Cheap Vs. Expensive Fishing Rods - Which Should You Buy?
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Are expensive rods worth the money? Which rods are the best "Bang For The Buck?" Does spending more money really make a difference? What are the benefits? Which rod is right for you? Today we're comparing the advantages and disadvantages of high-end rods and budget-friendly rods. We're looking at the best of both worlds and giving recommendations on the most sensitive rods at every price point.
The primary benefit of an inexpensive or budget-friendly rod is cost. Its up to you to decide if the cost savings outweighs any potential performance issues. The downside of a cheaper rod are sensitivity, weight, and build quality. The primary benefit of an expensive or high-end rod is sensitivity, weight, balance, and overall experience. The downsides are cost and durability. Again, it is up to you as the angler to find the balance between sensitivity, durability, and budget.
Below we've provided links to all of the rods and reels in this video. We've gone a step further and linked the best "bang for the buck" rods that we've found at every price point and as an added bonus, will include "bang for the buck" reels as well. We hope this video helps you understand the benefits of each rod style as you choose the best option for you going forward.
Best "Bang For the Buck" Casting Rods...
-Shimano SLX: bit.ly/2NfdOnk
-Dobyns Fury: bit.ly/2bGvlVV
-Shimano Expride: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
-Megabass Orochi XX: bit.ly/2OSVNwH
-G Loomis GLX: bit.ly/2gqziwT
Best "Bang For the Buck" Spinning Rods...
-Shimano SLX: bit.ly/2AdvIC1
-Dobyns Fury: bit.ly/2e7HZPF
-Shimano Expride: bit.ly/2osaj3q
-G Loomis GLX: bit.ly/2A6HH3O
Favorite Reels At Various Prices...
-Shimano SLX 150 HG: bit.ly/2NfdOnk
-Shimano Curado 150 DC: bit.ly/2yHtsp4
-Chronarch MGL: bit.ly/2n8DghB
- Metanium DC: bit.ly/2qrSZvs
-Shimano Sahara FI Spinning: bit.ly/2XhhM43
-Shimano Ultregra Spinning: bit.ly/2nfApml
-Stradic Ci4+ Spinning: bit.ly/2gu84t7
-Exsence Spinning: bit.ly/2iMtscV
Rods in thumbnail from left to right...
-North Fork Loomis Edge Rods: Source Locally
-Megabass Destroyer Rods: bit.ly/2wVOSbY
-Shimano SLX Rods: bit.ly/2L3wppO
-G Loomis NRX Rods: bit.ly/2dX9zjv
-Daiwa Aird X Rods: bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu
-Shimano Expride Rods: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
-Abu Garcia Veritas Rods: bit.ly/2RU5kWt
-13 Fishing Defy Black Rods: bit.ly/2Ak3F3M
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"Enjoy the gear you've got!" Best advice ever.
Caught a 4lb largemouth with my sons paw patrol rod n reel combo 🤣
That is so cool! 😁
I caught some of my biggest fish on my daughter's push button Scooby-Doo doo pole from toys r us when she was starting out. Until a giant carp pulled it in
Heck yeah looks like the pink dora the explorer rod is going to catch something good this year
I caught 2-3 2 and 3 pounders out of a creek with a stick line and a hook lol I just had 1 u tale work with me lol I couldn't even reel them in so I just pulled them out by hand lol
No you didn’t , I broke one in half and the reel came apart on a 2lb bass
You summed that up perfectly. I started with budget rods and have upgraded over time. And yes the higher end rods and reels will make a day on the water more enjoyable.
Well said
Leo Jeidy I have quite cheap gear and have fished since I was young ( not that old now) but i have never had a problem with my gear but always buy new stuff 😂
Dingy same I’ve had the same lews $70 combo for like 5 years maybe. The reel is a little crunchy lol but I still use it when I go.
Don’t think I own any rod over $200. Most are around $150. Reels I have a few Shimano that were $285-300. Again not $500+. Rods like the micro magic pro, some of the favorite rods, st croix Bass X. They aren’t super expensive but they offer pretty good features and fishing. If I break one, I replace it. That’s my happy medium. I think it’s about what works for you. Reels I like my curados, scorpions, and the new slx is nice. Got a 13 fishing concept z for sale for $100. These feel good for me. Daiwa tatula is nice too. Abu Revo is another I like. These guys are all in that $100-$200 except the more expensive shimanos $200-$300 and I’m happy as a pig in shit. Dobyns fury is good enough for me as well.
