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

Bass Fishing Gear Review! New Rods, BFS Baits, Bait Designs, and Swimbaits!

These new rods and baits are incredible!! From XZone's new bait finesse line, to the new Bucca Trick Shad swimbait, to some incredible strolling options from Hog Farmer, Netbait, and Owner, these are the best product launches we've ever seen this time of year!

Come along as Matt takes a deep dive into all of this awesome new gear! We work tirelessly to test all the new gear that comes to market so you don't have to. Whether you're looking for a new rod, new storage solutions, or just want to keep up with the current bait trends in bass fishing, you can rely on us to find the best of the best!

Below you'll find links to the gear Matt discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors where relevant to help you make the most informed choices when shopping for new tackle. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

NEW RODS...

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

Model: 7'4" Heavy Moderate

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

Models: 6'10" MH Extra Fast, 6'10" M Extra Fast

•Shimano Poison Adrena Spinning Rod: https://bit.ly/4c0fQmq

Model: 6'10" Medium + Extra Fast

XZONE STEALTH FINESSE SERIES...

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

Colors: Big Limit, Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

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

Colors: Grass Craw, Black Blue Flake/Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Moon Dust, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Xzone 2.25" Stealth Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3yEr6aj

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3WY18YM

Favorite Sizes: 3/16 oz, 1/4 oz

HOG FARMER BAITS...

•Hog Farmer 3" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Electric Shad, Blue Gizzard

JIGHEADS...

•Owner Round XL: Available Soon

Sizes: 8 Gram, 10 Gram

NETBAIT MINNOW...

•Netbait Baitfuel EKO Shad: https://bit.ly/3YFm3Rq

Colors: Real Shad, Green Shad, Electric Shad

GLIDE BAIT...

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: Available Soon

Colors: Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic

LINE STORAGE...

•Seaguar Line And Leader Management Bags: https://bit.ly/3yb17XZ

Sizes...

•3x3 (Small leader spools)

•4x4 (Standard Spools)

•7X4 (Standard Spools)

•Seaguar Bulk Line Management Bag: https://bit.ly/4c6mlny

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