ICAST GEAR REVIEW: The Best Rods, Reels, And Baits of 2025!

Here are the "best of the best" from ICAST 2025! These rods, reels, and baits, stole the show! From high end rods to budget reels, micro craw baits to big glide baits, there was a ton of exciting new gear to check out! Let's take a look!

It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the new gear at ICAST. It's hard to tell what will help your fishing, and what will just empty your wallet. Instead of risking your hard earned money on mystery gear, let us cut through the hype and show you the real stand outs! Expect a 2nd review video in the coming months to cover additional baits and gear as they become available for purchase and testing.

Below, You'll find links to all the baits and equipment in today's video, listed in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TATULA RODS...

•Daiwa Tatula Cork Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/45setg4

•Daiwa Tatula Cork Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

ST. CROIX RODS...

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

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

SPINNING REELS...

•Shimano Exsence Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3UHL2jP

Favorite Size: 2500

•Daiwa Luvias ST Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Favorite Size: 2000

CASTING REELS...

•Daiwa Tatula X: https://bit.ly/3IPdYDV

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

•Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

Favorite Speed: 7.4:1

•Seviin GX: https://bit.ly/4octPMZ

Favorite Speed: 7.3:1

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Micro Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/4odPVyC

Favorite Colors: Black Blue, Bluegill, Spot Remover

DUO REALIS HARDBAIT...

•Duo Realis Mido Pico: https://bit.ly/45ao366

Favorite Colors: Ghost Pearl, Ivory Halo, Morning Dawn

Great Lakes Finesse Micro Baits...

•Micro Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4lOsTgf

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Green Pumpkin Float

•Micro Juvy Craw Tube: https://bit.ly/4fdTgKd

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Motor Oil

•Mini Pro Tube Head: https://bit.ly/41C1W6g

Hook Size: 1

KARASHI COLORS...

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

Ghost Color: See–Through Shad

Solid Color: Glitz Shad

Bluegill Color: Juvy Gill

GIANT DOG X COLORS...

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

Chrome Color: Spot Light Shad

Bone Color: Bone Python

Bluegill Color: Juvy Gill

MEGABASS SOFT BAIT...

•Megabass Haze ST: https://bit.ly/4l1S2Tq

Colors: Moroko, Live Wakasagi, Tennessee Shad

GLIDE BAIT...

•Baitsanity Chimera Shad 11.5": https://bit.ly/3U1em4P

Colors: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Hatchery Trout, Gizzard Shad

DIRTY JIGS...

•Weekender Swim Jig: https://bit.ly/3HbHUtx

Colors: Alabama Bream, Tactical Shad

•Weekender Casting Jig: https://bit.ly/40GfPRE

Colors: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

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 "Bang For The Buck" Fishing Rods And Reels!! (At Any Price!)

All brands, all prices, these are the best "Bang For the Buck" rods and reels for bass fishing! No matter your budget, these rods will give you more sensitivity and fishability for the money than any others we could find. We went across the entire bass fishing industry in search of whole rod lines that stood out, single rods actions that stood out, and reels that could take abuse and keep on fishing. Here's what we found!

We're kicking this video off with a look at whole rod lines that blend amazing components, sensitivity, and balance. Next, we're looking at reels that stand out because of their function, as well as their durability. Then, we're jumping into some of our favorite rod models for specific techniques from around the industry! You don't want to miss this!

Below you'll find links to the exact rods and reels discussed in the video. We've listed them in the order discussed and included some of our favorite models as well! All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BANG FOR THE BUCK ROD LINES (Budget to Higher Priced)...

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

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

•St. Croix Legend Tournament Casting: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

•G Loomis IMX Pro Casting: https://bit.ly/2QurcHi

•G Loomis NRX+ Casting: https://bit.ly/2hedqsq

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

BANG FOR THE BUCK CASTING REELS...

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

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

•Shimano SLX 70 MGL Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

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

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

BANG FOR THE BUCK SPINNING REELS...

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

•Shimano Miravel Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

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

STAND OUT CASTING MODELS...

•Megabass Destroyer P5 7' Medium Regular: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: "Z Crank Elseil" – Tim's Topwater Rod

•Megabass Destroyer P5 7'2" Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: "X–Bites"

•Megabass Destroyer P5 USA 7'2" Medium + Fast: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: "Daemos" – Matt's Chatterbait Rod

•Megabass Levante 7' Medium Moderate: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Model: Flat Side Special

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

•Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

•Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

•St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

•G Loomis IMX Pro 7'6" Med Hvy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Model: 906C CBR – The Tactical DD Rod

•G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Model: 843C MBR – Matt's Topwater Rod

•Fenwick World Class 7'5" Extra Heavy Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

•Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

Model: 744CFH

STAND OUT SPINNING MODELS...

•Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Model: Medium Extra Fast Solid Tip – Strolling Rod

•Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Model: Medium Heavy Extra Fast Solid Tip – Strolling Rod

•G Loomis NRX+ 7'1" Medium Ex Fast: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Model: 852S JWR

•G Loomis NRX+ 7'6" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Model: 901S SJR

•St Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

•Megabass Destroyer P5 7'6" Light + Fast: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: Flyssa

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

Early Spring Gear Review 2025! Rods, Reels, Tackle And Gear!