I use a little bit of each, cheap, mid range, exspensive. I've got cheap 50 buck daiwa rods with cheap 40 buck reasls, abu Garcia rods matched with black maxes, KVD rods with quantum reels, skeet Reese rods with lews reels, and Phoenix rods with daiwa and lews reels. I've had Shakespeare ugly stiks that I loved and 200 dollar rods I've hated. Fished powells, ducketts, Dobyns, Cashions, Berkley bionix crank bait rod I had that was 7ft, that was the best crank bait rod I've ever owned over the KVD cranking rods. Had a 5:4:1 left hand lews on it and I used it for square bills all the way up to 6xds and the dredgers. Loved loved LOVED that rod. Left the thing at a boat ramp at night throwing wake bait on it. Went back 1 hour later and it was gone gone gone. Anybody got one wanting to sale hmu. I will say this about RODS, the slower you move the bait the and more you drag, the more high quality rod you want. I like a higher quality cranking rod too, swimbait rod also. Spinner baits, vibrating jigs, frogs, topwater, umbrella rigs, and stuff like that I find a cheaper rod works good enough for me. I had a ugly stik that was my favorite buzz bait rod ever. Got another one just EXACTLY like it that ain't worth a shit!!!!! You get what you pay for, for sure. C rig, Texas rig, drop shot, jig, nekko rig, Tokyo rig, all them techniques like that, in my opinion that's when you need higher dollar rods. Wanting to buy a new set of rods thinking about the dobyns fury series BUT my buddy has a few and has had bad luck with them breaking. But I think I'll pick up a few to put through the test.
Just want to share that I appreciate your videos so much Matt. Not only is the information you share wonderful, but your tone, how you explain things, and your passion really comes through in the videos. I didn't have my dad or brother interested in fishing, so it's usually trial and error for me to learn; but I want to improve and get better at it, so I'm glad I found you! Thank you :)
Very informative video and I totally agree. Most of my equipment is in the mid-range. The higher end equipment has better feel but it is very gradual as you move up from mid-range. Going from the bargain basement gear to the $100 dollar mark is a huge transition. From the $100 point to the $300 price point is substantial. Anything over that is icing on the cake.
With the amount of people that are obsessed with bass fishing these days it upsets me that u guys dont have 5million subs,, best and most informative channel by a land slide
One of thee best informative videos on gear I've ever seen. Excellent explanations, detailed, easy to understand, honest information. Thank you tactical bassin
I love these information-rich pieces, Matt. I'm sure most of your subscribers value your opinions on gear, it is such an important piece of being successful on the water. I have found, this season, that one of the MBR rods is terrific for walking baits. I have dedicated a rod walking baits now. I had gone back and forth between more moderate rods and faster rods, but that MBR rod really fits what I have been looking for perfectly. It's nice to hear you mention that.
Fantastic as always, thank you, to you Matt and tim,one thing that I've enjoyed since becoming a tactical fan is the truth,God bless you guys, keep up the good work, you are appreciated
Awesome video that needed to be done!!! Love your channel, love your work so keep it up. Tight lines boys!
I’m super glad you guys did this video. I see so many people asking about gear and I tell them a lot of the stuff this video just covered. So much great information, thanks for doing what you do!
Nice job Matt
Perfect explanation and break down. I’m 60 yrs old and have fished rods from Ugly sticks to Fenwick E glass and every thing in between growing up. Now I fish Loomis NRX rods because they are light and sensitive. My wrists and shoulders don’t hurt at the end of the day and a lot more fun to fish with.
Thank you TacticalBassin. This is a subject I have been interested in for a long time, but it is rarely discussed. I am guessing that it is because of two reasons. First, because of the variation in budgets, it is hard to speak to the entire audience at the same time. Second, there are just so many rods and reels out there that it is hard to compare simply because not many people have tried the all. Matt, you mentioned how the NRX is the high end, industry standard. I wish there were more universally accepted benchmarks at different price ranges.
With that said, your drawing a distinct line between the SLX/Fury and the Expride is exactly what I want to know. It gives me the benchmarks to work with, My next jump in gear quality will be to the SLX/Fury level, and I will stay around there until I decide (if I ever decide) to jump to the Expride level. This video was extremely valuable to me. You talked a lot about rods. If you are so inclined, you guys should do a similar video on spinning rerls and another on baitcasting reels. Again, offer some benchmark levels for each.
You guys always give great advice , and post higher end rod and reel combos as well as budget friendly . Shouldn’t be getting any hate from anyone .
Thanks Matt & Tim, this video is my favorite of all you're rod video's! Great job well thought out, and explained 🍻
Matt, this is the best discussion of rod value and performance I have ever heard. I fish a lot and have a variety or rods from medium to somewhat higher cost rods and really appreciate what you are saying. Great Job.
