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

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Fishing Rods For Bass Fishing At Every Price!

We've looked at every rod, from every brand, at every price range, and today we've assembled a list of THE BEST FISHING RODS! From beginner anglers, to budget fishermen, advanced anglers to the true enthusiasts, we've found the best rods you can get!

Come along as we dive into the world of fishing rods! Everything has been reset in 2025 as new rods entered the market, old rods were discontinued, price adjustments were impacted by tariffs, and availability has been a guessing game for many brands. With that in mind, we're launching a brand new Buyer's Guide video we've never done before! From the lowest price point to the highest, these lines of rods stand out at their individual prices.

Below you'll find links to all the rods discussed in the video, including some of our favorite models from each rod line. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

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

BEGINNER RODS...

•Daiwa Aird X (Casting): https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

•Daiwa Aird X (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

•Abu Garcia Vengeance (Casting): https://bit.ly/4hx5z58

•Abu Garcia Vengeance (Spinning): https://bit.ly/42oNpwm

•Dobyns Colt (Casting): https://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

•Dobyns Colt (Spinning): https://bit.ly/4l2N7l8

BUDGET RODS...

•Shimano SLX A (Casting): https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

•Shimano SLX A (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Models: 6'10" Medium Casting, 7' Medium Light Spinning

•Daiwa Tatula XT (Casting): https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

•Daiwa Tatula XT (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Models: 7'3" Heavy Casting, 7'1" Medium Light Spinning

•Fenwick Eagle (Casting): https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

•Fenwick Eagle (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

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

BUDGET BALLER RODS...

•Cashion Element Z2 (Casting): https://bit.ly/48w69eC

•Cashion Element Z2 (Spinning): https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Models: 6'10" Med Light Casting, 7' Medium Casting, 6'10" Medium Spinning

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

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

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast Casting, 7'3" Medium Light XFast Spinning

•Dobyns Fury (Casting): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

•Dobyns Fury (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Models: 734 Casting, 765 Casting, 702 Spinning

MID PRICED RODS...

•Shimano Intenza (Casting): https://bit.ly/2QADLTq

•Shimano Intenza (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Models: 6'10" MH Casting, 7'4" Med Light Spinning

•Megabass Levante (Casting): https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

•Megabass Levante (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2XkVoej

Models: Flat Side Special Casting, Braillist Casting, 7' Shakyhead Spinning

•St. Croix Victory (Casting): https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

•St. Croix Victory (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast Casting, 6'8" Medium Xfast Spinning

MID HIGH RODS...

•Fenwick Elite (Casting): https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

•Fenwick Elite (Spinning): https://bit.ly/46TZviy

Models: 7'1" Medium Casting, 7'1" Medium XFast Spinning

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

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

Models: 7'2" ML Casting, 6'10" MH Spinning

•Dobyns Champion Extreme (Casting): https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

•Dobyns Champion Extreme (Spinning): https://bit.ly/29OVnDa

Models: 744 Casting, 745 Casting, 702 Spinning

HIGH END RODS...

•Megabass Destroyer P5 JDM (Casting): https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

•Megabass Destroyer P5 JDM (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

•Megabass Destroyer P5 USA (Casting): https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

•Megabass Destroyer P5 USA (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

JDM Models: Oneten Stick Casting, Windbuster Spinning

USA Models: Daemos Casting, Flyssa Spinning

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

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

Models: 7'4" Heavy Fast Casting, 7'3" ML Xfast Spinning

•G Loomis NRX+ (Casting): https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

•G Loomis NRX+ (Spinning): https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Models: 843C MBR Casting, 852S JWR Spinning

ENTHUSIAST RODS...

•St. Croix Legend Xtreme (Casting): https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

•St. Croix Legend Xtreme (Spinning): https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Models: 7'4" Heavy Casting, 7'6" Medium Spinning

•Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion (Casting): https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

•Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion (Spinning): https://bit.ly/4nxU53D

Models: Oneten Stick Evolution Casting, Tsubamegaeshi Spinning

•Shimano Poison Ultima (Casting): https://bit.ly/3OfNBGe

•Shimano Poison Ultima (Spinning): https://bit.ly/3uDBhcY

Models: 7'4" ML Spinning, 6'10" Medium Casting

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

Best BFS Baits, Rods, and Reels For Spring Bass Fishing! (Bait Finesse System)

Finesse Fishing is sweeping bass fishing again! If you haven't experienced BFS fishing yet, now is the time! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS baits, rod, reels, and tackle, for casting ultralight presentations without the need for spinning tackle. This fishing method is here to stay, gaining more popularity every day!

If you're not familiar with BFS, anything you've done with a spinning rod can now be done with a bait caster. Plus, it's a lot of fun! BFS has been around for decades but has exploded into the US Market in the last few years. Even if you prefer spinning tackle, you can benefit from the new baits being designed for this category, so don't sleep on the BFS category!

Below you'll find links to the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BFS REELS...

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

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

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

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

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

BFS RODS...

