The Best Fishing Rod For EVERY Situation! (Beginner To Advanced)

This is the information no one is talking about! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meanings of rod action and power across brands, Matt is showing everything you need to know to get the best fishing rods for how you like to fish! 

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers are guessing when they make a purchase. You're at the mercy of a tackle shop employee or an online review as you spend spend hard earned money on a new rod. It doesn't have to be that way! Understanding ratings, codes, and how different brands differ, will take all the guess work out so you can make confident purchases.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget-minded rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...

Casting Rod– Shimano SLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Casting Reel– Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk


Spinning Rod– 13 Fishing Fate Black 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/3HuM9xw

Spinning Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT 2500D–XH: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3


OUR FAVORITE RODS BY TECHNIQUE... 

Jig (Pitch and Flip)– Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jig (Light Football)– G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Jig (Heavy Football)– Megabass Orochi XX EMTF: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Jerkbait– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Alabama Rig– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Lipless Crankbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 855 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Chatterbait– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Heavy Glass: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Dropshot– G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Ned Rig– G Loomis NRX+ 821S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Tube– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Heavy Flipping– Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Weightless Worms– Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Tail Spin/Blade– Shimano Expride 7’2” Medium LIght: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (4.8)– Halo KS II Elite 7’5” Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36wC5UF

Big Swimbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Deep Crank (Tight Action)– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (All Around)– Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Squarebill– Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Spinnerbait– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

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

Bait Finesse– Megabass P5 Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Northern Hair Jig– G Loomis NRX+ 901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Spoon– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Texas Rig– Shimano Poison Adrena 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT


FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE... 

Jerkbait– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Crankbait– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Jig– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Texas Rig– Daiwa Tatula XT 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

All Around– Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Dropshot/Ned Rig– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Topwater (Walking)– Halo XDIII 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3ojz68h

Topwater (Popper) – 13 Fishing Defy Black 6’7” Medium: https://bit.ly/32gzFnN

Big Swimbait– Savage Gear 8' Heavy Squad: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

Frog– Daiwa Tatula 7’4” Heavy Frog: http://bit.ly/2Q4NgKA

Bait Finesse– Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 7': https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc


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

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Two PB's In One Day! MONSTERS On Lake Chickamauga!!

What started out as a fun day of bass fishing turned into a multi species slugfest! Matt is fishing Lake Chickamauga and when a storm began to roll in the big fish started feeding! The key to unlocking the multi-species pattern was a blade bait and everything wanted to eat it!

The day started out right with a nice largemouth on the S-Waver. After that Matt really had to work to put together a largemouth pattern, but soon that would be the least of his concerns. When he finally locked the Damiki Vault in his hand and started hopping it around outside structure, big fish started showing up!

A 30" Walleye is a giant fish no matter where you are but its a MONSTER in the South! What a fun experience! Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt was using. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


GLIDE BAIT... 

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

Color: I Know It

Hook Upgrade: ST–56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 2


SMALL SWIMBAIT...

Bait– Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook


BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Real Shad, Black Holo


BLADE BAIT HOOK UPGRADES...

Split Rings– Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Sizes: 2 and 3

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6


CRANKBAIT...

•Megabass Super Z Z2: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Color: Wild Craw


LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Jackall TN 60: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Color: SG Threadfin

Hook Upgrade: Owner ST–35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: 6


MATT'S BLADE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


MATT'S LIPLESS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 16 lb Shock: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2


MATT'S S WAVER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'6" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Curado 200DC (HG): https://bit.ly/3QMMb6o

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 20 lb Shock: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

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How To Catch Open Water Bass! (When Others Are Giving Up)

Yes, those really are bass busting in open water! And yes, you can catch them! So many anglers pass on these fish because they don't understand what the bass are doing out there, and they have no idea how to target them. Here's what you need to know...

Catching open water bass is an art form. Once you've got it figured out, you've conquered the last frontier of bass fishing and the sky is the limit! Some of the largest, most unpressured fish in our lakes roam the open water, especially in Fall. These giants are rarely caught but its not because it can't be done, its because anglers are afraid to try. 


Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment we use for this fishing style. Again, the biggest tip is to use light line and smooth braid so you can cover more water effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 


FINESSE SWIMBAITS... 

Bait- Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 3/16 oz, 3/0 Hook


Bait-Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head- Picasso Single Barrel: https://bit.ly/3py2s0v

Size: 1/4 oz, 2/0 Hook


SWIMBAIT... 