"I'm always playing with rods! I have such an addiction to 'em." No comment... haha
Kidding. Appreciate the video as always - keep killin' it, Matt!
Ive had my Pflueger president for 5 years. Oil it every year still smooth as butter like brand new. Very good spinning reel. Might add a casting rod and go with 2 rods this year.
I continue to learn from your videos and recommendations! Thanks so much for taking the time and talking to us about rods. You have no idea how it helps a relatively new guy into the bass fishing game.
Thanks again tactical..!!!
This is why I love this channel..
I still don’t see why the channel doesn’t have a million subs...!!
Honest and very intelligent reviews and recommendations.. that everyone could understand and put to use..!!
Thanks again
Almost everything I own in rods and tackle have come from these guys and I don’t regret any decision! Thx for all the great tips guys!
Same here. Except my kistlers which I'm surprised they havent really mentioned yet. I'm way up in upper Michigan and I've been slamming fish on a lot of gear they recommend way out in cali
I used to fish higher end rods when I was tournament fishing. I used mostly Chronarch and Curado reels paired with Loomis rods. My boat was stolen with my equipment in it. I needed some quick gear so I bought a couple of Bass Pro Extreme combos to use until my insurance money came in. I went to lake fork with this gear and was blown away. The reels were amazingly smooth and rods were very sensitive certainly as sensitive as a bass fisherman would need. The only thing I didn’t like was the heavier handle on the road. This set off a series of events of me testing rods from Falcon and All Star that we’re half the cost of what I was previously using. I won a few tournaments with the Bass Pro setups, I caught my PB 11lb 2oz largemouth on the combo, and I had just as much fun. It was a real lesson about diminishing returns.
I should add that I’m not saying the BP was equal to my loomis. Clearly they weren’t. I’m saying I didn’t appreciate the difference and the results were the same. I worry that so many anglers chase expensive gear to try and get an edge when there is likely no edge
Check out sixgill fishing rods. Reels are nice too but rods really great deal.
How much of a difference is there between curado and chronarch
derrick henry as far as casting the curado is almost as good as chronarch and with certain baits I was able to cast farther with the curado. I choose the chronarch because it fits my hand better tho.
Great Job Matt !
Excellent explanations on gear. I sent this video to a buddy of mine that’s getting into fishing more often.
I was down at 11:15 when you said fun and to get away. I’m new to all of this. Literally 3 weeks in but I’ve been a few times and the excitement of reeling one in is euphoric, just chillin on the lake and giving my mind a break is the absolute best part though! I see myself getting hooked, no pun intended, and that’s how I found myself viewing this video. A bit too advance for me right now cause I have zero idea about some of the things your talking about but seems like great info. I’ll get there. Great video. Subscribed for more!!
"The Most Expensive Gear Is The Gear You Never Use"
Matt thanks for sharing.
Thats the best fish food for thought i ever heard👍👍 😆
Im just scared of scratching it...
Great video. Simply put, buy the best equipment you can afford. But don’t let inaccessibility to high end gear stop you from fishing.
I get where some can get the wrong impression they cannot be successful without high end equipment.
For me, what would be frustrating is to have experienced what it’s like to fish with the higher end equipment, but not have the budget for it.
G Loomis fan here, I absolutely enjoy my GLX MBR 783 . I’ve had this rod since 1992. Caught a lot of fish with it. Paired with a Shimano Chronarch CH100B reel . Amazing! Fishing 97% from shore. Keep up the great work guys!!
Great Job Matt. Tough subject for sure and glad I have someone like you to speak from xp truthfully. I think its worth noting that one can look at many different fields of "work" and find that the most experienced and best at what they do will all say something similar with "The equipment becomes part of me while I am....". Musicians, Fine artists, surgeons, crane operators...ect will make reference to a quality of effortlessness which only comes from tons of time and effort to learn. Hearing you verbalize this confirms what I had already known about you and that is that you are a very good fisherman. I can now make wise decisions after listening to your insights. I respect your advice and experience. Played guitar for over 30 years and yes what you say speaks volumes. I and many others appreciate your time to make a difference. Thanks Matt.
Excellent explanation especially in regards to weight of equipment I have tendinitis in both wrists and fishing with light equipment it’s the difference between enjoying fishing or fishing in pain.
And that is PRICELESS.
