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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*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY… *
Trolling Motor– Minn Kota Ultrex 112: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics– Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors– Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Camera– GoPro Hero 9: http://bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…*
Favorite sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: https://bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: https://bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: https://bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: https://bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won’t be able to even see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!
#fishing #fishingrod #bassfishing
Bros videos or always so helpful
I only trow jigs from the bank
3/8 – 1/2 oz
What’s the perfect rod for me
Length, Power , Action , please!!
Great content, it seems you have several recommendations for the Shimano Expride B line of rods. Would you agree that it would be a good line of rods if you wanted all of the same line of rods?
There is nothing about this that is simplified not one thing. If anything this guy makes everything way more complex that needs to be & I’m not a fan.
the deflection thing is wild i use that type of thing on fly fishing when nymphing all the time whether its the tip of the rod, the indicator doing something funny, or just noticing bumps along the bottom until one feels different but NEVER thought about applying that to bass fishing with gear
of course that makes sense here too
rule of thumb: setting the hook is free
nothing beats an uglystik they dont break & they are very affordable. win all the way around..
The Bass industry has made rod ratings complicated on purpose! No standard! every rod builder has their own codes! As a kid from the 50’s rods were the more important part of the gear! Until Garcia started to build reels that were far superior to what was on the market in 50’s & 60’s! Not now! But I still believe it’s basic! Slow blanks will flex through the entire blank! Medium blanks flex through the upper two thirds, Fast blank flex in the upper one third of the blank! As far as what rod for a particular bait or fishing styles! Fast blank for worms, jigs, or any fishing where it’s required to drive a hook quickly! Medium blank for spinnerbaits, mid depth crank baits, jerk baits, rattle traps, spoons, slow blanks for live baits, but I love using some of the older Eglass blanks for wading in saltwater, for throwing spoons and especially baits like the Rebel Jumpin Minnows! Because the rods load up easier and will cast lighter spoons & touts easier and farther, but for me using a top water bait and seeing a fish strike the lure and not pull it away before the fish is hooked is tough for me to do! So having a slow rod even when using braided line I hook up more. because even if I get froggy the rod flexes and allows the fish more time to hook himself and the flex allows me to put more pressure on the fish to bring it in to CPR! One drawback is these rods are heavier and if you only use the newer rods they will wear you out! That’s why I always carry a light stiff spinning rod & reel 6′ 6" -7′ 6" in length! Reels & and lines? Einstein is still calculating all the possibilities of combinations relative to the lure fished! It’s mind boggling! I just know this! When I had only 2-3 rod & reel combinations and baits! I was no better or less of a fisherman 30 years later! With two boats, saltwater, freshwater and kayak, 100’s of poles, plastic boxes full of reels, spinning & casting! Vintage and the latest technology! Its me! But I find myself still fishing the older rods & reels and older baits painted in color patterns no longer used! It’s hell getting old! Now it’s the Ultralight rods & reels fishing the ultra Pop R, spooks pups & pooches, 2" Rapalas, Brewer worms & 1/8 – 1/4 oz jig & pig combo’s in the Houston Bayous walking up & down these banks that kick my old butt! Wow kinda of like fishing the Fox River with a cane pole, black nylon line with a monofilament 2′ leader, a gold hook, couple of split shots and a cork bobber! GO FIGURE! Keep it simple and you’ll be fishing more and second guessing less! Study Long? Study Wrong!!
The quality of information shared not only in this video, but every single one I’ve clicked on from this channel, is by far some of the most well spoken, explanatory, and engaging I’ve come across as far as fishing info sharing goes across this platform. This guy KNOWS WHATS UP. Absolute Legend
Didn’t see an Old18 rod in there….check em out!
Just Awesome. Great help for a beginner like me. Covers it all. Not just which ones to buy, but also why to buy. Overall a great video. Thanks a lot.
I run a 2 rod combo-
7ft MH F baitcaster 7:1 17lb fluoro
7FT M MF spinning 6:1 10lb braid
I feel like i need 2 more poles…. Extra Heavy Extra fast 7’4" baitcaster 8:1 65lb braid
Medium or ultra light 7’6" moderate spinning 5:1 6lb braid
Is there any advice you would give to help me know if im heading in the right direction or if you would add a 5th rod to fill another gap for other techniques these 4 wouldnt hit?
What if you want to fish every kind of lure and bait on 1 combo?
Awesome, complete and very helpful video. Thank you sir.
Thank you !! You made this very simple compared to the other hundreds of videos out there.
haha Meanwhile I’m over here with my ultra-budget Berkley Cherrywoods, AMP’s, Abu Garcia Vengeance etc rods lol.
Thanks for the video! I know this video is a couple months old so I’m a little late to the party, but what are your initial impressions on that denali N3 rod? My college bass team is sponsored by denali so we get solid discounts there, but I want to know if that rod lineup is worth the investment!
ROD COLOR…? Should I steer clear of a shiny silver rod? Think the reflection will deter bass?
Listen, i really dont want to sound like im being a jerk or anything beacuse i truly love you guys and tactical bassin has helped me so much, the point i wanted to make is i feel like the "big corporate bass" industry has way over complicated bass fishing, guys used to catch monsters on cane poles and a real worm, what has changed in your opinion? Love you guys keep it up!!
