ICAST GEAR REVIEW: The Best Rods, Reels, And Baits of 2025!

Here are the "best of the best" from ICAST 2025! These rods, reels, and baits, stole the show! From high end rods to budget reels, micro craw baits to big glide baits, there was a ton of exciting new gear to check out! Let's take a look!

It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the new gear at ICAST. It's hard to tell what will help your fishing, and what will just empty your wallet. Instead of risking your hard earned money on mystery gear, let us cut through the hype and show you the real stand outs! Expect a 2nd review video in the coming months to cover additional baits and gear as they become available for purchase and testing.

Below, You'll find links to all the baits and equipment in today's video, listed in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TATULA RODS...

•Daiwa Tatula Cork Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/45setg4

•Daiwa Tatula Cork Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

ST. CROIX RODS...

•St. Croix Legend X2 Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

•St. Croix Legend X2 Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

SPINNING REELS...

•Shimano Exsence Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3UHL2jP

Favorite Size: 2500

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

Favorite Size: 2000

CASTING REELS...

•Daiwa Tatula X: https://bit.ly/3IPdYDV

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

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

Favorite Speed: 7.4:1

•Seviin GX: https://bit.ly/4octPMZ

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Micro Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/4odPVyC

Favorite Colors: Black Blue, Bluegill, Spot Remover

DUO REALIS HARDBAIT...

•Duo Realis Mido Pico: https://bit.ly/45ao366

Favorite Colors: Ghost Pearl, Ivory Halo, Morning Dawn

Great Lakes Finesse Micro Baits...

•Micro Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4lOsTgf

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Green Pumpkin Float

•Micro Juvy Craw Tube: https://bit.ly/4fdTgKd

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Motor Oil

•Mini Pro Tube Head: https://bit.ly/41C1W6g

Hook Size: 1

KARASHI COLORS...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Ghost Color: See–Through Shad

Solid Color: Glitz Shad

Bluegill Color: Juvy Gill

GIANT DOG X COLORS...

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

Chrome Color: Spot Light Shad

Bone Color: Bone Python

Bluegill Color: Juvy Gill

MEGABASS SOFT BAIT...

•Megabass Haze ST: https://bit.ly/4l1S2Tq

Colors: Moroko, Live Wakasagi, Tennessee Shad

GLIDE BAIT...

•Baitsanity Chimera Shad 11.5": https://bit.ly/3U1em4P

Colors: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Hatchery Trout, Gizzard Shad

DIRTY JIGS...

•Weekender Swim Jig: https://bit.ly/3HbHUtx

Colors: Alabama Bream, Tactical Shad

•Weekender Casting Jig: https://bit.ly/40GfPRE

Colors: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

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

ICAST Gear Review: Best New Rods And Reels Of 2024!

Come check out our favorite new rods and reels from ICAST 2024! From casting reels to spinning reels, bait finesse to power fishing, the show was packed with awesome new gear! It didn't take us long to wade through the noise and find the gems from the show. You've got to check these out!

This year's ICAST event was packed with awesome new gear! So much so that we've had to break this gear review into multiple videos! Today we're covering rods and reels from budget friendly offerings, to enthusiast tackle. If you missed the show and want to know what the real gems were, we've got you covered!

Below you'll find links to the rods and reels discussed in the video. We've included all our favorite reel speeds and rod models to help you find the best options for you. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

If you missed yesterday's bait segment, you missed out, see it here:

•Bait And Tackle Review: https://youtu.be/i7ktZDzKdJI

SPINNING REEL...

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

Favorite Sizes: 2500, 3000

CASTING REELS...

•Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Favorite Speed: 7:1 (HG)

•Daiwa Tatula SV TW 150: https://bit.ly/3yiO3zJ

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1 (H)

•Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

•Seviin GSC 150: https://bit.ly/3WptV6W

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

SHIMANO RODS...