*looks over at my low end budget gear.... still loves them for the memories* i cant stress this enough, buy what fits your life style, love the video, so true. looking forward to upgrading but i cant hate on the low end gear for the style i typically fish
I think anything over 150 is unjustifiable for most people. Unless your in tournaments
@@toddjudd8657 I have a couple $1000+ set ups for steelhead and that's just fun fishing, hell one of my reels was $850... I still find it hard to justify more than a couple hundred for a bass rod or reel though just because when bass fishing I want... well.. as many rods as possible haha steelhead fishing I carry 1 or 2.
This is such good advice, because you aren't just picking something up and trying it, you speaking from experience and giving pros and cons to all, thank you!
That was a real video. Just enjoy being out there who cares what you fish with. I'm impressed by TB they are real guys with real opinions and advice. Thank you Matt and Tim for all you guys share with us so apperciative. I also like that they aren't sponsored to share/advertise gear they are sponsored by. It speaks volumes that they only want you to enjoy your fishing experience. Thanks Matt and Tim
Love my Zodias rods! Been thinking about trying the Megabass Levante also! Braillist is on my list!
"just the tip" 😂. Another great video Matt keep it coming.
Just for a second, just to see how it feels. That was my favorite game in high school
@@stevegawloski9722 creeper award goes to.....
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
👍
Y'all are the best in the business with reviews. I respect all the time and energy y'all put into a very unbiased opinion on all the gear y'all try out.
Great job explaining the differences in rods. You are spot on with the Video. Good Job!!
Stepped up to the Fury and SLX series on your recommendation and WOW!!! Talk about bang for the buck. Thanks for your work. Take Care.
Same there dobyns fury rods with the slx reels
The fury is a great rod line up but I can’t stand dobyns customer service so I switched to the iRod Fibers, which perform as well or better. And they actually back up their products. Unlike dobyns who refused to replace my rod even when it snapped on the cast on camera
I was going to get an SLX but saw that the SLX DC is coming out soon. I think ill wait on that one.
12:49 An epic statement Matt. Basically sums up fishing rods for me. An excellent video!
One of your best videos I've watched. Super informative without pushing an agenda at all. Much appreciated Bro.
I couldn’t agree more. I started with an ugly stick/black max combo and caught many fish with it, but as I studied and learned, I started to move up the price ladder. When I got to an ex pride, I thought I had reached the pinnacle, then I got a Megabass FMJ for jigs. I had never realized what I had been missing. It was a totally different feel, experience, and joy. I have begun to slowly replace my lower end rods with higher end and have found that fishing is more fun, especially on those days when the bite is tuff! I find myself not getting as frustrated, fatigued, or infuriated! When the bite is on, it doesn’t matter what combo you are using! On those hard long days it really does make a huge difference when when I pitch into submerged timber with a Shimano GL Conquest Cast Rod 7'6" Heavy 904C MBR and a Metanium MGL combo, and can tell the difference between a jig hitting a limb and a subtle take on hard pressed bass. I have been blessed that I am now in the position to start the transition over to high end equipment and couldn’t be happier, but like most I started with the cheapest combo I could afford, the main thing is get out on the water and learn how these incredible predators work. Thanks Matt and Tim for just teaching!
I'm so glad someone finally took the time to explain this. Thanks
Matt: Great presentation. I really enjoyed the information and your style. When I was a kid I fished perch in Green Bay, WI with string, sinker and hook attached to a board. Probably on the low end of the tackle spectrum, but it was FUN and I’ve been hooked ever since those times 60 years ago. The equipment has changed, and become much better, but the fun has only matched the times on Green Bay. You stressed we all have a fishing budget. Whatever equipment a person can afford can create memories of a lifetime. Thanks for educating all of us. God Bless!
Great clip as usual always great content, I feel the same way about my Kistler Rods Helium3 as you do about the Shimano Expride Rods you do get what you pay for and the difference is noticeable. The customer service, warranty, and the fact they are make in Texas with Gary Loomis blanks will keep me coming back for more. Best rods I've ever fished with.
I am definitely a bargain hunter when it comes to rods. I have employed several of your prior ideas on my last 4 rods. Am I glad I did. I fish longer, catch fish that used to get away, and thoroughly enjoy fishing more now than ever. Great info in this video!
Thank you very much, from a Disabled American Veteran.
One thing that is often missed by a lot people is they need to find gear that suits the type of fishing THEY do. Myself for example I wade a very rocky river so durability is more important to me than being super light weight. Which is why I steer away from the solid carbon reels like the Ci4 and go for reels like the Dawia BG and Stadic FK (soon to be the new FL).
An fk isn't gonna an encounter with a rock
Great video! I love how clearly you explain everything. You’re a fantastic teacher!
Beautifully put. Great video TB - Matt. Great knowledge of the industry.
