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

BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST CASTING REELS (BUDGET TO ENTHUSIAST BAITCASTERS)

Let's dive into the world of Baitcasting Reels! Whether you're looking for an affordable casting reel, or you need a high end reel to pair up for the perfect combo, we've got you covered! From incredibly light to incredibly strong, from precision to durability, these are the best options we've found! There are a ton of great bait casters from a variety of brands, let's go!

Yesterday's spinning reel video only had a few brands. When it comes to casting reels, the flood gates open! There are a ton of great reels from a variety of brands. Price, durability, and smooth operation, combine to create the best baitcasting reels at every price point. Whether you're just getting started, or you're a seasoned angler, this information will help you find the best reel in your budget.

Below you'll find links to all the reels in today's video. We've also included our favorite retrieve speed for each reel. 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: $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

Buyer's Guide: $500 Rod And Reel Combos– https://youtu.be/WAgpVnuE800

Buyer's Guide: High End Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/obxNp48IALo

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

Buyer's Guide: Alabama Rigs– https://youtu.be/wPm3izTumxk

Buyer's Guide: Strolling– https://youtu.be/EVnMJWMtZhE

Buyer's Guide: Boating Accessories– https://youtu.be/nl73iuYQ2dg

Buyer's Guide: Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/Ua7pEd04ikw

SEVIIN...

•Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Speed: 7.3:1

LEWS...

•LEWS KVD LFS: https://bit.ly/3BwkvMA

Speed: 7.5:1

13 FISHING...

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

Speed: 7.5:1

ABU GARCIA...

•Abu Garcia Max Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Speed: 7.1:1

•Abu Garcia SX LP: https://bit.ly/40nsz0i

Speed: 7.3:1

•Abu Garcia REVO Inshore LP: https://bit.ly/3YDNsSu

Speed: 7.3:1

ABU GARCIA BAIT FINESSE...

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

Speed: 7.3:1

•Abu Garcia Zenon MGX LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Speed: 8.3:1

DAIWA...

•Daiwa CC 80: https://bit.ly/34ltqP9

Speed: 7.5:1

•Daiwa CA80: https://bit.ly/3hprTgv

Speed: 7.5:1

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

Speed: 7.3:1

•Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

Speed: 7.1:1

•Daiwa Zillion SV TW G: https://bit.ly/3xobPDM

Speed: 7.1:1

•Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Speed: 7.1:1

DAIWA BAIT FINESSE...

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

Speed: 8.1:1

•Daiwa PX BF 70 BF: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Speed: 8.6:1

SHIMANO FULL FRAME REELS...

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

Speed: 7.2:1

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

Speed: 7.2:1

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

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Bantam MGL A: https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Speed: 7.1:1

•Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Speed: 7.1:1

SHIMANO FINESSE FRAME REELS...

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

Speed: 7.2:1

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

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL: https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Metanium DC A 70: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Speed: 7.1:1

SHIMANO BAIT FINESSE REELS...

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

Speed: 8.2:1

•Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Speed: 7.8:1

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: $300 ROD AND REEL COMBOS!

It's amazing how nice the rods and reels are at this price! The $300 mark represents a huge jump up in quality and sensitivity. We're branching out across rod and reel brands in search of the best deals on quality gear! There are some awesome new additions, as well as some time tested favorites... let's go!

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. Also, if $300 is outside your budget, we've already published $100 and $200 guides (see 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 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.

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

SPINNING COMBO #1...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon: https://bit.ly/3UFPcaO

Models: 6'10" Med Light, 7'1" Med, 7'3" Med Light

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

Size: 2500HG, 3000HG

SPINNING COMBO #2...

Rod– Halo KS II Elite: https://bit.ly/32Rp9nh

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

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

Size: 2500–XH

SPINNING COMBO #3...

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

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

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

Size: 2500 HG

SPINNING COMBO #4...

Rod– Shimano Curado: https://bit.ly/3FhEn6d

Models: 6'8" Medium, 7' Light, 7'6" Med Light+

Reel– Shimano Stradic FM: https://bit.ly/4hkHxdn

Size: 2500 HG

CASTING COMBO #1...

Rod– Cashion Core: https://bit.ly/3GkcyNs

Models: 7' Med, 7' Heavy, 7'3" Med Heavy

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

Speed: 7.2:1

CASTING COMBO #2...

Rod– Shimano Intenza: https://bit.ly/3QjR9Kw

Models: 7'6" MH Glass, 7'1" Med Heavy, 7'4" Heavy

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

Speed: 7.2:1

CASTING COMBO #3...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula: https://bit.ly/2Q4NgKA

Models: 7' Medium, 7'3" Med Heavy, 7'4" Heavy

Reel– Tatula CT: https://bit.ly/41yAh5W

Speed: 7.3:1

CASTING COMBO #4...

Rod– Fenwick HMG: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Models: 7'1" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy Fast

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

Speed: 7.3:1

CASTING COMBO #5...

Rod– Megabass Levante: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Models: Braillist, Flat Side Special, EMTF

Reel– Daiwa Tatula 150: https://bit.ly/33X5Zfr

Speed: 7.3:1

CASTING COMBO #6...

Rod– St. Croix Victory: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Models: 6'8" Medium, 7'1" Med Hvy, 7'4" Heavy

Reel– Seviin GSC: https://bit.ly/3WptV6W

Speed: 7.3:1

CASTING COMBO #7...

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

Models: 7'5" Heavy, 7'5" Med Heavy, 6'10" Med Heavy

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

Speed: 7.4:1

BAIT FINESSE COMBO...

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

Models: 7' Light Ex Fast, 6'9" Light Fast

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

Speed: 8.2:1

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: $200 ROD AND REEL COMBOS!

Today we're covering the best "Bang For The Buck" fishing rods and reels! If you're looking for quality gear to take your fishing to the next level, this is for you!Combining these rods and reels to create the perfect $200 combo is a challenge we really enjoy. Check out this year's pairings and see if yours made the cut, and pay very close attention if you're in the market for a new combo.

$200 Combos have long been the standard for durability and sensitivity in fishing rods. At this price point a lot of high end advancements have trickled down and you're seeing advanced technologies at an affordable price. Many of these rods and reels outperform the high end gear from just a few years ago. If you're looking to get the most for your money as a newer angler, this is your price range.

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.

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

SPINNING COMBO #1...

Rod– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Models: 7' Med Light, 7' Medium

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

Size: 2500, 3000

SPINNING COMBO #2...

Rod– Cashion Element: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

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

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

Size: 2500D XH

SPINNING COMBO #3...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

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

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

Size: 2500D XH

SPINNING COMBO #4...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

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

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

Size: 2500HG

CASTING COMBO #1...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Models: 704, 705 Cranking, 735

Reel– Shimano SLX XT A: https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Speed: 7.2:1

CASTING COMBO #2...

Rod– Savage Gear Squad: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

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

Reel– Abu Garcia Max Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Speed: 7.1: 1

CASTING COMBO #3...

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

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

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

Speed: 7.3:1

CASTING COMBO #4...

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

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

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

Speed: 7.2:1

CASTING COMBO #5...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo X LP: https://bit.ly/3wZ12ph

Speed: 7.3:1

CASTING COMBO #6...

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

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

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

Speed: 7.3:1

SWIMBAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7'8" Heavy

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

BAIT FINESSE COMBO...

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

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

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

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