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

BUYER'S GUIDE: $500 ROD AND REEL COMBOS!

These are the best "Bang For The Buck" rods in bass fishing! If you want your money to go the farthest, this is the price point where it happens! The sensitivity of these models is incredible, the weight reduction is amazing, and you can get it all at a very affordable price! These are truly high end rods, without the high end price tag.

At this price point it's all about sensitivity and durability. Each of these rods offers incredible value and should be considered an asset in your angling line up. The jump in quality from $300 combos to $500 combos, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. These are truly high end rods, without the high end price tag. There's a reason you see these rods on deck in all our videos!

Below you’ll find links to the rods and reels in the video. We’ve included our favorite models for each line of rods as well as our preferred sizes and speeds for the reels. Additionally, we've included a list of our favorite multi–purpose models from the different lines. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

Buyer's Guide: Best Jigs And Jig Trailers– https://youtu.be/OQwFNTORnN4

Buyer's Guide: Best Chatterbaits And Trailers– https://youtu.be/14NqxFIWGgo

Buyer's Guide: $100 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/2eCEb3G3VE0

Buyer's Guide: $200 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/AcrTDhtaSQg

Buyer's Guide: $300 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/aFhefLwNHGQ

SPINNING COMBO #1...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS: https://bit.ly/44O7Fqo

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

Reel– Daiwa Procyon MQ LT: https://bit.ly/46x4Ytp

Size: 2500–XH

SPINNING COMBO #2...

Rod– Shimano Expride B: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Models: 6'8" Medium, 6'10" MH SB, 7' Light

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

Size: 3000

SPINNING COMBO #3...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX: https://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Models: 6'8" Ronin, 6'11" Whipsnake, 7' Shakeyhead

Reel– Shimano Sustain FJ: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Size: 2500

BAIT FINESSE COMBO #1...

Rod– Cashion Icon Bait Finesse: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Model: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'2" Medium Light

Reel– Daiwa Tatula BF 70: https://bit.ly/4b7UbYM

BAIT FINESSE COMBO #2...

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

Model: 6'8" Light

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

BAITCASTING COMBO #1...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Models: 7'2" MHM, 7'4" Heavy, 6'8" Medium XFast

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW: https://bit.ly/401hGOK

Speed: 7.1:1

BAITCASTING COMBO #2...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Models: Braillist, EMTF, Perfect Pitch

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Speed: 7.4:1

BAITCASTING COMBO #3...

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

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

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

Speed: 7.4:1

BAITCAST COMBO #4...

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

Model: 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7'1" Medium Extra Fast

Reel– 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Speed: 7.5:1

BAITCAST COMBO #5...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Models: 855C CBR, 845 CBR

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

Speed: 7.4:1

OUR FAVORITE MULTI PURPOSE MODELS FROM ALL BRANDS...

•Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Primary Use: Blade Bait/Tail Spin

Secondary Use: BFS Flipping, Finesse Jigs, Senko, Walking Topwater

•Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Primary Use: Jig Fishing

Secondary Use: Small Glide Bait, Magdraft, Big Texas Rigs

•Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Primary Use: Jerkbait

Secondary Use: Topwater, Micro Jig, Shaky Head, 5" Senko, Free Rig

•St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Primary Use: Paddle Tail Swimbaits

Secondary Use: Frog, Swim Jig, Spinnerbait

•G Loomis IMX Pro 844C MBR (7' Heavy): https://bit.ly/2lVATTC

Primary Use: Football Jigs

Secondary Use: Spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Buzzbait, Texas Rig

•Shimano Expride B 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Primary Use: Alabama Rig

Secondary Use: Flipping Jig, Big Worms, Carolina Rig, 6" Soft Swimbaits

•Megabass Orochi XX Ronin: https://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Primary Use: Jerkbait

Secondary Use: Mid Strolling, Shaky Head, Tube

•Shimano Expride B 6'10" Med Solid Tip: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Primary Use: Strolling

Secondary Use: Ned, Hair Jig, Dropshot, Popper, Dice

•Fenwick Elite 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Primary Use: Soft Jerkbait

Secondary Use: Free Rig, Light Texas Rig, Spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Gravity Baits

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

Bass Fishing Gear Review! New Rods, BFS Baits, Bait Designs, and Swimbaits!

These new rods and baits are incredible!! From XZone's new bait finesse line, to the new Bucca Trick Shad swimbait, to some incredible strolling options from Hog Farmer, Netbait, and Owner, these are the best product launches we've ever seen this time of year!

Come along as Matt takes a deep dive into all of this awesome new gear! We work tirelessly to test all the new gear that comes to market so you don't have to. Whether you're looking for a new rod, new storage solutions, or just want to keep up with the current bait trends in bass fishing, you can rely on us to find the best of the best!

Below you'll find links to the gear Matt discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors where relevant to help you make the most informed choices when shopping for new tackle. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

NEW RODS...