Matt, I'm buying what you're selling. You're an amazing fisherman and teacher and role model and just an awesome dude to man crush on. Keep it up bro
After 50 years. Never to late. For me. Dobyns champion xp, paired with shimano curado. Found this combo just this year. Heaven on the water. Dobyns $259, Curado $159.
The champion xps are awesome! I've used a couple and like them a lot.
Thanks Matt for confirming what I felt when using the Daiwa rod. I'm a weekend warrior and I have a Daiwa Aird-X that I got a while back, caught a bunch of fish on it and it feels like I'm using a $200+ rod! Keep 'em coming.
do you still think the aird x is decent rod?
I watch from portugal, and you guys help a ton, thanks a lot, keep up the good work 🎣👍
ive bean waiting for this, your vids are perfect timing luv u guys no homo
Picked up a dobyns for my swimbait rod and glad I did!
Great choice
I got a fury series jerkbait rod and love it
Awesome review good job! I’ll be purchasing a high end combo to treat myself this year. Thanks
I am coming off the back off a very tuff season here in SA on local western cape waters, after the droughts. Proper sensitive rods is what makes all the difference, good tackle at comp level is your best tool in your box. Thanks for this vid mate!!
Great video. I switched over to all Lews this past summer and have had great results. Just wondering what your opinion of Lews is.
I just did that this past winter. Not everything. But, nearly everything. I really like the rods with the American Tackle Microwave guides. And nearly every reel is now Lew's. I had Shimano reels on most of my rods. Junk. Will never buy another Shimano.
My budget is low so my rods are a St Croix MOJO bass and St Croix Premie. That brand is cheap but super great for its price. Caught many gaint hogs with those rod.
St. Croix makes quality stuff.
SunWukong Monkey King St Croix is not a cheap brand. The MOJO is just one of there lower end models, but it’s a great rod.
Fantastic video! Was torn on what i should be buying until i saw this. Thanks!!
Great video! I never realized the difference until I bought a defy frogging rod mid range if I remember correctly is was around$70 I couldn’t believe the difference in my hook up ratio. Unfortunately I fell out of the boat and broke it in half 🙄 but sine then I added a st croix and a couple abu Garcia Ike rods which I love. I try to maybe add 1 new higher end rod or reel every year over the last 5 years or so. I’ve yet to get a higher end bait caster reel maybe this winter. I’m almost 50 and been fishing with the same friend for 40 some years when our dads would take us. We think back about the gear we used to buy at Kmart like the spoils of 20 pound mono (cable) lol. That’s another thing the selection and places to buy are so much more now but we always had fun and still do! I do agree the higher end rods make a big difference just a jump to mid range was huge for me $120-150 for a rod.
I think its about time for a TACTICAL BASSIN ROD BRAND, a budget line up and a expensive line up im team budget thanks guys
Team up with Shimano and come out with the Tactical Series! Heck yeah!
Great Idea!!! Please consider doin a line up of TB rods and reels.
Yeah sorry but I don’t. What I think a bunch of people like about Matt & Tim is they aren’t constantly promoting some paid for sponsors like soooo many CZcams channels do. Keep it paid sponsorship free because there is nothing better than unbiased opinions from people we respect....but that’s just my opinion 😁
M2M-MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT BASSIN Very true. That is what turned me off from the Googan Squad.
Joe they do not have a paid affiliation with any tackle companies or even receive free gear to test “long term” they may be asked to test some gear and give their feedback but do “not” get to keep that gear. They do receive credits for tackle based on their tacklewarehouse links they provide on each video. There was a tackle tour thread last year where guys were accusing them of representing Shimano of some type of paid or free gear sponsorship. They were slamming them. I brought it to Matt & Tim’s attention. Tim’s reply was classic and shut them all TF up and afterwards they were all apologizing for talking out their asses.
Like a favorite lure high end gear gives me confidence and enjoyment.
Confidence? What kinda mook ass thinking is that?
I'm glad you explained more about the MAG. Now I can tell my buddies more in depth about it.
Great Matt! Very honest perspectives. Love It!
I just bought my son his first nice tod an reel it was only $120 but for a 13 year old a shimano Calcutta on a med heavy Fenn wick is golden
Shimano is the best dollar for dollar. My spinning reels are Sedona and Saros. Baitcast are quantum and six gill
No talk about the guide quality? No love for St Croix? Love the channel, keep up the great work guys!
I don't like the balance on st croixs but my 610 m legend tourny destroys my 610m shimano expride in sensitivity and build quality. After playing with different brands I think im sticking with st croix from here on out.
He said he was doing stand out rods and that he didn't bring every one out. He has a few I think for cranks.
