duh, 1 3/4 oz Duh

Size 1: 2 oz Duh

Matt's Small Spoon Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Zodias Spoon Combo...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**Available For Pre-Order**

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Spoon Combo...

Rod- Dobyns Fury 704 (7' Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Related Videos... 

Tim's Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/OH46tQAT634

How To Catch More Bass With Spoons: https://youtu.be/ldW7yW4Fum8

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Underspin Tricks You've Never Tried That Catch More Bass!

Underspins are a great way to catch bass in the Fall. They add flash and vibration to your favorite swimbait and help it stand out amongst a crowd of baitfish. Whether you're throwing a big swimbait in search of a giant bass or a tiny finesse swimbait just looking for a bite, rigging it on an underspin can make a huge difference!

Tim has a handful of underspins that he relies on to consistently catch fish. Whether he's throwing a 2.8 keitech on a spinning rod, or a larger swimbait deep in the grass, there is a perfect hook for every application. When the fish are short striking or targeting the blade, he's got a trick to add a stinger hook to the blade to hook those finicky bass as well! If you're not throwing an underpin this Fall, you're missing a great opportunity to load the boat with quality fish. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, hooks, and components Tim showed in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included some of his favorite rod/reel combos for these techniques, including a budget combo for anglers that are just getting into this style of fishing. 

The Underspins... 

-Coolbaits Down Under (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Colors: Black Silver, Ol Faithful, Silver Shad

-Blade Runner Screw Lock Spintrix (3/8 - 1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2oocg0a

Colors: Anchovy, Black Shad, Unpainted

-Fish Head Spin Finesse (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3m5tuLv

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino, Raw Shad

-Owner Flashy Swimmer (1/0, 3/0, 5/0): http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Favorite Underspin Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (2.8, 3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Ghost Shad, Electric Blue

-Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad, Gizzard Shad

-River2Sea D Walker (100, 120): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

-Xzone Swammer (3.5" , 4"): http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: 309, 210, Tennessee Shad

Tim's Stinger Hook Modification... 

Hook- Owner Cover Shot size 2: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

**Cut Off Keeper Barb before threading onto Split Ring**

Tim's Finesse Underspin Spinning Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500 HGF (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline SX1 Braided 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Heavy Underspin/Flashy Swimmer Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**The Longer Handle Makes This New Rod AMAZING For This Technique**

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 20 lb System Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Finesse Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500 FB: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro Braided 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Jig Fishing Tricks For Fall and Winter Bass Fishing!

Catching bass with jigs is really easy! You can do it, and we're going to help! A few jigs, a few trailers, and you're ready to adapt to anything Fall bass fishing brings your way. Pay close attention to how we adapt the jigs to changing conditions and you'll be ready to start catching fish on your next trip. 

When it comes to jigs, Fall is all about finesse. Lighter hooks and lighter line are the keys to getting consistent bites. Matt prefers football jigs this time of year and focuses on a few basic colors and sizes. Its important to adapt with changing conditions but Matt finds its easier (and cheaper) to change trailers and trailer colors rather than carrying dozens of jigs styles and colors. 

Below is a breakdown of his simplified jig fishing method. There are a total of 4 jigs and 6 trailer styles. If you listen closely and analyze your fishery you should only need 2-3 jigs and 3-4 trailers to adapt to anything your fishery can throw at you this Fall. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

All-Around Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

Colors: SuperMatt Brown, Go To

Football Jigs... 

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber Jig (1/2 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Colors: Brown Purple, Brown Orange, Brown Green Pumpkin

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football Jig (3/8, 1/2, 5/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Supermatt Brown, Go To, Brown Craw

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown Purple, Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black

Double Tail Trailers... 

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grubs (4" and 5"): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin elk, Cinnamon blk/purp, Smoke blk/purp

-Big Bite Double Tail Finesse Grub: http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin

Tiny Trailers... 

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange, Canada Craw

Aggressive Trailers... 

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Crawfish

-Strike King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Hard Candy

Matt's Favorite Football Jig Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Bang For The Buck Football Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line- Power Pro Braid: 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G