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

5 Fishing Reel Tricks That Make Fishing Easier!

We've got 5 reel hacks that will change your fishing forever! This isn't just for beginners either, it's for you! Forget what you heard when you started fishing, that's not what we do with our reels at all. If you're tired of struggling with your reels, we've got you covered. From tuning, to line tricks, we're going to show you how to get peak performance from your gear.

Matt is opening up about how he modifies all his reels. From how he sets up a bait caster, to how he spools his reels for success, he's not leaving anything out. He even shows some of the best "bang for the buck" reels from several brands. You don't want to miss this!

Below you'll find links to all the reels in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included a link to a previous knot video to help you tie the "San Diego Jam" knot effectively.


SAN DIEGO JAM VIDEOS...

•Short Video On The San Diego Jam: https://youtube.com/shorts/-ZPn1wpgZJI

•Full Length Knot Video Including The San Diego Jam: https://youtu.be/MYzIKg4sPWU


MATT'S FROG COMBO...

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

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ


BAIT CASTING REELS...

•Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

•Shimano SLX 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

•Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH


SPINNING REELS...

•Shimano Twin Power FE 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

•Daiwa Luvias ST 2000: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

•Shimano Vanford FA 3000: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

•Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

•Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z


POWER FISHING BRAIDED LINE...

•Power Pro Maxcuatro: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

•Sufix 832: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji


FINESSE BRAIDED LINE...

•Seaguar JDM PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

•Sunline Almight: https://bit.ly/4flJrsg


FAVORITE FLUOROCARBON LINES...

Finesse– Daiwa Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Budget– Seaguar Red Label: https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Power– Sunline Super FC Sniper: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label: https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


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

How To Properly Break In An Outboard Motor ( Yamaha SHO 250 ) + Electronics Tips

Jump in Tim's new Skeeter FXR 21 bass boat and ride along as he breaks in his new Yamaha SHO 250 outboard engine! Properly breaking in your motor is an essential step in having a reliable motor for years to come. Every motor, regardless of brand, has a specific break in procedure for the first 10 hours of use. The first hour requires a lot of idle time, so Tim also breaks down the new Humminbird interface for Apex, Solix, and Xplore units.

The proper break in procedure or a Yamaha Outboard is as follows...

First Hour: Run the boat at varying speeds, up to 2000 RPM

Second Hour: Accelerate the boat onto plane (without reaching full throttle) then back off as much as possible, while still staying on plan.

Following 8 Hours: Operate the vessel at all speeds, but avoid operating at full throttle for more than 5 minutes.

We hope you found this video useful. While it's tempting to skip ahead of the break in procedure and just go fishing, that is a mistake that will cost you later. Take the time to break your motor in properly, and enjoy the reliability into the future.


THE MOTOR...

•Yamama SHO 250 Outboard: https://bit.ly/3xolFv0

••This Links Goes To The Yamaha Outboards Website••


THE BOAT...

•2025 Skeeter FXR 21 Pro: https://bit.ly/43GvGQh

••This Link Goes To The Skeeter Boats Website••


THE ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Apex 13: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q

•Humminbird Apex 16: https://bit.ly/3QBaOli


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

Tim's New Boat! Full Tour + Tackle, Electronics, and Storage Tips!

Come take a look inside Tim's brand new boat! Let's look under the locker lids at how he stores his tackle and what he's really fishing with! We know people are curious about the new Skeeter so today Tim is giving a full tour of the boat, a breakdown of why he picked the Skeeter FXR21, and the mindset behind how he lays out a boat for proper boat handling and tackle organization.

We're so excited about this new boat! From the brand new Yamaha SHO outboard, to the Dakota Lithium batteries with massive storage capacities, this boat is built to handle everything we can throw at it! As Tim opens up his new boat and explains his layout, pay close attention to the tackle that he carries on board the bass boat and how he organizes it to create a stable driving and fishing platform. From boat balance to bait management, there is a lot to consider when loading your boat!

Below you'll find links to everything Tim discussed in the video. From a break down of the Electronics, to the key tackle storage solutions, its all there. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE BOAT...

•2025 Skeeter FXR 21 Pro: https://bit.ly/43GvGQh

••This Link Goes To The Skeeter Boats Website••

THE MOTOR...
•Yamama SHO 250 Outboard: https://bit.ly/3xolFv0

••This Links Goes To The Yamaha Outboards Website••


THE ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Apex 13: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q

•Humminbird Apex 16: https://bit.ly/3QBaOli


TROLLING MOTOR AND ACCESSORIES...

•Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Mega DI/SI Trolling Motor: https://bit.ly/41RErpY

•Humminbird Mega Live Target Lock With Tranducer: https://bit.ly/3uWwTmE

•Humminbird 360 Mega Imaging: https://bit.ly/3oUt7oO

•Minn Kota Precision 5 Bank Charger: https://bit.ly/3ynIqMQ

•Minn Kota 10' Raptors: https://bit.ly/3iMUrEJ

•Megaware 8' Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m


TACKLE STORAGE CONTAINERS...

•Plano Edge 3700 Deep Box: https://bit.ly/3dbdbby

•Plano Edge 3700 Box: https://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

•Plano Edge 3700 THIN Box: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

•Buzbe Quik Qube Breeze (Medium Deep): https://bit.ly/43ILiTG

•Buzbe Quik Qube (Large Deep): https://bit.ly/3TnKHl7

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

•Plano Leader Spool Box: https://bit.ly/2CX249A


CUSTOM MOUNTS, WIRING, AND RIGGING...

•Hennessey Outdoor Electronics Website: https://bit.ly/3kX87kA

••This link goes directly to the Hennessey Website••


Hennessey Component List...

•HOE Harness (Bow and Single Console)

•HOE Triple Slide Mount

•HOE Solix/Apex Gimble Bracket HD

•HOE Solix/Apex Aluminum Knobs

•HOE Trolling Motor Punch Pad

•HOE JackPlate Transducer Mount

•HOE Minn Kota Raptor Work Light

•HOE Minn Kota Raptor Anchor Light


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