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

Model: 7'4" Heavy Moderate

•Shimano Expride B Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Models: 6'10" MH Extra Fast, 6'10" M Extra Fast

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

Model: 6'10" Medium + Extra Fast

XZONE STEALTH FINESSE SERIES...

•XZone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Big Limit, Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Colors: Grass Craw, Black Blue Flake/Green Pumpkin

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Minnow: https://bit.ly/3yAOQfo

Colors: Moon Dust, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Xzone 2.25" Stealth Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3yEr6aj

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3WY18YM

Favorite Sizes: 3/16 oz, 1/4 oz

HOG FARMER BAITS...

•Hog Farmer 3" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad, Blue Gizzard

JIGHEADS...

•Owner Round XL: Available Soon

Sizes: 8 Gram, 10 Gram

NETBAIT MINNOW...

•Netbait Baitfuel EKO Shad: https://bit.ly/3YFm3Rq

Colors: Real Shad, Green Shad, Electric Shad

GLIDE BAIT...

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: Available Soon

Colors: Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic

LINE STORAGE...

•Seaguar Line And Leader Management Bags: https://bit.ly/3yb17XZ

Sizes...

•3x3 (Small leader spools)

•4x4 (Standard Spools)

•7X4 (Standard Spools)

•Seaguar Bulk Line Management Bag: https://bit.ly/4c6mlny

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

Buyer's Guide: BFS (Bait Finesse System) Rods, Reels, And Lures For Bait Finesse Fishing!

Bait Finesse is here!! If you're wondering what BFS is for, you aren't alone! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS rods and reels for casting ultralight presentations with casting gear. Then we're looking at some of our favorite baits for catching fish with this ultra finesse technique. If you're not familiar with BFS the concept is very simple. Essentially, anything you've ever done with a spinning rod, can now be done with a bait caster, and with even more precision. Plus, its a lot of fun!

BFS has been around for decades but has exploded into the US Market in the last 2 years. The arrival of the Shimano Curado BFS Reel opened the door for a wave of anglers to experience BFS without paying the astronomical prices previously required with JDM rod and reel imports. If you've ever been curious about this unique way of fishing, we're here to help!

Below you'll find links to all the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite sizes and colors where applicable to make it as easy as possible for you to find the items you want. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES... 

•$100 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/n3AQnmNoUPQ

•$200 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/YqWwjXJtkdo

•$300 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/N-NHeMwI77Q

•$400 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/-H9VEnkSiow

•$500 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/cAtbntQHpv4

•Ultra High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/-4aUElWcGxw

BFS REELS... 

•Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

•KastKing Zephyr Bait Finesse: https://bit.ly/3cy03ij

BFS RODS...

•Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Models: 7' Light (700) 6'9" Light Fast (691)

•Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Model: 7'2" ML (Medium Light)

•Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Model: 7'2" ML+ (Medium Light+)

•Megabass Destroyer P5: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Z Crank Elseil

•G Loomis IMX Pro Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Model: 864 CBR DF (7'2" MH Deep Flex)

•G Loomis Conquest: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Model: 842C MBR

LINES...

Fluorocarbon– Sunline Super FC (6-8 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Braid– Power Pro Spectra (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

BFS TEXAS RIGGING... 

Weight– Swagger Tungsten Vader 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Rig-N-Hook Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Light Wire Hook– Owner J-Light Size 1/0: https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

DROPSHOT RIGGING... 

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light (Size 4 or 6): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight– Swagger Tungsten (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

NED HEADS... 

Micro– Z Man Micro Finesse Shroomz (1/15th): https://bit.ly/3QDdlw7

Tungsten– Swagger Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead– Z Man OG (1/32 - 1/16th): https://bit.ly/3nyFyZc

CRANKBAITS...

•Megabass Z-1 Crank: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2

•Rapala Ultralight Crank: https://bit.ly/3qSt14V

Colors: Chrome, Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

MICRO SWIMBAIT...

Bait– Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Bait– Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real, Albino

Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy (1/8 with 1/0): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

TOPWATER... 

•Evergreen Shower Blows 77.7: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Black Bone, Full Metal

•Owner Cultiva Zip N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner, Brown Trout

•Whopper Plopper 60: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Phantom Shad, Monkey Butt, Bone

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown, Yellow Perch

•Megabass Grand Siglett: https://bit.ly/3UMyhn6

Colors: Abura Zemi, Lamune Bug, Skeleton Sirius

NED/TEXAS RIG SOFT BAITS... 

•Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Mojito

•Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

•Zman TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Sprayed Grass, Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

•Zman TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Canada Craw, Houdini, The Deal

NED MICRO FINESSE SOFT BAITS...

•Zman Micro Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/3d8bmBm

Colors: Coppertreuse, Green Pumpkin, The Deal

•Zman Micro Finesse TicklerZ: https://bit.ly/3BIABob

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Hot Snakes

INLINE SPINNER...

•Blue Fox Inline Spinner: https://bit.ly/3qAVlqb

Colors: Shiner, Shad

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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