The 5 Bass Fishing Rods Every Angler Should Have! (Beginner To Advanced)

Are you looking for a fishing rod? This is what you need to know! These are the top 5 fishing rods every fisherman should own! Whether you're a beginner who is just getting started and need to stick to a budget, or you want to buy the best rods the first time, we've got you covered! No matter your skill level or budget, this will help you make an informed decision.

The first 5 rods will cover everything you'll face as a newer angler. The very first rod is extremely universal and will help you throw as many different baits as possible, the next 4 will give you a foundation for virtually any situation you'll face on the water. Whether you're working with a budget, looking for "bang for the buck", or simply want the best, we have a recommendation that will fit your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to the top 5 rods, broken down by price range from budget to enthusiast. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included 3 bonus combos to help you take your fishing to the next level!


TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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


7' MEDIUM SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Colt 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4l2N7l8

Budget Reel– Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z


Mid Price Rod– Daiwa Tatula Cork 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv


High End Rod– Shimano Poison Adrena 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/388U0PD

High End Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/3UHL2jP


7' – 7'2" MEDIUM CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Budget Reel– Daiwa Tatula X: https://bit.ly/3IPdYDV


Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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


High End Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

High End Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB


6'8"- 7' MEDIUM LIGHT SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Maverick 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Budget Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5


Mid Price Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Exceler LT 2500: https://bit.ly/4oa5mYG


High End Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/45coLzN

High End Reel– Zenon MGX 2500 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3C7KTAd


6'10" – 7'3" MEDIUM HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– Daiwa Aird X 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

Budget Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx


Mid Price Rod– Cashion Z2 Element 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Mid Price Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8


High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

High End Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs


7'4" – 7'8" HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

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


Mid Price Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'5" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Mid Price Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX: https://bit.ly/40ltb6s


High End Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5" MHH: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

High End Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb


BONUS FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB


BONUS CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'2" Med Mod: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

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


BONUS BFS COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante 6'7" Light Regular: https://bit.ly/4wr0Ach

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


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 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!

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

2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Entry Level Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing!

Who makes the best fishing rods and reels?? Today we're covering the most value–packed entry level rods and reels for bass fishing! With so much gear on the market, it's hard to know where to spend your hard–earned money. We're here to help!

Some of these rods and reels are staples in their categories, while others are brand new. It's important to understand that entry level rods are a reference to price, not to angler skill level. Anglers at this price range deserve the best gear they can afford, and that's exactly what they'll find amongst the gear on our list today. Let's check them out!

Below you'll find links to all the rods and reels in today's video. We've listed them in the order they appear, and included our favorite models from each 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

•Best Fishing Rods– https://youtu.be/d4sEMLCcETs


ENTRY LEVEL SPINNING COMBOS

Rod– Shimano Sellus: http://bit.ly/2ro5vQu

Favorite Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

Reel– Shimano Nexave: https://bit.ly/3nhj4f1

Favorite Size: 2500


Rod– Daiwa Aird X: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7' Medium Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Revros LT: https://bit.ly/3rpoPw9

Favorite Size: 2000


VALUE PACKED CASTING COMBOS...

Rod– Abu Garcia Vengeance: https://bit.ly/4hx5z58

Favorite Models: 7' Medium XFast, 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1


Rod– Dobyns Colt: https://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

Favorite Models: 7' MH, 7'3" Heavy

Reel– Shimano Caius: https://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1


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

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

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

Favorite Speed: 7.2:1


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

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1


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

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

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

Speed: 7.3:1


VALUE PACKED SPINNING COMBOS...

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

Models: 6'9" Medium, 7' Medium Light

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

Favorite Size: 2500


Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

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

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

Favorite Size: 2500 HG


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