2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best High End Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Extreme Sensitivity! Ultra light reels! Welcome to the world of high end tackle!  Whether you're a tackle nut, a serious angler thinking about investing in your first high–end combo, or a newer fisherman who's just wants to see what's out there, this video is packed with information for you! Come along as we check out the best high end rods and reels on the market!

There are many reasons to purchase high end rods and reels. Some anglers purchase them for the durability, others for sensitivity, and still others for the feather light weight. Whatever your reason, you know that high end gear is amazing! Today we’re eliminating all the guess work and showing you our personal favorite models for bass fishing. You can see both Tim and Matt's unique fishing styles come out in the gear they choose, as well as in the information they pour out about the pairings.

Below you’ll find links to every combo the guys show in the video. We’ve listed them in the order they were discussed by the anglers, to help you find the exact combo you’re searching for. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPINNING COMBOS (lowest to Highest)...

Rod– Shimano Expride B: https://bit.ly/47Cdeee

Favorite Models: 6'10" MH, 7'4" M+

Reel– Shimano Sustain: https://bit.ly/47SJ3R6

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Shimano Champion Extreme HP: https://bit.ly/29OVnDa

Favorite Models: 7' Light (701), 7'4" Med Light (742)

Reel– Shimano Twin Power FE: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Favorite Size: 3000

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite: https://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Favorite Models: 6'10" ML, 7'6" Medium

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Favorite Size: 2000SS–H

Rod– G Loomis GLX: https://bit.ly/2A6HH3O

Favorite Models: 891S JWR, 892S JWR

Reel– Shimano Exsence A: https://bit.ly/4oBLYnM

Favorite Size: 2500

CASTING COMBOS (lowest to Highest)...

Rod– Shimano Expride B: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Favorite Models: 7'2" ML, 6'10" Medium, 7'4" Heavy

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

Speed: HG (7.1:1)

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer JDM Models: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer USA Models: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Favorite Models: Oneten Stick (JDM), Daemos (USA), Mark 56 (USA)

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

Speed: HG (7.4:1)

Rod– Fenwick Elite: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'3" Medium Heavy

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

Speed: 8.3:1

Rod– G Loomis GLX: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Models: 843C MBR, 844C MBR

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

Speed: 7.1:1

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Models: 7''5" Mag Heavy (755), 7'5" Heavy (754)

Reel– Daiwa Mangetsu: https://bit.ly/3YwWAZK

Speed: 7.3:1

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

Models: 7'4" Heavy, 7'3" Medium Heavy, 6'8" Medium

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

Speed: HG (7.1:1)

SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier Series: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Favorite Models: 7'9" MH+, 7'11" Heavy+

Reel– Shimano Calcutta Conquest MD: https://bit.ly/3ZBEK5p

Speed: 7.5:1

BAIT FINESSE COMBOS...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Pop X Stick, Kasumi Six Eleven

Reel– Daiwa PX BF70: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon: https://bit.ly/49WVp8U

Models: 7'1" Medium Light, 7'1" Medium Mod

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

Speed: 8.3:1

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Fishing Rods– https://youtu.be/d4sEMLCcETs

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

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

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Most Affordable Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

It's amazing how nice these rods and reels are! The "mid priced" rod and reel category has experienced huge shake ups this year in both quality and price.  We've branched out across rod and reel brands and have found some gems. Let's check them out!

For the guy who wants to experience next–level sensitivity, you can grab a durable budget reel and pair it to a high end rod and still fit the budget. For the guy who wants to cast a mile, you can invest in a higher end reel and pair it to a durable rod. For those that prefer more affordable rods and reels, refer to our other buyer's guides linked below. If you prefer high end gear, stick with us every day as we continue climbing the ladder of high end tackle!

Below you'll find links to the exact rod and reel combos in the video. We've included our favorite models from each product line. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPINNING COMBOS (lowest to Highest)...

Rod– Shimano Intenza: https://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7'4" Medium Light

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

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– St. Croix Victory: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'1" Medium

Reel– Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT: https://bit.ly/4oesPrk

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Dobyns Sierra: https://bit.ly/2EyotZU

Favorite Models: 6'9" Medium Light, 7' Light, 7' Medium

Reel– Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/2nfApml

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Dobyns Champion XP: https://bit.ly/2j7EBXD

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7'6" Medium

Reel– Shimano Vanford FA: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

Favorite Size: 2500

CASTING COMBOS (lowest to Highest)...