Yes they did recommend the bass x paired with a slx for a good budget or mid range setup in a previous video.
Wow Matt! You are so right with the low to mid range tackle. I've experienced exactly what you mention in this piece. Sometime I can't even feel fish on my line and I never knew why.
There's that old saying "You get what you pay for". Thank you for this comprehensive video. I'm just getting serious about freshwater fishing and this was majorly helpful!
@23:30 Matt finally admits he has a problem!! This is the first step to recovery Matt, were here to help :)
Bwahahahahahaha! No doubt!
I hope my wife understands 🤩
My take is buy the best rod you can then the best reel you can to balance the combo. Explain it your love like this, "Just like shoes, there's a difference between a classy pair of Italian shoes and a cheap pair of WM kicks." She'll understand.
That works for the first combo, now I say" fishing is like golf, just like a golfer has a club for every situation, Ihave a rod for every situation and a bait, and line, and a lucky hat, a skinny water boat, kayak, bass boat........" well stop at the rods. No need to let them know how much we spend. Tight lines everyone.
Perfect rundown guys!
Great video Matt. I started fishing with Zebco, South Bend, and Ugly Sticks. Nice setups for beginners. And the fish don't know what kind of gear you are using. The setup (line, hook, weight, lure) can make the cheap setups catch fish. I just bought the Shimano SLX with a Stradic reel. Wow. Big difference. The rod, the reel. Amazing. Good info in your video for all.
I caught a lot of Bass on a $16 Dock Demon LoL
Awesomeness 😎
My most expensive combination is a Pflueger patriarch xt on a St. Croix bass mojo medium fast.
Love my mojo rods!
Nice rig! That's nearly exactly my main setup. I'm using exclusively St. Croix's Mojo Bass and Bass X medium fast spinning rods paired up with Pflueger President size 30 reels. I do have one St. Croix Legend Tournament with the Pflueger Patriarch spinning setup for a "high-end" rig which I only use under certain conditions but the Mojo and Bass X get the most use and perform extremely well for the money.
This was super super helpful for me. I've been wondering this stuff lately as I've been considering upgrading my cheap rods i have my good reels on but really had no idea why I should.
I am 61 year's old I've been fishing for 53 years and i love bass fishing i am like a little kid and what you said is COMPLETE THREW I EXPERIENCED IT. Thank you for the video and it was nice that you came up in the Midwest we do have some great smallmouth fishing up north....
" The best combo for bass"?
"The one you have in your hand".
Good video. Thanks!
my goal is to have a combo for every scenario with baits tied on and tuned ready to go.
Me too and it is easier to do so being divorced.
6 rods and counting with a black max baitcaster among them, looking for another baitcaster that slings lures better than the Black Max....... Digesting what Matt and others are saying.
I love that you’re a big shimano fan! SLX is my favorite reel right now. Just picked up the dc model and hoping it performs just as good.
That was a great pep talk and highly informative. Bottom line for me. If you can justify and afford spending more you won't be sorry. If you choose to get in at a value price for decent gear, you won't be sorry either. Thanks, never having fished a thousand dollar combo I didn't realize there could be so much difference. I also want to say how professional your presentations are.
I get my name brands rods and reels second hand less expensive
Plus fishing gear is so personal based it doesn’t matter what the next guy says do you
We swim under docks, find rods and reels that have been resting on the bottom for a couple years
The thing I’ve noticed with fishing gear/tackle is that you get what you pay for, plain and simple
@@jigsawalwayswins8636 durability isn't the only goal with a rod though.
Naw!!!!! There are a hole lot of rip offs. Look at the "favorite" brand. Cheap Chinese wholesale trash gear. But prices are way to high. Because you're paying for hype.
Daniel Beavers my favorite Rod is better than my Aries Rod, favorite just gets hate cause the googans
Steven Bagent Loomis sells rods for about 50-100 more then comparable rods, because the name. But, Loomis’ customer service is great.
