Buyer’s Guide: Best $200 Rod and Reel Combos!

This Buyer’s Guide is about finding the best value. $100 rods and $100 reels are a huge leap up from their $50 counterparts! The “bang for the buck” that is gained, far exceeds the dollars spent. $200 combos offer increased sensitivity, better components, and the ability to branch into technique specific models. Come along as we explore some of the best $200 combos on the market!

This category really comes down to 3 series of rods. If you’re willing to spend a few dollars more, a 4th series becomes an option as well. At this price its not just about increased sensitivity in the rods, there are also some real upgrades in the reels. The Shimano SLX is by far the stand out reel in this category, offering excellent functionality at an affordable price.

Below you’ll find links to the different lines of rods discussed in the video, along with our favorite models from each line. Additionally we’ve included the reels we recommend pairing them with. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you’ll see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Finally, we’ve included a link to yesterday’s “$100 Buyer’s Guide” and some insights into the next couple videos as we continue through the buyer’s guide series.

Previous Buyer’s Guides…
$100 Rod and Reel Combos:

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides…
-$400 Rod and Reel Combos
-$500 Rod and Reel Combos

Spinning Combo #1…
Rod- Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF
Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 1000: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43
Favorite Rod Models… 7′ Medium Light (702), 7′ Medium (703)

Spinning Combo #2…
Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1
Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC
Favorite Rod Models… 7′ Medium Heavy, 7′ Medium Light

Baitcasting Combo #1…
Rod- Dobyns Fury Casting: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Favorite Models… 7′ MH Crank (705 CB) 7′ Heavy (704), 7’9″ MH Swim (795)

Baitcasting Combo #2…
Rod- Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Favorite Models… 6’10” Medium, 7’2″ Medium Heavy, 7’5″ Heavy

Baitcasting Combo #3…
Rod- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Favorite Models… 7’1″ Medium, 7’2″ Medium heavy, 7’4″ Heavy

Bonus Spinning Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn
Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC
Favorite Models… 7′ Medium Light, 7’6″ Light

Bonus Baitcasting Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Shimano SLX XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Favorite Models… 6’9″ Medium, 7’1″ MH, 7’3″ Heavy, 7’6″ MH Glass
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NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
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Equipment We Recommend…

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP

Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: https://bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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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!

#bassfishing #buyersguide #beginner

Reel Review – Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (2020 Shimano Metanium)

The 2020 Metanium MGL 150 B is an awesome new reel from Shimano! We put it through the paces the past few months before weighing in with a review. With requests pouring in, its time to share our experiences. In a word, this reel is AWESOME!

Aside from the Metanium name, the reel is hardly recognizable when compared to its former counterparts. The Metanium MGL has reached new heights with features like a Magnesium frame, CoreSolid body (1 piece frame), and an MGL III Spool. The reel itself feels very similar to the Bantam but is several ounces lighter. The finished product is light weight, incredibly strong, and ultra smooth.

After fishing these reels hard for months we’ve seen no reduction in performance. They’re as smooth as the day we opened the boxes, if not smoother. We’ve been using this reel for “finesse power” techniques. These are cross over techniques where you need the ability to throw light baits but you still need torque and power after you get the bite. It shines for jigs, small to mid-size crankbaits, keitechs, topwater, spinnerbaits, dock fishing, etc.

See the reel here…
-Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

If you’re interested in other Shimano reels at different price points, here are a few of the others we’ve reviewed in recent years.

-Shimano Antares 70: https://youtu.be/6qMtpGqcG-w
-Shimano Bantam MGL: https://youtu.be/_o_xtIlBmXQ
-Shimano Curado 150 DC: https://youtu.be/7Q9_5SuLP-8
-Shimano SLX DC: https://youtu.be/s4DTn-Q_SU0

Buzzbait Combo With The Metanium…
Rod- Jackall Poison Adrena 7’4” Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B XG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Crankbait Combo With The Metanium…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B HG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk
Line- Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

Different Reel Speeds/Techniques…
8.1:1 (XG)- Buzzbait, Toads, Burning Lipless, Speed Cranking, Squarebills, Whopper Plopper
7.1:1 (HG)- Topwater, Spinnerbait, Chatterbait, Hopping Jigs, Shaky head, Underspin, Most Moving Baits
6.2:1 (Standard)- Carolina Rig, Finesse Fishing, Dragging Jigs, Bottom Crawling Swimbaits, All Around Universal Speed

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
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What we wear…

Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
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Equipment We Recommend…

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP

Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: http://bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
________________________________________________________________

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!

#bassfishing #reel #Metanium