Rod– Shimano Intenza: https://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Favorite Models: 6'10" MH, 7'2" Medium

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod– Megabass Levante: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Favorite Models: Flat Side Special, Braillist, EMTF

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

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

Rod– Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Favorite Models: 7' MH, 7'5" MH, 7'5" Heavy

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

Favorite Speed: 7.4:1

Rod– Fenwick Elite: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Favorite Models: 7'3" MH, 7'1" Medium

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo SX: https://bit.ly/40nsz0i

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

SWIMBAIT COMBOS...

Rod– Fenwick Elite: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Model: 7'8" Medium Heavy Fast

Reel– Abu Garcia Beast 200: https://bit.ly/3LcKu4f

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'9" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Curado 300HG: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

BFS COMBOS...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

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

Rod– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Model: 6'8" Light Fast

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

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

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: Best Budget Baller Rod And Reel Combos!

Today we're covering the best budget-friendly rods and reels for bass fishing! If you're looking for quality gear to take your fishing to the next level, this is for you! We've completely revamped the Buyer's Guide Series this year so you may be surprised by many of these pairings.

The goal of today's video is to find quality gear at the best price. The 'budget" category is often mistaken for "beginner" gear, and this couldn't be farther from the truth. There are price-conscious anglers at every skill level and we've taken each of them into consideration. If you're looking to get the most for your money, this is for you! Many of these rods and reels outperform the high end gear from just a few years ago.

Below you'll find links to the exact rod and reel combos in today's video. We've included our favorite models from each product line and our favorite reel sizes and speeds for each combo. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BUDGET CASTING COMBOS (In Order Of Price)...

Rod #1 – Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Favorite Models: 6'9" Medium, 7' Medium Heavy, 7'3" Heavy Fast

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

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod #2 – St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Favorite Models: 6'8" Medium, 7'1" medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy

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

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

Rod #3 – Dobyns Fury: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Heavy, 7'6" Medium Heavy

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

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

BUDGET SPINNING COMBOS (In Order Of Price)...

Rod #1 – St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'3" Medium

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

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod #2 – Dobyns Fury: https://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Favorite Models: 7' Medium Light, 7' Medium

Reel– Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/3YsflNS

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod #3 – Fenwick HMG: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'1" Medium

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Favorite Size: 2500

BUDGET BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

Reel– Ark Gravity BFS: https://bit.ly/3UtgXnY

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Model: 7'8" Heavy

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Fishing Rods– https://youtu.be/d4sEMLCcETs

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

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

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Entry Level Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Who makes the best fishing rods and reels?? Today we're covering the most value–packed entry level rods and reels for bass fishing! With so much gear on the market, it's hard to know where to spend your hard–earned money. We're here to help!

Some of these rods and reels are staples in their categories, while others are brand new. It's important to understand that entry level rods are a reference to price, not to angler skill level. Anglers at this price range deserve the best gear they can afford, and that's exactly what they'll find amongst the gear on our list today. Let's check them out!

Below you'll find links to all the rods and reels in today's video. We've listed them in the order they appear, and included our favorite models from each line. All the links go directly to tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Chatterbaits– https://youtu.be/NaLpakzewTs

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Fishing Rods– https://youtu.be/d4sEMLCcETs

ENTRY LEVEL SPINNING COMBOS

Rod– Shimano Sellus: http://bit.ly/2ro5vQu

Favorite Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

Reel– Shimano Nexave: https://bit.ly/3nhj4f1

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Daiwa Aird X: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7' Medium Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Revros LT: https://bit.ly/3rpoPw9

Favorite Size: 2000

VALUE PACKED CASTING COMBOS...

Rod– Abu Garcia Vengeance: https://bit.ly/4hx5z58

Favorite Models: 7' Medium XFast, 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1

Rod– Dobyns Colt: https://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

Favorite Models: 7' MH, 7'3" Heavy

Reel– Shimano Caius: https://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7' Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150: https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1

Rod– Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

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

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1

Rod– St. Croix Bass X: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Favorite Models: 6'8" Medium XF, 7'4" Heavy Fast

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

Speed: 7.3:1

VALUE PACKED SPINNING COMBOS...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick: https://bit.ly/3DsJYvf

Models: 6'9" Medium, 7' Medium Light

Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

Favorite Size: 2500

Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

Models: 7' Medium Light, 7'1" Medium

Reel– Shimano Nasci: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Favorite Size: 2500 HG

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