•Abu Garcia Veritas BFS: https://bit.ly/3Daye0v

Model: 7'1" Medium Light Moderate

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

Model: 6'5" Light Fast

•Cashion Element Z2 Casting: https://bit.ly/43hnh7S

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

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

Models: 7' Light, 6'8" Light Fast, 7'2" Med Light

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

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

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

Model: 6'8" Light

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

Models: Pop X Stick, Kasumi Six Eleven

FISHING LINE...

•Daiwa Samurai Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Preferred Size: 7 lb

•Sunline Super FC: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Preferred Size: 6-8 lb

•Seguar PEX8 JDM Braided line: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Preferred Size: 16 – 21 lb

HARD BAITS...

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

Colors: HT Moroko KS, HT Setsuki Chiayu

•Megabass Dog X Jr Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: Bahama Milk Pearl, Downsizing Wakasagi

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: MG Sexy Stream, Mat Shad

•Damiki Umpa 40: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Megabass Griffin SR-X: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: GP Kawamatsu, Phantom Green Craw

•Damiki Disco 40 BFS: https://bit.ly/432XZaY

Colors: Mossy Shad, Real Shad

•Duo Realis Spinbait 70 (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Morning Dawn

•Duo Realis Rosante 63 SP: https://bit.ly/3EFMLOY

Colors: All Bait, Komochi Wakasagi

•Megabass X80 Jr: https://bit.ly/3KFaLoz

Colors: GG Shad, HT Ito Tennessee Shad

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Jackall 3.5" Rhythm Wag: https://bit.ly/3NT6OvF

Colors: Golden Shad, Prism Shad

•Owner All Purpose Bait Hook: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Size: 1/0

WACKY WORMS...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Baby Bass

•Raid 2Way Creature: https://bit.ly/4aSRQTc

Sizes: 1.3", 1.7", 2.0"

TERMINAL FOR CRAWS...

•Reins Slip Sinker Tungsten: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Size: 1/16 oz

•Owner Rig N Hook: https://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Size: 1/0

•Great Lakes Finesse Ned Head: https://bit.ly/4krhkeA

Size: 1/8 oz

•ZMan NedLockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

CREATURES AND CRAWS...

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

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

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

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug

•Great Lakes Finesse Ned Bug: https://bit.ly/3XpxATH

Colors: Green Pumpkin Orange, Brown Pumpkin Special

•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4b8aeHo

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Red

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

Colors: Green Pump Purp Cop, Green Pumpkin

FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

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

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook

•XZone 2.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Real

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

The Best Soft Baits For Spring Bass Fishing! (Worms, Creatures, Craws, Swimbaits)

Welcome back to our Spring Buyer's Guide Series! Today we're check out the best soft plastics for Spring bass fishing! From senkos to Flukes, big swimbaits to creature baits, we're talking all about soft baits. This is a major bass fishing category filled with enough baits to make anyone dizzy, but that all ends today!

The goal of today's video is to help you focus on the best baits this Spring. We've taken all the major soft bait categories (dropshot worm, creature bait, shaky head worm, ned rig, etc...) and chosen our favorite bait or baits for each category. Our goal is to help you fish with confidence, rather than guessing about what bait to tie on next.

All the baits are linked in the description below, in the order they appeared in the video. We've taken it a step further and included our favorite colors and sizes for each bait as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TUBES...

•Big Bite Baits Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue, Tilapia

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

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, Green Pumpkin Black

•Great Lakes Finesse Juvy Craw: https://bit.ly/4aCo9UC

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Motor Oil

DROPSHOT WORMS...

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

Colors: Moon Dust, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Great Lakes Finesse Drop Minnow: https://bit.ly/4fn640d

Colors: Crush Shad, Gizzard Shad, Green Pumpkin

•Big Bite Smallie Smasher: https://bit.ly/3xEADuo

Color: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Bully

•Missile Baits Bombshot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Color: Fishaliscious, Candy Bomb

NED RIG BAITS...

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: TW Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin

•Yamamoto 3” Ned Senko: https://bit.ly/3BIjwL2

Colors: Electric Shad, Watermelon Moondust

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

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Grass Craw

SOFT JERKBAITS...

•Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Color: Smokin Shad, Albino, Electric Shad

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

STICK BAIT...

•Yamamoto 5” Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Electric Shad, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•MissileBaits Bomba: https://bit.ly/44bZRNZ

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

SHAKY HEAD WORMS...

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: TW Dark Junebug, Green Pumpkin Black

•Missile Baits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: Blueback Secret, PB&J Time

CRAWS AND CREATURES...

•MissileBaits D Stroyer: http://bit.ly/2QiTTrM

Color: Copper Chopper, Super Bug

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Green Pump Purple Cop

•Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Colors: Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin

•Xzone Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw

SMALL SWIMBAITS...

•XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Size: 3.5", 4", 5.5"

Colors: Electric Shad, Sexy Shad, Chart Blue

•Keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Size: 3.8" or 4.8"

Colors: Smokin Blue, Electric Shad

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Real, Silver Shad, Albino

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Haze, Wakasagi

LARGE SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear LT Gill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad

•Savage Gear LT Gill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Bream

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