@@ForTeensFitness i just ain't into overpriced Chinese wholesale gear. I would rather buy the same exact rod blank from kast king for half the price. Kast king and favorite and shishimo and the wish stuff and ali exspess stuff is all the same exact manufacturer. As long as you buy atleast 5,000 orders you can start you're own brands. Its all about feeling out a check list then. Pick you're name, pick color, logo, which all this stuff. See i had no problem with kast king because some of there stuff is priced ok! Its cheap gear that want last but they sale it as cheap fishing gear that want last. "Favorite " litterly marks the price up through the roof. They are trying to fool people. There have been a lot of foolery companies comeing in the past few years. They have learnd that most people caint tell a $50 rod to a $150 so they are saleing $50 rods for $150 and useing there ACTOR names to sale them. Put it this way . The shishimo baitcaster off wish is $29.99 the kast king Royal legend is $39.99 the "Favorite" White bird is $89.99 They are litterly all the same identical reel off the same exact manufacturer line. Difrent colors. In fact the only thing different on the Favorite is the checked a few cheaper boxes on the check list. The drag is a little cheaper and there was something else that was cheaper. So kast king is charging you $10 fof there name. Favorite a little less quality is charging $50 mark up for there popularity. You have to be careful now days
There is a hole lot of wholesale Chinese companies comeing into the fishing industry useing gimmicks to sale gear. There is stuff from China that is solid. But not wholesale. And you have to know what manufacturing it came from. China is not China is not China. What i mean is there is solid gear made in China but its from manufacturing companies that have been working with big name brands that invest in there manufacturing processes to make quality better. But these wholesale companies that favorite and this wish stuff its all the bottom of the line. But like i said most people that have never used a expensive rod caint tell a hudge difrence. They go from wal mart rods so than they use a $100 favorite rod and think its awesome. But in reality that rod is a $45 rod. Its not that all favorite is terrible. Its all way overpriced. O! go watch tackle advisor on CZcams. The reel wars or. Favorite vs shishimo vs kastking. He breaks them all down and puts them all back together but all mix match makes them all with sharing their parts.
Another SUPERB vid, thanks Matt
Great video. Glad I found it. Excellent explanations.
i love my slxs and dobyns i own a few of both they are great for the price !!!!
SLX as far as budget vs my Zodias and one expride. Shimano guy since forever. Just love them.
everything outdoors 10512 thinking of getting a Ned rig rod and was looking between the Med light slx vs Dobyns 662 which do you like out of the ones you like
i like shimano cause they have very affordable reels and rods and the quality is just good
Satire?
Aj Mekenzy Hell no. Ever fished a Shimano Sienna? Easily the best reel for $30 PERIOD.
@@booya6437 oh yes i love all the sienna line i own most of them
Boo Ya I just got 2 of them
They are the best spinning reel I’ve used for the price
@@booya6437 Shimano sienna is a really good reel. I own the sienna 4000 and sienna 2500. With the 4000 it was a really good experience right from the get-go. With the 2500 I had to go through three of them to find a good one. I kept getting all the lemons at first. Very smooth fishing reel. The bail is like butter.
Wanting to get into baitcasting reels I had to go with something different. I just recently purchased an Abu Garcia 5601 c4. One of the swedish models. I'm looking to pair that with a medium or medium heavy rod. I've always been a big fan of Shimano. I have four of their spinning rods.
I'm more than likely go with the Shimano for the Abu Garcia reel. I find that I like the cheaper stuff better. They just work for me.
Great information! Thank you for sharing.
Enjoyed the video, lotsa info, as always. Nice to learn about the "big stuff", but still be happy about the stuff I use . Thanks 😎👍
I get what my budget allows most of my stuff is pretty cheap I have a couple $200 combos but that top of the budget for me and I’m perfectly fine with that, I just wanna fish I don’t need the best of the best, if I am fortunate enough some day to have the extra money I can spend on a high end combo maybe I will but until then I’ll enjoy what I got, I’m not in competition with anybody for the nicest gear, I enjoy y’all videos, y’all always keep it real, haters are gonna hate so 🖕 em!!
No St. Croix? My heart is broken...
I Broke a St. Croix tournament series rod just by hooking my hook to the keeper. Apparently that is considered "High Sticking" so no warranty coverage :(
They snap pretty damn easy for that price. Broke one in 2 weeks took it back and found out it’s extremely common even though it was rated for an oz. I broke it off a 1/2 oz cast lol I own 14 rods and it’s the only one that ever snapped
Snapped my mojo by falling 😂
@@Pat19997 for what its worth that angle of pull is basically the ultimate high sticking angle. I have one st.croix, a premier 7' medium heavy I've been useing for flipping and frogging for a year, I've put some pretty intense pressure on that blank and that's not even one of their high end rods.
As I’ve grown as an angler my equipment has evolved. I started with running cheap fenwick rods with pflueger and Abu reels. But once I got my hands on a quality set up I could honestly feel the difference. I’ve slowly been changing everything to ALX and Cashion Rods with Tatula’s and it has made fishing so much more enjoyable (not to say it wasn’t before)
Love these type of videos. Very informative by a person who knows. Thanks for sharing.
Wait, ugly stick isn't high end!?! 😂
Haha 😂. I'm a beginner fisherman and I used to think ugly stick was the best fishing combos. Now I am a proud owner of a shimano spinner and a baitcaster combos. 😁
I have a hand-me-down'd 5'6"M Ugly Stik from my uncle that said he bought it like the first or second year they came out; the rod is as old as I am yet still a fantastic smallie slayer and one of the most productive rods I own including banking several trophy size river pike & muskie.
I'd recommend ugly stick to anyone.. I grew up fishing them and sure now I've graduated to fairly expensive but cant beat the classics...
Catfish rods
I was pretty pumped when I found a 50lb halibut rod. I have some nicer rods too, but you really can't beat a care-free day at the lake using a rod you wouldn't cry about breaking (not that they do) 😎
Can't say enough about the dobyns fury. I've used both the casting and spinning versions and they are great entry level rods. Can't go wrong with dobyns
Awesome video, I couldn’t agree more, my dad fishes glx rods and when you use one and then go back down to cheaper gear you can tell a WORLD of difference.
A good instructor you are and I enjoyed every section of your lecture even though I am a newbie enthusiast in angling activity which I intend to enjoy in my retirement. Thanks for kindling my interest even more. You captured my interest through out the teaching and I could not help but like and subscribe to your channel. Thanks 😊👍👍
You guys should do a review on the new Poison Adrena and Dobyns Xtasy. Have yet to see an informative one
Pablo Pantaleon Tackle Tour has an Xtasy currently for testing. I don’t know when they received it and with a rod in that range it will usually take them a year to post their review. I have a 755 and it’s a love hate relationship. Love the balance, sensitivity and light weight but it’s not a Mag-Hvy. It fishes like a Med-Hvy and it’s been extremely hard to stick fish when using baits the rod was designed for...deep water jigging. The tip is way too light to drive home a 1/2 or 3/4oz football jig hook in 20’ of water on a medium long cast. Same issue when I tried to use it for heavier Jack Hammers. Love the way it casts and feels but it just won’t drive the hooks home. Almost sold it on the BBC boards until I used it for 3/4 & 1oz Dark Sleepers which we throw a ton on Lake Michigan. I does drive sleeper hooks in no problem and the length and tip keep fish pinned. Also i love it for S-Waver 168’s and Gan Craft Claw 175’s. I do not need a $550 rod for glide baits but it casts those baits a mile, without helicoptering, keeps treble hook fished pinned exceptionally well and since I love it for Dark Sleepers for the bottom sensitivity, I’ve decided to hang onto it. Would I buy another? Maybe one of the Spinning rods, a 722SF maybe but not another caster.
Pablo Pantaleon Pablo I can see your partial reply in my CZcams messages but can’t find the full message in this thread?
P.s ... with my expensive gear .. if I’m not catching bass .. at least i
get to enjoy the moments with my high end feel good gear & tackle
High end gear usually has better warranties. My friend has broken a tip on a NRX, and Loomis sent him a new one.
@@robertrodriguez4587 slightly true. You can send your broken rod in and get a replacement. I broke a walmart flueger combo and they swapped it up to a fenwick eagle. I immediately felt the difference which led to dobyns Croix and fitzgeralds. I will never again argue Big brand against low end.
- $100 Favorite Fishing Defender Casting Rod Medium Heavy 7 Ft
$100 13 Fishing Origin TX Baitcast Reel 7.3:1 Ratio Is the most expensive combo i Own for now (Cheap combos are under this must read message) . Companies and cost means much like you said . Also how you take care of your things . Thanks to your video I focus on researching anything I buy 👍🏽
- $60 BassPro Tourney Spinning 6’6 Medium Heavy . 5:1:1 Ratio On The Reel ( all around great combo just to some it up . Throw from a senko to a whopper plopper 110 and caught LMB )
- $60 Googan Spinning 6’6 Medium Heavy . 5:2:1 Ratio On The Reel ( cast pretty good range , smooth and I have cheap line on it for now , I actually got this as a backup senko rod and now made it my number 1 . It’s very strong , caught my PB 3.7 LMB with it on a zman chatterbait actually but best for senkos or even crankbaits because of the fiber tip . Very bendy strong but weighted rod by Favorite )
- $60 Lews American Hero Spinning 6’6 Medium. Fast Action, 6:1:2 Ratio On The Reel ( haven’t used yet )
( Baitcaster )
- $40 Shakespeare Low Pro 6’6 Medium. 6:3:1 Ratio On The Reel ( used for about 30 minutes works fine just wanted to use my other rods lol I got it to also learn how to throw a baitcaster )
Excellent video, great info on rods and reels that are affordable.