Top 5 Fishing Rods Every Anglers Should Have (Beginner To Advanced)

Are you looking for a fishing rod? We've got you covered! These are the top 5 fishing rods every fisherman should own! Whether you're just getting started and need to stick to a budget, or you want to buy the best so you only have to purchase rods once, we've got you covered! No matter your skill level or budget, this is for you!

The first 5 rods will cover everything you'll face as a newer angler. The very first rod is extremely universal and will help you throw as many different baits as possible, the next 4 will give you a foundation for virtually any situation you'll face on the water. Whether you're working with a budget, looking for "bang for the buck", or simply want the best, we have a recommendation that will fit your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to the top 5 rods, broken down by price range from budget to enthusiast. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included 3 bonus combos to help you take your fishing to the next level!

7' MEDIUM SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Colt 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4l2N7l8

Budget Reel– Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Mid Price Rod– Daiwa Tatula Cork 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv

High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 6'10": https://bit.ly/3Ifjbow

High End Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/3UHL2jP

7' – 7'4" MEDIUM HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– Daiwa Aird X 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

Budget Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Mid Price Rod– Cashion Z2 Element 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

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

High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

6'8"- 6'10" MEDIUM LIGHT SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Maverick 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Budget Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Mid Price Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Exceler LT 2500: https://bit.ly/4oa5mYG

High End Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/45coLzN

High End Reel– Zenon MGX 3000 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3C7KTAd

7' – 7'2" MEDIUM CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

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

Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

High End Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

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

7'4" – 7'6" HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Budget Reel– Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

High End Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5" MHH: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

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

BONUS FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

BONUS CRANKING COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

BONUS BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

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

Dropshot Tricks For The Early Fall Transition! (On The Water)

Come along for a fun day of bass fishing! Tim is exploring a new lake today and despite catching a few on jerkbaits and swimbaits right away, he quickly finds that dropshot baits are the key to consistent bites. The early Fall transition can be a challenge, so it's no surprise that Tim turned to finesse to catch some beautiful bass while exploring new water.

In between fish catches, Tim shares a handful of key tips about the dropshot bite. Notice how he switches between the weedless dropshot and the nose hooked model. One is for power fishing, the other for finessing fish that don't want to bite. He also uses two completely different styles of bait to coax fish into eating. Again, it's key to notice that Tim was able to catch plenty of fish on other baits, but it wasn't until he locked the dropshot in his hand that the bigger fish made an appearance.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Tim used throughout the day. We've also included the combos he was fishing with, the terminal box, and the glasses that let him easily spot the grass lines below the surface. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

JERKBAIT...

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

Color: S Hasu

TEXAS RIG DROPSHOT...

Bait– MissileBaits 6" Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: Blueback Secret

Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2/0

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/3LeDf7Z

Size: 1/4 oz

FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Ayu

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

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

NOSE HOOKED DROPSHOT...

Bait– Megabass 3" Hazedong Shad: https://bit.ly/2CIwgzt

Color: Tennessee Shad

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Size: 2

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/3LeDf7Z

Size: 3/16 oz

TIM'S SUNGLASSES...

•Eye Surrender TacticalBassin Sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Lense Color: Black/Blue Mirror

TERMINAL BOX...

•Spro Terminal Box: https://bit.ly/3L9Y03F

Box Size: XL

JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

FINESSE DROPSHOT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TEXAS RIG DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

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

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

Leader– Seaguar JDM Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

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

The Most Overlooked Bait Of 2025! (You Should Try This Spybait Again)

Spy baits are one of the most underrated lures in bass fishing! Their ability to catch big fish in both clear and stained water is remarkable. There aren't many baits that are this good, that go unnoticed by the majority of anglers. From fan casting flats, to ledge fishing, to targeting schooling fish, the spy bait should have a place in your box!

It's amazing how many anglers look right past the spybait. They don't look like much in the water, but they catch a ton of fish! From the smaller 70 and 80 sizes for Smallmouth and Spotted Bass, to the larger 90 and 100 sizes for big Largemouth, these baits have earned their place on the deck of the boat.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, hook upgrades, as well as the rod and reel combos we use to fish them effectively. 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...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: River Bait

RELATED VIDEO...

•BIG SMALLMOUTH ON SPYBAITS: https://youtu.be/bPjmUwUEYy4

STORAGE BOX...

Buzbe Colony 28 Modular Box: https://bit.ly/3U9y4cl

MAIN SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 70, 80

Natural Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Ghost Wakasagi

Bold Colors: Neo Pearl, TW Ghost SX Shad, AM Edge

•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad, Ayu

LARGER/SHAD SHAPED BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 90, 100

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad, Komochi Wakasagi

•Duo Realis Spinbait Alpha: https://bit.ly/2UbnUu9

Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Wakasagi

UNIQUE SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Heartbee 75SS: https://bit.ly/3WCAkNA

Colors: LG Wakasagi, Half Mirror Ayu

HOOK UPGRADES...

•Duo Realis Nano Treble Hooks: https://bit.ly/3RKoHBi

80 Size: 8

90 Size: 6

100 Size: 5

Alpha 72: 6

Alpha 62: 8

MATT'S SPY BAIT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Flyssa: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: 7'6" Light+

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar InvizX (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

MATT'S SPY BAIT BFS COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'1" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/49WVp8U

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

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 SEPTEMBER BASS FISHING!

These are the baits we trust to catch bass in September! Bass are transitioning to Fall patterns as water temperatures drop, and they're actively feeding on baitfish. If you're not paying attention, the fish can disappear so it's important that you rely on baits that can cover water quickly to locate them.Throw these baits with confidence and you'll catch fish all month long!

September can be amazing fishing! When you get around schooling fish the bite is like nothing else! Topwater, crankbaits, swimbaits, they're all viable options. We spend very little time finesse fishing in September, instead leaning on fast moving, power fishing techniques to get consistent bites. The best part about September is that as you build patterns toward the end of the month, those patterns are likely to last all the way through the Fall and into the beginning of Winter.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each lure so you can fish them with confidence. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TOPWATER...

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

Color: Spotlight Shad, Bone Python

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

Colors: Full Metal, American Shad

•Big Bite Baits Buzz (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3iDnLLi

FROGS...

•Spro Bronzeye 65: https://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Colors: Ayu Flash, Nasty Shad

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

Colors: Glitter Gill, Glitter Hasu

CHATTERBAITS...

•Zman Elite Evo Tungsten Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Color: Electric Shad, The Deal

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad, Sexy Shad

•Zman Elite Evo Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

Color: Electric Shad, Spot Remover

•ZMan 3.5" Chattershad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Color: Bad Shad, The Deal

SQUAREBILL...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Mossy Shad, Threadfin Flash

•Spro Speed Demon: https://bit.ly/3XGWUC2

Colors: Laundry Matte, Old School Shad

Hook– Owner ST–35: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: Size 4

SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Hook– Gamakatsu Superline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 4/0

UNDERSPINS...

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

Size: 3/16 oz

UNDERSPIN SWIMBAITS...

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Gizzard Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Bucca's 5" Bacca Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Color: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard

•Spro Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Color: Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad

•Spro Surppa Swimbait Holder: https://bit.ly/3N3JEo4

PITCHIN JIG...

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

Color: The Go To

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

Color: Green Pumpkin

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

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

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

BUDGET FROG COMBO...

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

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

BUDGET UNDERSPIN/SOFT JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo X LP: https://bit.ly/3wZ12ph

Line– Sunline FC (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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