Buyer’s Guide: Best $100 Rod and Reel Combos!

Today’s Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best “bang for the buck” amongst $100 combos. In recent years three brands have really stepped up, offering exception quality and value near the $100 price point. Whether you’re looking for your first quality bass rod, or an entire line up, you can’t go wrong with these three!

With dozens and dozens of brands offering rods and reels in this category, its hard to know which to try. We’ve spent an incredible amount of time trying new gear, getting to know the various models. We’re confident the St. Croix Bass X, Shimano SLX, and Daiwa Aird X, are the best you’ll find in this category. We’ve paired each with the best reels, while attempting to stay near the $100 mark. For those looking to branch out a bit further but don’t want to jump all the way to the $200 mark, we’ve included a bonus combo for you as well. 

You can’t go wrong with any of these lines but if you’re looking for something specific, we’ve included our favorite models from each group. Below you’ll find links to each item that go directly to Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the models. We’ve also included a schedule of a few of the upcoming Buyer’s Guides so you can plan ahead. Keep in mind, these videos are going on every day throughout the holiday season so check back constantly to see what’s next!

Upcoming Videos… 

-$200 Rod and Reel Combos

-$400 Rod and Reel Combos

Combo #1…

Rod- Denali Ryker Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/31bKfgp

Reel- Lews Classic Speed Spool: https://bit.ly/2IRMVcB

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy, 7’ Heavy

Combo #2…

Rod- Shimano Sellus Casting Rods: http://bit.ly/2XNYB3h

Reel- Abu Garcia Black Max: https://bit.ly/396HlO2

Favorite Rod Models- 6’10” medium, 7’2” Medium Heavy, 7’6” Heavy

Combo #3…

Rod- Daiwa Aird X Spinning Rods: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Reel- Daiwa Revros LT: http://bit.ly/34nCGCj

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium, 7’ Medium Heavy

Bonus Combo…

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

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Favorite Rod Models- 7’ Medium Heavy Cranking, 7’3” Heavy

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Winter Bass Fishing: Finesse Tips To Keep Catching Fish!

Winter is coming fast! If your fish disappear as the water gets cold, there is hope! Over the years we’ve found a handful of key baits that get bit day after day, year after year, even when conditions are tough. If the Winter blues are setting in, turn to these proven choices to keep catching fish. 

Many anglers quit fishing in the Winter. They turn to the woods or the couch to pass the days until Spring returns. Don’t be that guy! The lakes are incredibly peaceful in Winter and there are BIG bass to be caught! Some days you can still catch them on reaction baits but when the going gets tough, turning to finesse is a sure way to keep getting bit. Tim has a handful of baits including worms, jigs, and flies, that work everywhere he goes. 

Below you’ll find a breakdown of all the baits he discussed in the video. We’ve included the rigging, the exact colors he relies on to keep getting bit, and some of the rods and reels he uses to stay successful. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  

Dropshot Baits… 

-Big Bite Smallie Smasher 3.5” (Green Pumpkin Purple Flake): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

-Strike King Half Shell (Morning Dawn): http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

-Damiki Armor Shad Fluke (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Dropshot Rigging… 

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (size 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pencil (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Jigs… 

Jig-Keitech Tungsten Football (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD BugZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 5/8 oz (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Trailer- Yamamoto 5” Double Tail (Green Pump purp copper): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Fly… 

-Spro Phat Fly 1/8 (Grey Ghost): http://bit.ly/2mboisG

Neko Rig… 

Bait- Yamamoto 5” Senko (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Weight- Tungsten Pagoda Nail (1/16): http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Hook- Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse Neko (1/0): https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Ring- G7 Protect Tube (7MM): http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

Ned RIg… 

Bait- Roboworm 3” Ned Worm (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Bait- Z Man Finesse TRD (Green Pumpkin Goby): http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Tungsten Head- Swagger Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead Head- Owner Block Head (1/16th): http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

Swimbait… 

Head- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Bait- Keitech 3.3 or 3.8 Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bait- Keitech 2.8” Fat Swing Impact (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Cool Baits Down Under 1/8 oz (Black Silver): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Dropshot/Ned Rig Spinning Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline SX-1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Finesse Jig/Swimbait Casting Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

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

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

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

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

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Bass Fishing: Top 10 Baits of 2020!!

What were the best baits of 2020? Which baits caught the biggest fish? Which baits caught the most? We were blessed with a bunch of great fish catches this year as we traveled around the country. Come along as we look back on some of the best catches of the year and the great baits that fooled the fish into biting. 

Some of our best baits continue to produce year after year. Others are brand new, but stood out from the crowd this year. Some of these baits made the list because they consistently caught big fish while others made the list because we could rely on them to get bit when nothing else was working. We constantly try new gear, new baits, and new patterns. These are the best of the best of 2020 that are worth a try the next time you're on the water. 

Below you'll find links to all of the baits shown in the video. We've included exact sizes and colors where applicable. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

1) Creatures...

Bait- Zoom Z Craw (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Hook- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football (1/2 oz 4/0): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

2) Crankbaits...

Bait- R2S Tactical DD 75 Crankbait (Mirrored Minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

3) Swimbaits...

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" (1/2 oz Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

4) Jigs...

Bait- keitech Tungsten Football Jig (1/2 oz Green Pump/Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

5) GlideBaits...

Bait- G Ratt Sneaky Pete (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

6) Hollow Frogs...

Bait- Jackall Kaera Frog (Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill, White): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

7) Hard Swimbait/Lipless...

Bait- Megabass Vatalion (Gill, Wild Gill, Kinbuna): http://bit.ly/367AOxD

8) Tubes... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits Tour Tube 3.5" (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler 3/16 oz 2/0 Hook: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

9) Alabama Rigs... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Flex BFL Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8 (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

10) Soft Jerkbaits... 

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Keeper- Owner CPS Spring (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

______________________________________________________

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Fall Frog Fishing: Small Frogs Get More Bites

Frog fishing is a fun way to catch bass before Winter. As the water cools, bass ambush small minnows in the shallows around the last remnants of grass. The Frog is a great baitfish imitator and one of the last topwater bites of the year. If you don't have snow on the ground, give the frog one last shot to wrap up the topwater season before Winter sets in.

This time of year, smaller frogs can be the difference between a tough bite and a day to remember. Smaller frogs perfectly mimic the small baitfish in the shallows. They elicit strikes when few baits will and typically have an excellent hookup ratio. Focus on ghost and glitter colors in cleaner water and bolder colors in murky water. 

Of course, you'll have to adapt your equipment to throw these smaller offerings. You'll still need a stout rod to set the double frog hook but it doesn't need to be nearly as strong as the rod you'd use for their larger cousins. Below you'll find links to the gear Tim was using today along with a list of our favorite small frogs for different situations. We've also included our favorite frog combo, small frog rod, and budget option. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Today's Bait... 

-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Small Frogs... 

-Best All Around: Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Favorite Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

-Best Walking: Spro Bronzeye Frog Jr: http://bit.ly/2XkbgxR

Favorite Colors: Killer Gill, Nasty Shad

-Best In Slop: R2S Bully Wa 55: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, Little Allen

-Best Popping Frog: Spro Poppin Frog 60: http://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ

Favorite Colors: Speck, Killer Gill

Favorite Frog Combo... 

Rod- Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

LIne- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Tim's Combo Today... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Small Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Budget Small Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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