Top 5 Fishing Rods Every Anglers Should Have (Beginner To Advanced)

Are you looking for a fishing rod? We've got you covered! These are the top 5 fishing rods every fisherman should own! Whether you're just getting started and need to stick to a budget, or you want to buy the best so you only have to purchase rods once, we've got you covered! No matter your skill level or budget, this is for you!

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!

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– G Loomis GLX 6'10": https://bit.ly/3Ifjbow

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

7' – 7'4" 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

6'8"- 6'10" 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 3000 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3C7KTAd

7' – 7'2" MEDIUM CASTING ROD...

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

Budget Reel– Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

7'4" – 7'6" 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– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

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 FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

BONUS CRANKING COMBO...

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

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

BONUS BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Don't Make This Huge Summer Fishing Mistake!

Start catching fish today! Everyone else overlooks this spot! As we approach the middle of Summer, fish get harder to catch. If you're fishing the same techniques in the same places, you're probably starting to struggle. But there is something simple you can do to start catching fish again right now!

It's time to get away from the bank! Forget the shoreline you fish every day and start focusing your attention on submerged vegetation and color lines. Weed lines and weed edges are the EASIEST place to catch fish in your lake and almost no one is targeting them! The same can be said for the color line!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we use when targeting bass this time of year. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each lure to make it as simple as possible for you. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

GRASS FISHING

TOPWATER...

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

Colors: Juvy Gill, Spotlight Shad, Megabass Sexy Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Bama Bream

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: TW Sunfish Magic

SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

Color: Baby Bass, Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•VMC Redline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/3m3dn6G

Size: 4/0

SHAKEY HEAD...

•Xzone MB Fat Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/4lSgfx4

Color: Junebug

•Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shakey Head: https://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz

PITCHIN JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

COLOR LINE

TOPWATER...

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

Color: Copper Carp, Chrome Gill

•Rapala Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Color: Glitter Bone, Pure Chrome

MINNOW BAITS...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Green Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Crush City Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Green Shad

SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Natural Shad

•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Size: 1/0

TUBE...

•Big Bite Baits 3.5" Tour Tube: https://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pump Purp Cop

•Xzone 60 Degree Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3jCHmR8

Size: 1/4 oz

MATT'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 843C MBR

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

OUR FAVORITE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'4" Heavy Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET SENKO/TUBE COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT 7'3" Medium: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SOFT JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line– Seaguar InvizX (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

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

Where Do Bass Go In Early Spring? (And The Baits To Catch Them)

Spring is coming and bass are beginning to move! Listen closely as Tim explains how the bass transition on different types of lakes and when you should expect it to begin on your local fishery. We'll show you what the bass will do next, so you can get ahead of them and experience awesome fishing as we transition into the prespawn!

We all understand that bass are focused on feeding before the spawn. But how do you apply that to your fishing? Where should your first stop be the next time you hit the water? Obviously it's not going to be the same on a giant reservoir, a small pond, or a lake. In today's video Tim separates the different kinds of fisheries and explains what to expect in each one so you have the best shot at success.

Once you understand why the fish are moving and where they are heading you can predict their movements through changing conditions. Below is a breakdown Tim's best confidence baits for Spring bass fishing including his favorite colors and sizes for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPINNERBAITS...

•Megabass SV–3: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Colors: White Chart, Hot Tiger, Ayu

•Nichols Pulsator Painted Blades: https://bit.ly/3HUfyiG

Colors: White/Chart, ColeSlaw

TACTICAL MINI FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

Baits– Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

TACTICAL MICRO FLEX RIG...

Rig– HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Heads– Dirty Jigs Guppy: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 hook

Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan EverGreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin, Fire Craw

•ZMan Elite EVO (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad, GlitterBomb, Black/Blue

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Sexy Shad, Hematoma, Blow Torch

•MissileBaits 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Colors: Frosted Purple, Green Pumpkin Delight, Super Bug

SPEED CRANKS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Metallic Shad, Blood Craw

•Spro Rock Crawler: https://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Red Bug, Red Crawfish, Phantom Green

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin, Red Craw

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Crawfish

GLIDE BAIT...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Lite Trout

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Chartreuse/Blue, Sexy Shad

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT / SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 A (HG): https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET SQUAREBILL / LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET A–RIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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

TacticalBassin Is Expanding! Meet Adam Hinkle!

We're expanding in 2025 with bonus content featuring some of our closest friends! Meet Adam Hinkle, a serious bass angler from the San Diego area in Southern California. Adam brings a unique perspective to the Tactical Family, having grown up in California's "Big Bass Era", and constantly adapting both power fishing and finesse presentations to the clear, pressured waters of Southern California.

Today Adam is showing how different Southern California can be from the rest of the country in "Winter". A hoodie and a shallow crankbait can get the job done on a crisp San Diego morning. Despite the temperate climate, there are many aspects of fishing in this region that translate to the whole country, and Adam is going to help us stay connected to those trends. Expect to see him featured a few times a year in bonus videos, along with the other members of our newly formed "Tactical Family" team of anglers.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Adam was using, as well as some widely available options that are very similar to his custom gear. All the link go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CRANKBAIT...

•Berkley Fritside 5 HD Crankbait: https://bit.ly/4hcwfXJ

Color: HD Green Craw

ADAM'S HOMEMADE JIG...

Jig Skirt: Dirty Jigs Replacement Skirts: https://bit.ly/3Xu0BwC

Jig Head: Boss Mini Ball Head (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/4aeiBRK

ADAM'S CAROLINA RIG...

Bait– Zoom Baby Brush Hog: https://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Color: Watermelon Red Flake

Hook– Gamakatsu Offset Round Bend (Size 3/0): https://bit.ly/3BVoabb

Swivel– Spro Power Swivel (Size 6): https://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Weight– Picasso Tungsten Cylinder (1 oz): https://bit.ly/3E2CSxo

SIMILAR CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 DC (XG): https://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line– Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3Cje0Rw

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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