2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Hardbaits For Bass Fishing (Crankbait, Topwater, Jerkbait, and More!)

Today's Buyer's Guide is all about hard baits! We're covering the best topwater, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and more! We're covering all the major categories and showing you our favorite baits! No matter what you face on the water, you can fish confidently, knowing exactly what we'd throw in your situation this year!

Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as any specific components you need to fish them properly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WALKING BAITS...

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

Colors: Bone Python, Juvy Gill, Ito Tennessee Shad

•Evergreen Showerblows SB105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal

•Heddon Super Spook: https://bit.ly/2diThgH

Color: Okie Shad

POPPERS...

•Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Mat Shad, Gill

•Lobina Rico: https://bit.ly/2RGNx4x

Colors: Absolute, Tennessee Shad

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

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

Colors: Blood Craw, Fire Craw, Matte Shad

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

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

•Strike King 1.5: https://bit.ly/3xLv526

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Delta Red

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, True Shad

•Rapala DT 16: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Color: Live River Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

•Strike King 6XD: https://bit.ly/2ery44M

Color: Sexy Shad, Gizzard Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max Series: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

•Jackall TN Series: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Size: TN70 (3/4 oz), TN60 (1/2 oz)

Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Crawfish

•Bill Lewis Rat L Trap (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Colors: Rayburn Red Craw, Silver Shad, Diamond Dust

JERKBAITS...

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

Colors: Mat Shad, Elegy Bone, Ito Tennessee Shad

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

Colors: S Hasu, Clown, Macchiato

•Duo Realis Raz 105 SP: https://bit.ly/4foltw8

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

SPOONS...

•Nichols Blade Runner Duh Spoon: https://bit.ly/4cSEVki

Size: 3/4 – 1 3/4 oz

Colors: Morning Dawn UV, Sierra UV, Shattered Glass Silver

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: https://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Colors: Shattered Glass Silver, Purple Threadfin

•War Eagle Jigging Spoon (7/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2H9dJV1

Colors: Nickel, Purple Shad

SPYBAITS...

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

Sizes: 80

Natural Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait

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

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad

BLADE BAITS...

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

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Cyber Purple

•Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Ito Hiau

•Silver Buddy (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Colors: Silver Plated

TAIL SPINS...

•Jackall Deracoup (1/2 – 3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Silver, Clear Shad, Dera Shad

•Damiki Axe Blade (3/4 – 1 oz): https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Holo Real Shad

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

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

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

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

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

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI

•Casting Reels– https://youtu.be/QLsdeEaVLJg

•Swimbaits– https://youtu.be/nVS6r2V1LvM

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 Best Spinning Reels For Fishing! (Budget To Enthusiast)

This changes everything you think you know about spinning reels! Whether you're looking for an affordable spinning reel, or something high end that will last a lifetime, these are the best options we've found! We're comparing features and durability, across brands, but we're also teaching you how to predict the benefits of a reel without using it. You don't want to miss this information!

Spinning reels are inherently difficult to build. Shimano and Daiwa rule this category, but there are a handful of other reels that are holding their own as well. Today we're looking at what makes each of these reels stand out, as well as what you need to know to make an educated decision about purchasing a reel.

Below you'll find links to the exact reels in today's video. We've included our favorite sizes for each model. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items.

ABU GARCIA SPINNING REELS...

•Abu Garcia Zenon X: https://bit.ly/4oYH7fY

Favorite Size: 2500

•Abu Garcia Zenon LTX: https://bit.ly/4oYH7fY

Favorite Size: 2500

SHIMANO STAND ALONE SPINNING REELS...

•Shimano Nexave FI: https://bit.ly/3nhj4f1

Favorite Size: 2500

•Shimano Sedona FJ: https://bit.ly/3L30djp

Favorite Size: 2500

SHIMANO CORE SOLID SPINNING REELS...

•Shimano NASCI: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Size: 2500

•Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/2nfApml

Size: 2500HG

•Shimano Stradic FM: https://bit.ly/4hkHxdn

Size: 3000

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

Size: 3000

•Shimano Stella FK: https://bit.ly/38LaK2u

Size: 2500 – 3000

SHIMANO MGL SPINNING REELS...