•Shimano Poison Adrena Spinning: https://bit.ly/4c0fQmq

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium+

•Shimano Poison Adrena Casting: https://bit.ly/4cVIwOI

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

JDM Models: 7'4" Heavy Regular, 7'2" Heavy Fast

•Shimano Poison Adrena BFS: https://bit.ly/3WE4yQ3

Favorite Model: 6'10" Light

CASHION RODS...

•Cashion 6'8" Ultralight TW Exclusive: https://bit.ly/4aurFAO

•Cashion Icon BF Series: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

New Models: 7'2" Medium Light, 7'6" Light

ST. CROIX RODS...

•St. Croix Black Bass Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast, 7'2" MHM, 7'3" MH Fast

•St. Croix Black Bass Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Models: 6'8" Medium X Fast, 7'3" Medium Light XFast

DAIWA RODS...

•Daiwa Tatula XT Bait Finesse: https://bit.ly/3LFqEeH

Model: 6'5" Light Fast

•Daiwa Ardito Jitte Travel Rod: https://bit.ly/4dmTsVn

Model: 6'7" Medium Regular

•Daiwa Presso Trout Rod: (Not Yet Available For Pre Order)

Model: 5'10" Ultralight Casting

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Summer Gear Review! Top Rods, Baits, Tackle, ICAST 2022 New Releases!

We had a blast at ICAST checking out all the new gear! From big swimbaits to tiny micro baits, there were a ton of of exciting new baits released at the show! We ourselves launched 3 new bait projects and have been busy fishing and experimenting with all kinds of new gear after the show! Today we're taking an in-depth look at the "best of the best" that really stood out to us after listening to what the brands had to say, then actually going out on the water and spending time with the gear. 

Its easy to get caught up in the hype when you're at ICAST. Even watching the coverage from home can be dangerous to your wallet. In reality, you really don't know what you're getting until someone puts time on the water with the gear and cuts through the hype. We've been hard at work doing exactly that, and can't wait to show you some of this gear! 

From rods and reels, to swimbaits and topwater, we've been experimenting with as much gear as possible! Below you'll find links to each item discussed in the video. We've included favorite models, sizes, and colors where applicable, and all the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items. 

TACTICALBASSIN RELEASES... 

Wakebait- River2Sea Tactical 210 Wake: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Swimbait- Bacca Burrito 6" Medium Sink: https://bit.ly/3AFcV1t

Swimbait- Bacca Burrito 5" and 6": https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

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

BAITS AVAILABLE NOW... 

-Netbait STH Lollipop Worm: https://bit.ly/3zVbE7B

Colors: Shiner, Green Pump/Watermelon Laminate

-Yamamoto 3" Ned Senko Floater: https://bit.ly/3BIjwL2

Colors: Goby, Watermelon Magic, Watermelon Moondust

OTHER BAITS WITH BAITFUEL INFUSED... 

-Netbait Baitfuel Paca Slim: https://bit.ly/3QhEpRe

Colors: Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin, Junebug

-Netbait Baitfuel Finesse Tubes: https://bit.ly/3zAsnf6

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Dark Melon Purple, Ten Point

-STH Baitfuel Crush Worm: https://bit.ly/3Q3mmyz

Colors: Smokin Joe, Bang, Green Pumpkin

FISHING ROD...

-Shimano SLX A Swimbait Rods: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Favorite Model: 7'8" Heavy

-Shimano SLX A Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3oTctYa

Favorite Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Heavy, 7'5" Med Heavy

BAITS ARRIVING SOON... 

