The Best Fishing Rod For EVERY Technique! ( Beginner To Advanced + Rod Actions )

Everything you need to know about fishing rods! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meanings of rod action and power codes. Tim is showing everything you need to know to get the best fishing rods for your favorite techniques, regardless of your budget!

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers just guess when buying a rod. You're at the mercy of a tackle shop employee or an online review as you spend spend hard earned money on a new rod. It doesn't have to be that way! Understanding ratings, codes, and how popular brands differ, will take all the guess work out so you can make the best selections for your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget friendly rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...

Casting Rod– Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Casting Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Spinning Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Spinning Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT 2500D–XH: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

BRAIDED LINE...

Budget– Power Pro Braid: https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Affordable– Sufix 832: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Refined– Seaguar PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Spinning– 10-15 lb Line

Casting– 40 lb Line

FAVORITE CASTING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jig (Pitch and Flip)– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Jig (Football)– G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Jerkbait– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Alabama Rig– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Chatterbait– Megabass P5 Destroyer 7'2" Daemos: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Spinnerbait– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Heavy Flipping– Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Weightless Worms– Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Tail Spin/Blade– Shimano Expride 7’2” Medium LIght: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (4.8)– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Underspin (Finesse)– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'6" Med Med Light: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

Big Swimbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Lipless Crankbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (Tight Action)– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (All Around)– Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Squarebill– Megabass Levante "Flat Side Special": https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Frog– Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Bait Finesse– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light Fast: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Spoon– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Texas Rig– Shimano Poison Adrena 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4cVIwOI

Topwater– G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

FAVORITE SPINNING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Strolling– Expride 6'10" Medium XFast (Solid Tip): https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Dropshot– G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Ned Rig– G Loomis NRX+ 821S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Tube– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Northern Hair Jig– St. Croix Victory 7'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jerkbait– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

All Around Crankbait– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Lipless Crankbait– St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Jig– Fenwick Eagle 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Texas Rig– Daiwa Tatula XT 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

All Around– Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Dropshot/Ned Rig– St. Croix Bass X 6'10" Med Light X Fast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Topwater (Walking)– Abu Garcia Veritas 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3CGiPVg

Topwater (Popper) – St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium X Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Big Swimbait– Savage Gear 8' Heavy Squad: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

Frog– Daiwa Tatula 7’4” Heavy Frog: http://bit.ly/2Q4NgKA

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

These Overlooked Places Hold Cold Winter Bass! Don't Miss Them!!

The average angler doesn't even know to check spots like this, but they're full of fish! Bass don't hide where you think when it gets COLD! Most anglers are searching key main lake structures, but these subtle spots are key to success on any lake! Let's head out on the water, check a few spots, and catch some fish!

When Winter sets in, its more important than ever to understand fish behavior. Bass are setting up on key main lake structures, but they're also using subtle contours all over the lake and no one is checking them. Watch as Matt fishes small transitions, edges, wood, and offshore drops to catch a bunch of fish.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt fished throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

LURE RETRIEVER...

•Frabill 15' Lure Retriever: https://bit.ly/2TLTJc6

FLEX RIG...

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

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Head (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Tennessee Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Silver Flash Minnow

MINI FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Head (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Bait– Keitech 4.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

STROLLING MINNOW BAIT...

Jighead– Dirty Jigs Tungsten HD Guppy: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

Bait– Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Color: Electric Shad

BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault Blade (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Holo MossBack

•BKK Hook Upgrade– Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 8

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr + 1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Color: Kasumi Ito

FULL SIZE RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock Leader (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

MID SIZE RIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

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

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

BLADE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sufix 832 Sunrise Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

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

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

DON'T MAKE THESE WINTER MISTAKES!!! ( Your Life May Depend On It )

We love Winter Bass Fishing! But there is a dark side to it as well. We often highlight the benefits of Winter bass fishing. The size of the fish, the tranquil sounds of an empty lake, and the peaceful time on the water are all huge benefits of Winter fishing. However, if you're not prepared for potential issues, a fun day on the water can turn into a nightmare in an instant! Today we're covering 3 Winter mistakes... two that have to do with fishing, and one that has to do with self preservation.

Like anything in life, bass fishing has associated risks. Those risks increase in the colder months. If you're going out to the lake without taking any precautions, you may not realize the risks you're incurring. Listen as Tim tells a story or two from the dozens of "close calls" we've had on the water. Every item he carries, every box he checks on his mental check list, all come from real life disasters that we've faced on our around the water. Winter is an amazing time to fish, but it requires more preparation to do it safely than any other time of year.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim recommended for Winter fishing, the apparel he uses to create reliable layers, as well as a few of the basic necessities he carries on the boat to protect himself in case of emergency. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

**We hope our list inspires you to begin creating a checklist for yourself and helps trigger ideas that may inspire you to protect yourself in adverse conditions. This is not a comprehensive list of every tool and safety precaution that we take. You should still brainstorm specific tools, gear, and safety equipment for your boat, conditions, and environment, that may be required for safety in your specific circumstances**

NED RIG...

•ZMan TRD: https://bit.ly/3RaJGMH

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, PB&J

•Xzone Stealth Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Tilapia, Black Blue/Green Pumpkin

SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Silver Shad, Real

•Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout

TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHING TODAY...

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Hoodie– Aftco Reaper Hooded Sweatshirt: https://bit.ly/3EbJxFP

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

WINTER GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS...

Life Jacket– Mustang Elite Inflatable: https://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Dry Bag– Spro 10L Dry Bag: https://bit.ly/4hb2Uxk

Packable Rain Jacket– Aftco Transformer: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

Packable Rain Pants– Aftco Transformer: https://bit.ly/3Zzy89y

Jumper/Battery Pack– NOCO Boost: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD

Lighter– Source Locally

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 February Bass Fishing!

Come along as we look at the top baits for bass fishing in February!  February is awesome! It's time to start power fishing again! Yes, the water is still cold. Yes, it's still Winter, but the the fish can sense that the very early Spring transition is right around the corner! Fish are about to start eating different lures, using different spots, and getting really fun to catch!

Despite the continued cold, the fish seem to know the end is in sight and they start moving, regardless of weather. February is an awesome time to fish! You can forget the Winter struggles and start loading the deck of your boat with jerkbaits, crankbaits, A-Rigs, swimbaits, and other fun power fishing techniques!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, including our favorite sizes and colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

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

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

•Xzone 2.75" – 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad, Sexy Shad

BLADES AND LIPLESS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

•Spro Little John 50: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw, Spooky Shad

•Rapala OG Slim 6: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Red Crawdad, Live River Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Red Crawdad, Tuxedo Shad

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

MICRO FLEX RIGS...

Bladed– HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Non Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex: https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

Swimbait– 3" Damiki Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

Head– Zman Trout Eye Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Size: 1/8 oz

MINI FLEX RIGS...

Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Non Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex: https://bit.ly/3isTio0

Swimbait– X Zone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

JERKBAITS...

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Clown

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, GG Illusion Tennessee Shad

•Megabass Vision 110 FX Tour Premium: https://bit.ly/2aDMpvP

Colors: French Pearl OB, M Cosmic Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 8" Magdraft Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: White Back Shad, MB Shad

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Gizzard Magic, Threadfintastic

BUDGET LIPLESS/JERKBAIT/MICRO FLEX COMBO...

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

Reel- Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" MM: https://bit.ly/3P8REVe

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 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