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

Size: 2500

•Shimano Vanford FA: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Size: 2500 – 3000

•Shimano Sustain: https://bit.ly/47SJ3R6

Size: 2500

•Shimano Exsence: https://bit.ly/4oBLYnM

Size: 2500 – 3000

DAIWA SPINNING REELS...

•Daiwa Revros LT: https://bit.ly/3rpoPw9

Size: 2000

•Daiwa Regal LT: https://bit.ly/3Uh7GPH

Size: 2000

•Daiwa Fuego LT: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Size: 2000

•Daiwa Eliminator: https://bit.ly/3Xd4iHf

Size: 2500

•Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv

Size: 2500

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

Favorite Size: 2500

•Daiwa Tatula Elite: https://bit.ly/4f74P56

Favorite Size: 3000 – 4000

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

Favorite Size: 2000 – 2500

•Daiwa Certate LT: https://bit.ly/35Kclij

Size: 3000D–XH

•Daiwa Exist G LT: https://bit.ly/453vyds

Size: 2500–XH

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

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

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

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

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

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

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Jig And Minnow– https://youtu.be/oUbtQNb6ok4

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 Jig And Minnow Strolling Baits, Gear, And Tackle!

Fishing minnow baits on a jighead continues to sweep bass fishing! This technique isn't new, but it's continuing to build momentum amongst bass anglers! There are a ton of new baits coming to market so today we're cutting through the chatter and keying in on the most consistent baits for mid strolling and bottom strolling with a jig and mini.

This technique pairs perfectly with modern electronics but let's be clear, you DO NOT NEED ELECTRONICS to fish these presentations effectively! Anyone can catch big fish on the jig and minnow. After today, you'll understand how to apply this technique to your fishing. Every brand in the fishing industry is hustling to add a bait to this category, but there are key baits that stand out from the crowd and consistently catch fish in a variety of conditions.

Below you'll find links to all the gear the guys discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and equipment where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

FULL SIZE MINNOWS...

•Deps 5" Sakamata Shad: https://bit.ly/3QMt9yd

Colors: Purple Shad, Silver Shad

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Blue Gizzard, Electric Shad

•Rapala Crush City Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Shad, Tennessee Shad

UNIQUE MINNOW BAITS...

•ZMan Graph Shadz: https://bit.ly/3Spu6xP

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, Tennessee Shad

Size: 1/4 - 3/8 oz

•Damiki FAT Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/435tuCj

Colors: American Shad, Gizzard Shad, RP Blue Pearl

•Duo Realis BR Fish: https://bit.ly/3Twy751

Colors: Lively Rikyu, Seguro Katakuchi

•Duo Realis BR Head: https://bit.ly/3MV2y0C

Size: 1/10 – 3/16 oz

FINESSE MINNOWS...

•Yamamoto Scope Shad: https://bit.ly/3MVUjBH

Colors: Natural Shad, Sexy Shad

•Hog Farmer 4” Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad, Blizzard Gizzard

•Great Lakes Finesse Hover Minnow: https://bit.ly/3YkWsgL

Colors: Iridescent, Gizzard Shad, Crush Shad

GUPPY HEADS...

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

•Dirty Jigs HD Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

•Dirty Jigs Tungsten Head: https://bit.ly/4nfOJtT

Favorite Size: 3/16 – 3/8 oz

STROLLING HEADS...

•Owner Range Roller: https://bit.ly/42cqaUR

Size: 3/64 – 3/16 oz

•Gamakatsu Horizon LG: https://bit.ly/3QklyHO

Size: 3/16 – 1/5 oz

•MissileBaits Eye Roller: https://bit.ly/3JiR3BP

Size: 3/16 – 3/8 oz

FULL SIZE MINNOW COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" MHSB: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Model: 6'10" Medium Heavy Extra Fast

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2500 HG: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

FINESSE MINNOW COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Poison Adrena 6'10" Med+ Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/4c0fQmq

Reel– Shimano Sustain 2500: https://bit.ly/47SJ3R6

Line– Sunline Almight Braid (16 lb): https://bit.ly/4flJrsg

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

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

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

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

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

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

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

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!