-Yamamoto 3" Zako: http://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Green Gizzard, Smallmouth Magic, Pro Blue

-Scum Frog Launch Frog XS: https://bit.ly/3QfCtZi

Colors: Bluegill, Shad, Dusk

-SnagProof Smashmouth Frog: https://bit.ly/3SoDRLc

Colors: Bluegill, Grey Ghost, Pine Frogs

-Nichols Catalyst Double Willow Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3QfCSuM

Colors: Gizzard, Bombshell Shad, Bluegill

-Big Bite Baits B5 Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

New Colors: Sunny Shad, Light Shad, Hitch

-Big Bite Baits B6 Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3bw7lWR

Colors: Sunny Shad, Light Shad, Blue Gizzard

-ZMan Micro Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/3d8bmBm

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Yoga Pants, The Deal

-ZMan Micro Finesse Tiny Ticklerz: https://bit.ly/3BIABob

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Hot Snakes

-ZMan Micro Finesse Shroomz: https://bit.ly/3QDdlw7

-Shimano ArmaJoint Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3vFMmrx

Colors: S Gizzard, ST Purple, N Hasu

-Jackall TN-80 Lipless Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Ghost Minnow, SG Threadfin, SS Shad

-Storm 3.5" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad, Sexy Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl 

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Fall Gear Review! Top New Baits And Gear For 2021!

Today’s tackle review is covering some amazing new items in bass fishing. From rods and reels, to a variety of baits, there are a ton of new options for Fall and Winter bass fishing! We kick the reviews off with a look at the brand new 13 Fishing Blackout Reels, then the Shimano NASCI Spinning Reel, followed by new styles of chatterbait, an amazing little topwater, crankbaits, swimbaits, and more!

Since today’s gear review is in-depth we’ve included cut points to help you find your way through the baits and gear that Matt is discussing. If you’d like to jump between products you can do that very easily by using the following time stamps… 

1:10 -13 Fishing Blackout Reel

3:27 -Shimano NASCI Reel

4:47 -Plano Atlas Tackle Pack

8:08 -Z Man Mini Max Chatterbait

10:20 -Hog Farmer 3.5" Spunk Shad

10:44 -Big Bite Baits 3.75" Swimon

13:03 -Z Man Big Blade Chatterbait

15:00 -Spro Bronzeye Poppin' Frog 40

20:25 -Rapala DT-8 Crankbait

24:28 -Savage Gear Pulse Tail RTF 3" Bluegill

29:14 -Scottsboro Tackle Fatty Swimbait

32:40 -Spro Sakura Worm

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

13 FISHING BLACKOUT SERIES...

-13 Fishing Kalon O Blackout Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3yWpClJ

-13 Fishing Origin O1 Blackout Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/3l3BwFu

-13 Fishing Blackout Spinning Rod: https://bit.ly/3tvaV8d

-13 Fishing Blackout Casting Rod: https://bit.ly/3EdQUbo

SHIMANO REEL... 

-Shimano Nasci FC Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Preferred Size: 2500

PLANO BACKPACK... 

-Plano Atlas Tackle Pack: https://bit.ly/3E1wGBn

CHATTERBAITS... 

-Z Man Mini Max: https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Favorite Colors: Gizzard Shad, Spot Remover

-Z Man Big Blade: https://bit.ly/3hjvGid

Favorite Colors: Black Blue Candy, Bluegill, Shad

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS... 

-Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 3.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Favorite Colors: Blue Gizzard, Ghost Minnow, Crystal Shad

-Big Bite Baits 3.75 Swimon: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Favorite Colors: Smoky Gold, Glow Silver, Pearl

TOPWATER... 

-Spro Bronzeye Poppin Frog 40: https://bit.ly/3jY0Hdp

Favorite Colors: Clear Chartreuse, Nasty Shad, Killer Gill

CRANKBAIT... 

-Rapala DT-8 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2BL0UYl

Favorite Colors: Live River Shad, Dark Brown Crawdad

BLUEGILL... 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail RTF 3" Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, Bream, Crappie

-Savage Gear 5" Line Through Bluegill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Favorite Color: Crappie, Bluegill

SWIMBAIT... 

-Scottsboro Tackle Fatty Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3E1yr1r

Favorite Colors: Natural Light, Ol Smoky, Mullins Madness

NED WORM... 

-Spro Sakura Worm: https://bit.ly/2X2IbIl

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Spice, Sunfish, Watermelon Purple

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz