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

The Best Fishing Rod For EVERY Technique! ( Beginner To Advanced + Rod Actions )

Everything you need to know about fishing rods! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meanings of rod action and power codes. Tim is showing everything you need to know to get the best fishing rods for your favorite techniques, regardless of your budget!

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers just guess when buying a rod. 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 popular brands differ, will take all the guess work out so you can make the best selections for your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget friendly 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 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Spinning Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

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

BRAIDED LINE...

Budget– Power Pro Braid: https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Affordable– Sufix 832: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Refined– Seaguar PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Spinning– 10-15 lb Line

Casting– 40 lb Line

FAVORITE CASTING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jig (Pitch and Flip)– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

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

Chatterbait– Megabass P5 Destroyer 7'2" Daemos: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

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

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)– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Underspin (Finesse)– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'6" Med Med Light: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

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

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

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 Levante "Flat Side Special": https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

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

Bait Finesse– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light Fast: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

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

Texas Rig– Shimano Poison Adrena 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4cVIwOI

Topwater– G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

FAVORITE SPINNING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Strolling– Expride 6'10" Medium XFast (Solid Tip): https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

Northern Hair Jig– St. Croix Victory 7'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

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

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

Lipless Crankbait– St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Jig– Fenwick Eagle 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

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– St. Croix Bass X 6'10" Med Light X Fast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Topwater (Walking)– Abu Garcia Veritas 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3CGiPVg

Topwater (Popper) – St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium X Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

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

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

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

These Overlooked Places Hold Cold Winter Bass! Don't Miss Them!!

The average angler doesn't even know to check spots like this, but they're full of fish! Bass don't hide where you think when it gets COLD! Most anglers are searching key main lake structures, but these subtle spots are key to success on any lake! Let's head out on the water, check a few spots, and catch some fish!

When Winter sets in, its more important than ever to understand fish behavior. Bass are setting up on key main lake structures, but they're also using subtle contours all over the lake and no one is checking them. Watch as Matt fishes small transitions, edges, wood, and offshore drops to catch a bunch of fish.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt fished throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

LURE RETRIEVER...

•Frabill 15' Lure Retriever: https://bit.ly/2TLTJc6

FLEX RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Head (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Tennessee Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Silver Flash Minnow

MINI FLEX RIG...

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

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Head (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Bait– Keitech 4.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

STROLLING MINNOW BAIT...

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

Size: 1/4 oz

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

Color: Electric Shad

BLADE BAIT...

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

Color: Holo MossBack

•BKK Hook Upgrade– Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 8

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr + 1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Color: Kasumi Ito

FULL SIZE RIG COMBO...

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

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock Leader (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

MID SIZE RIG COMBO...

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

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

Line– Seaguar InvizX (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BLADE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sufix 832 Sunrise Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

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 THESE WINTER MISTAKES!!! ( Your Life May Depend On It )

We love Winter Bass Fishing! But there is a dark side to it as well. We often highlight the benefits of Winter bass fishing. The size of the fish, the tranquil sounds of an empty lake, and the peaceful time on the water are all huge benefits of Winter fishing. However, if you're not prepared for potential issues, a fun day on the water can turn into a nightmare in an instant! Today we're covering 3 Winter mistakes... two that have to do with fishing, and one that has to do with self preservation.

Like anything in life, bass fishing has associated risks. Those risks increase in the colder months. If you're going out to the lake without taking any precautions, you may not realize the risks you're incurring. Listen as Tim tells a story or two from the dozens of "close calls" we've had on the water. Every item he carries, every box he checks on his mental check list, all come from real life disasters that we've faced on our around the water. Winter is an amazing time to fish, but it requires more preparation to do it safely than any other time of year.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim recommended for Winter fishing, the apparel he uses to create reliable layers, as well as a few of the basic necessities he carries on the boat to protect himself in case of emergency. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

**We hope our list inspires you to begin creating a checklist for yourself and helps trigger ideas that may inspire you to protect yourself in adverse conditions. This is not a comprehensive list of every tool and safety precaution that we take. You should still brainstorm specific tools, gear, and safety equipment for your boat, conditions, and environment, that may be required for safety in your specific circumstances**

NED RIG...

•ZMan TRD: https://bit.ly/3RaJGMH

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, PB&J

•Xzone Stealth Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Tilapia, Black Blue/Green Pumpkin

SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Silver Shad, Real

•Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

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

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout

TIM'S LAYERED COLD WEATHER CLOTHING TODAY...

Jacket– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/426eOnu

Bibs– Aftco Insulated Hydronaut: https://bit.ly/3FS21bC

Beanie– Summit Beanie: https://bit.ly/3vLCEGR

Hoodie– Aftco Reaper Hooded Sweatshirt: https://bit.ly/3EbJxFP

Mid Layer Top– https://bit.ly/3Wgk2Jo

Mid Layer Bottom– https://bit.ly/3tXLIbr

Gloves– Aftco Breakwater Waterproof: https://bit.ly/3C73i0q

Boots– Aftco Deck Boot: https://bit.ly/3OhVo7z

WINTER GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS...

Life Jacket– Mustang Elite Inflatable: https://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Dry Bag– Spro 10L Dry Bag: https://bit.ly/4hb2Uxk

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

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

Jumper/Battery Pack– NOCO Boost: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD

Lighter– Source Locally

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