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

Colors: White Back Shad, MB Gizzard Shad


-Savage Gear 8" Trout RTF: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout, Kokanee


WAKEBAIT... 

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

Colors: Rainbow Trout, Hitch, Tactical Shad


TOPWATER FRONT RUNNER... 

Main- River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Colors: Abalone Shad, Sooner


Front- PH Customs Phront Runner: https://bit.ly/3wJIdkH

Colors: Foil Black, Sexy Shad


TOPWATER... 

-Shower Blows 105 & 77: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, Neon Wakasagi, Flash Silver Shad


-Lucky Craft Gunfish 117: https://bit.ly/3vy7Pln

Colors: Aurora Black, BP Golden Shiner


-Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Munky Butt, Phantom Shad


INLINE SPINNER... 

-Rooster Tail (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3BkIfoc

Colors: White, Chrome White


SPY BAIT... 

-SPRO Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Matte Shad, Herring Pink


TAIL SPIN... 

-Jackall Deracoup (1 oz): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Dera Shad, Silver


SPOON... 

-Blade Runner DUH (3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn


SMOOTH BRAIDED LINES... 

-Power Pro Super Slick: https://bit.ly/3vSwa6Z

Sizes: 15, 20, 30


-Sufix 131 G-Core: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Sizes: 6,10, 20, 30


-Sunline X Plasma Asegai: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Sizes: 12, 16, 18


TIM'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod- Megabass P5 Z-Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Line- Sufix 131 (10 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


TIM'S SMALL TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS (XG): https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (6 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9


TIM'S FINESSE SWIMBAIT SPINNING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3AFcaFF

Reel- Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Sunline Super FC (8 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Power Pro Braid (15 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

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Where Do Bass Go In Summer?? (And Tricks To Catch Them)

Summer fishing is amazing! As temperatures rise, bass follow very predictable patterns. Once you know where to find them, its easy to consistently catch fish! Even when Summer temperatures are at their highest, bass can be caught in these key locations. Quit struggling in the heat and start catching fish! Let us show you where they are!

If you don't know where to look, Summer can be overwhelming. The bass have separated into two distinct schools. The first goes shallow into cover and the second heads out to main lake structures. The shallow fish are fun because you can target them with a variety of power fishing techniques, our favorite are frogging and flipping. The fish on outside structures group up around current when available and hard bottom when the water is calm. These fish can be caught on wobble heads, crankbaits, worms, jigs, and a variety of other lures. 

Below you'll find links to our other in-depth videos on the subject, as well as the key baits we fish with this time of year. We've also included details on size and color for each lure, as well as some great budget-friendly rod and reel combos for fishing these baits affectively. 


RELATED VIDEOS... 

Top 5 Baits For June Bass Fishing (2022): https://youtu.be/_nuMNoCoteU

Top 5 Baits For July Bass Fishing (2021): https://youtu.be/8yrAQlKvG2E

Fishing Swing Head Jigs: https://youtu.be/gc30nnOrdt4


SHAKEY HEAD WORMS... 

-Netbait T-Mac Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug, Black Grape, Bama Bug


-Zoom Swamp Crawler: http://bit.ly/2arWoA8

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Watermelon Seed


SHAKEY HEAD... 

-Dirty Jigs Canterbury (3/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V


WOBBLE HEAD... 

Head- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football (1/2 oz with 4/0): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Bait- XZone Lures Adrenaline Craw (Junebug): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h


TEXAS RIGGED CREATURE BAIT... 

-Netbait 4" Paca Slim: http://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Black Shadow Flare, Okeechobee Craw


TEXAS-RIG COMPONENTS... 

Hook- Owner 4/0 All Purpose Soft Bait: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Weight- Swagger Vader Flippin: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV


SENKO (WACKY RIG)... 

Bait- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Natural Shad, Baby Bass, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Hook- Gamakatsu 1/0 Finesse Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM


TOPWATER... 

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (65): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Color: Little Allen


Popper- Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Secret Gill, Mat Shad


CRANKBAITS... 

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Powder Blue Back Chart


-Azuma Z Boss 22: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Gizzard Blue Green 


BUDGET SHAKY HEAD COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 6'10" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET WOBBLE HEAD COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline FC 17 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm


BUDGET FROG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 50 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

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