Should have some more NRX+ in there those rods are legit
Loved this whole video. I’ve been watching your videos a while over and over and the other day I decided to buy a rod with out doing any prior research. I ended up making the correct choice with out any outside bias. I couldn’t help myself and i rewatched your videos and it only confirmed that I’ve finally retained the information well enough. Thanks so much.
my GF has no idea how long we are about to be in basspro this weekend
What about rods that are 8’…9’ medium fast ? Can I use it for bass, trout, catfish and pan fish and be fine or do I have to stick to specifically 7’ rods?
Let me know when you have a yard sale! LOL!!
Matt, first of all Thank You. I took your advice on a 6’10” med Zodias for my Jerkbait rod, and I love it. It stays loaded even on 1lb smallmouth. But has handled 9lb walleye in current perfectly. I take 2 rods with me everywhere. The Jerkbait and a jig rod(spinning). I need a new rod for light jigging. I throw an 1/8 oz. VMC rugby jig on a 4.25” hellgramite, 10lb flouro, Diana Ballistic 2500 reel. I’m looking for ultimate sensitivity for when I have to deadstick the small jig. I am in current 90% of the time. Either my medium sized crick or the Ohio river. I’d like to be in the $300 range. Thanks again for all your videos. You have really helped me zero in on the fish.
The 2 is for 2 pieces I think
I realy enjoy your video Sir, coz i strarted to learn my long time favorite hubbies, and i will continue watching your amazing lecture,teaching,helping and ect. like me. Thank you idol
How does my height affect the use of a longer rod? I’ve heard several pro’s in tournaments say I’m only 5’10" so I prefer a rod not much longer than 6’10" or something similar. Thank you for all your time and information, you way more far and above what I’ve learned from watching other videos.
Please go deeper into the rabbit hole 🙂 I know you know more, and clearly you’re passionate about it! Please give us the long seminar version of rods & their ratings!
Why would I not want a more sensitive rod for treble hooks? Is sensitive not universally better?
Why do two rods of the same make and model feel different?
Why do two rods with different manufactures, but the same ratings feel totally different, and how can I game this/
How accurate are those lure weight ratings, really? can I throw 1/8 oz on a medium heavy? Can I throw 1 oz on a medium?
How do different manufactures trend (I too have noticed St Croix is usually more moderate, and I’m almost ready to write them off b/c of it).
Thank you, your videos are amazing, super informative and inspirational.
Get you a zebco rhino rod 6’6" and a 7’0" and do everything. Medium action $31.99
You are a guru. You know stuff and how to relay that to others in a way they can understand. Thanks for doing what you do!! Best channel for fishing knowledge.
Rod codes is something that I have never known how to read without having to do a lot of research.
Thank you for this video!!
Matt, very helpful!
Love your channel..doing the lords work. Please invest into better audio
I can tell you that the Sustain is just as accurate as any baitcaster that reel is scary good lol
For those Budget / Beginners I highly recommend two rods, Fenwick HMG or HMX, and Dobyns Fury. Then find a sale on a Shimano Nasci or Ultegra or really treat yourself and find a Stradic (they are on clearance for 160ish due to a new line coming out soon.
Have you guys tried Phenix rods?
There’s so much room for them to just print the actual sentences I see absolutely no reason for us to have to learn an entire other fkn LANGUAGE just to know what we are buying. Like just put it on the tag? It’s like literally one sentence “medium heavy: moderate crank bait rod” it’s literally a maximum of 10 words. But nah we gotta learn Greek for whatever reason. Y’all make fishing WAY harder then it needs to be. (The fishing company’s, dgmr I really do appreciate the video it did help a lot just ridiculous that it was necessary)
Appreciate the informative video. In shopping for a heavy power rod to both frog and pitch, I have noticed a wide range of line weight recommendations from the manufacturers. Is the recommended line strength important to consider?
Man I have spent hours and hours trying to understand fishing rods and what’s best for me, since I’m a beginner, and this is by far the best video I have seen! Thank you!
Group – Has anyone used the Black Ice High End line from Duckett Fishing? I know it was released some time ago but I have an opportunity to get some at a significantly discounted price. Just wanting to see if anyone has used them before or possibly owns some now and would be willing to give me an honest assessment. Thanks in advance.
I recently got the 6′ 10" Poison Ultima. It is an amazing BFS rod.
I love the 894 NRX+ I have several. Perfect for jig or Texas rig. I have a couple of 895s for flipping.
The 1 on the steez is because it’s a 1 piece rod I believe.
The 2 stands for 2 piece
I rarely comment but had to with this video. Tremendous depth of information and valuable knowledge about rods. Better than all others I’ve encountered and it’s been a lot!
10:45 the gentleman cast a fly😂
Tons of info in this video. Thank you!! It would be awesome to have a list written down to reference all these different rods styles with what baits to use, because it’s just so much info to remember. I have a ton of rods and never know which ones to use for which baits.
Awesome stuff. I love the detail cuz I get lost too. One question. I want to cast weighted and unweighted trick zooms with my spinning gear, as my example. But I also want to throw on a Gabot Shadow frog at 3/4 ounce or so. AND I don’t want to carry two rods cuz I’m fishing from shore. I think that means get the rod for the worm first, then adjust my casting (slower cast?) for the frog. Does this make sense? Thanks again, Toney
My favorite budget baitcaster is the 13 fishing META its definitely become a go to rod for me
What 2 St. Croix rods would you get if that was your choice? I already have an extra heavy rod. Thanks bud
Morning
Not sure I totally understand everything you said soooo i’ll watch again till I do.
Good video! This information is something Ive been looking for.
Thanks Again
I’ll be watching .