This is the hottest new gear in bass fishing for 2025! We've been testing a ton of new gear the past few months and these are the clear stand outs! From the new Shimano Outlier Series, to Aftco's Fortress Suit, to a variety of reels, baits, and tackle, these are the best new items we've found! Let's take a look!

This is our first gear review of 2025 and it's packed with amazing gear! We've been busily testing rods, reels, and baits, throughout Fall and Winter. Most baits didn't make the cut, but these gems earned their place! These new Strolling options are must haves, and the chatterbait trailers speak for themselves. For the swimbait anglers we've got the new Tranx 300 B, and the whole Shimano Outlier series! For those in the armed forces, or who want to support those that are, the Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z is an awesome addition!

Below you'll find links to all our favorite gear that was featured in this video. We've listed them in the order they appeared, and included all relevant information on favorite colors, sizes, etc. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICAL APPAREL...

•New TacticalBassin Gear: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

New Items: Hoodies, Hats, Beanies

AFTCO GEAR...

•Aftco Fortress Rain Jacket: https://bit.ly/42LrGQ8

•Aftco Fortress Rain Bibs: https://bit.ly/4aPp45O

•Aftco Packable Transformer Jacket: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

•Aftco Packable Transformer Pants: https://bit.ly/3Zzy89y

SHIMANO TRANX...

•Shimano Tranx 300 B: https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

Favorite Speed: 7:1 (HG)

SHIMANO OUTLIER ROD SERIES...

•Shimano Outlier Rods: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

7'4" MH Baits: S–Waver, 6" Trick Shad, Flag, 6" Magdraft

7'9" MH+ Baits: 7" Trick Shad, TK, Chad Shad, Toxic Gill

7'10" H+ Baits: Hinkle Shad, Phoney, K9, 8" Magdraft

7'11" H Baits: Citizen 6"–7", Bacca Burrito, Tyrant 9, Loose Caboose

8' XH Baits: 8" Hudd, SlideSwimmer 250, Hawghunter Mag, Tyrant 10

8' XXH Baits: Hinkle Trout, DRT Ghost, Roman Made Mother, DRT Frenzy

ABU GARCIA REEL...

•Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

STROLL SHAD...

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

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Green Shad

Pairing– Dirty Jigs HD Tungsten Guppy: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

OWNER HEAD...

•Owner Round Ball XL: https://bit.ly/3Et1q33

Favorite Sizes: 5/16 oz – 4/0, 3/8 oz – 5/0

CHATTERBAIT TRAILER...

•ZMan ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Favorite Colors: Bad Shad, Electric Shad, The Deal

YAMAMOTO SWIMBAIT...

•Yamamoto Shad Shape Swimmer: https://bit.ly/4hOE5al

Sizes: 3.2", 3.7", 4.2"

Favorite Colors: Green Gizzard, Natural Shad, Rainbow Shad

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 SPINNING REELS (FROM BUDGET TO ENTHUSIAST)

Let's dive into the world of Spinning Reels! Whether you're looking for an affordable spinning reel, or something high end that will last a lifetime, these are the best options we've found! We're comparing features and durability, across all the brands. You won't want to miss this information!

Spinning reels are inherently difficult to build. Shimano and Daiwa rule this category, but there are a handful of other reels that are holding their own as well. Today we're looking at what makes each of these reels stand out, as well as what you need to know to make an educated decision about purchasing a reel.

Below you'll find links to the exact reels in today's video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items.

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: Jigs And Jig Trailers– https://youtu.be/OQwFNTORnN4

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: Best Budget Soft Plastics– https://youtu.be/U1Bjfhmh6NM

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

MIXED BRAND SPINNING REELS...

•13 Fishing Ascent Competition: https://bit.ly/3YsrOQF

Size: 3.0

•13 Fishing Axum Competition: https://bit.ly/43GsId6

Size: 3.0

•Abu Garcia Zenon MGX: https://bit.ly/3C7KTAd

Size: 2500

SHIMANO FINESSE FAMILY REELS... (Budget To High End)

•Shimano Nexave FI: https://bit.ly/3nhj4f1

Size: 2000

•Shimano Miravel: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Size: 2500

•Shimano Vanford FA: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

Size: 2500 - 3000

•Shimano Sustain FJ: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Size: 2500

•Shimano Exsence A: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Size: 3000

SHIMANO POWER FAMILY REELS...(Budget To High End)

•Shimano Sedona FJ: https://bit.ly/3L30djp

Size: 2500

•Shimano NASCI FC: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Size: 2500

•Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/2nfApml

Size: 2500

•Shimano Stradic FM: https://bit.ly/4hkHxdn

Size: 3000

•Shimano Twin Power FE: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Size: 3000

•Shimano Stella FJ: https://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Size: 2500 - 3000

DAIWA REELS... (Budget To High End)

•Daiwa Revros LT: https://bit.ly/3rpoPw9

Size: 2000

•Daiwa Regal LT: https://bit.ly/3Uh7GPH

Size: 2000

•Daiwa Fuego LT: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Size: 2000

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

Size: 2000

•Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/2zrq4id

Size: 2500

•Daiwa Tatula Elite: https://bit.ly/4f74P56

Size: 2500–CXH

•Daiwa Certate LT: https://bit.ly/35Kclij

Size: 3000D–XH

•Daiwa Exist G LT: https://bit.ly/453vyds

Size: 2500–XH

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