Buyer's Guide: Best $500 Rod and Reel Combos!

$500 Combos are the best “Bang For The Buck” in the entire industry! Some of these rods should be priced hundreds of dollars higher but thankfully, they remain very affordable. If you’re looking to take your angling to the next level, any of these rod and reel combos will help you do it. From the Shimano Expride’s incredible sensitivity, to the Megabass Orochi’s incredible actions, there is something at this price point for every angler!

Every time you move up in price, you gain sensitivity and longevity. The jump in quality from $400 combos to $500, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. Some of these rods skip right over the middle and function as truly high-end rods. You won’t find a more sensitive rod than an Expride without spending $400 or more! You won’t find more refined components than on an Orochi at nearly any price. And you won’t find more dialed, technique specific actions, than on the IMX-Pros.

Below you’ll find links to the 6 lines of rods we recommend, along with all of our top choices by technique. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Previous Buyer’s Guides…
-$400 Combos: https://youtu.be/1k3FyjCbSgI
-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/mS5MZvmfrtE
-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/-RXLi3Yd4QY

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides…
-High End Combos
-Swimbait Guide

TOP 6 COMBOS…

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
-Shimano Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB
Favorite Models- 6’10” Medium, 7’2′ MH, 7’3″ XH, 7’6″ Heavy

-Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
-Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa
Favorite Models- Braillist, Extreme Mission Type F

-G Loomis IMX Pro: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC
-Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Favorite Models- 845 CBR, 906 CBR, 966 Swim, 812 SBR

-St. Croix Legend Tournament: http://bit.ly/2Ap51x5
-Shimano Tranx 200A: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Favorite Models- Big Cranker, 7’4″ Medium Heavy

-Savage Gear Black Ops: https://bit.ly/35Qfcc7
-Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Favorite Models- 7’1″ Medium heavy, 7’3″ Medium Heavy

-Dobyns Champion XP: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V
-Shimano Tranx 200A: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Favorite Models- 805 CB, 807 Mag, 806 Heavy

TOP MODELS BY TECHNIQUE…

Jerkbait- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Lipless- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Chatterbait- Shimano Expride 7’2″ Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Dropshot- Megabass Orochi XX WhipSnake: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej
Ned Rig- Shimano Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q
ShakyHead- Shimano Expride 7′ Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q
Heavy Flipping- Shimano Expride 7’11” XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Light Flip- Shimano Expride 7’6″ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Tail Spin- G Loomis IMX Pro 843 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Blade Bait- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Keitech (4.8)- Shimano Expride 7’2″ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Keitech (2.8)- G Loomis IMX Pro 862C SWBR: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS
Jig (Pitch and Flip)- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Jig (Football)- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Big Swimbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF
Big Swimbait- Dobyns Champion XP 806/807: http://bit.ly/2aivwYX
Deep Crank (Tight Action)- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Deep Crank (Wide Action)- St. Croix Legend Tourn 7’6″ MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2Ap51x5
Deep Crank (10XD)- Dobyns Champion XP 805 Crank: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V
Squarebill- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Spinnerbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 SBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi
Frog- Shimano Expride 7’3″ Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Topwater- G Loomis IMX Pro 843C MBR (7′ Medium): http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

TOP REELS TO PAIR WITH…

All Around- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Cranking- Shimano Tranx 200 HG: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
DC Performance- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Light Baits- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

_________________________________________________________________

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
_________________________________________________________________

Equipment We Use Daily…

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
________________________________________________________________

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 #tackle #buyersguide

Buyer's Guide: Best $500 Rod and Reel Combos!

$500 Combos are the best “Bang For The Buck” in the entire industry! Some of these rods should be priced hundreds of dollars higher but thankfully, they remain very affordable. If you’re looking to take your angling to the next level, any of these rod and reel combos will help you do it. From the Shimano Expride’s incredible sensitivity, to the Megabass Orochi’s incredible actions, there is something at this price point for every angler!

Every time you move up in price, you gain sensitivity and longevity. The jump in quality from $400 combos to $500, is the biggest increase at any price point in bass fishing. Some of these rods skip right over the middle and function as truly high-end rods. You won’t find a more sensitive rod than an Expride without spending $400 or more! You won’t find more refined components than on an Orochi at nearly any price. And you won’t find more dialed, technique specific actions, than on the IMX-Pros.

Below you’ll find links to the 6 lines of rods we recommend, along with all of our top choices by technique. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Previous Buyer’s Guides…
-$400 Combos: https://youtu.be/1k3FyjCbSgI
-$200 Combos: https://youtu.be/mS5MZvmfrtE
-$100 Combos: https://youtu.be/-RXLi3Yd4QY

Upcoming Buyer’s Guides…
-High End Combos
-Swimbait Guide

TOP 6 COMBOS…

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
-Shimano Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB
Favorite Models- 6’10” Medium, 7’2′ MH, 7’3″ XH, 7’6″ Heavy

-Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
-Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa
Favorite Models- Braillist, Extreme Mission Type F

-G Loomis IMX Pro: http://bit.ly/2lVATTC
-Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Favorite Models- 845 CBR, 906 CBR, 966 Swim, 812 SBR

-St. Croix Legend Tournament: http://bit.ly/2Ap51x5
-Shimano Tranx 200A: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Favorite Models- Big Cranker, 7’4″ Medium Heavy

-Savage Gear Black Ops: https://bit.ly/35Qfcc7
-Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Favorite Models- 7’1″ Medium heavy, 7’3″ Medium Heavy

-Dobyns Champion XP: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V
-Shimano Tranx 200A: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Favorite Models- 805 CB, 807 Mag, 806 Heavy

TOP MODELS BY TECHNIQUE…

Jerkbait- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Lipless- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Chatterbait- Shimano Expride 7’2″ Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Dropshot- Megabass Orochi XX WhipSnake: http://bit.ly/2XkVoej
Ned Rig- Shimano Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q
ShakyHead- Shimano Expride 7′ Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q
Heavy Flipping- Shimano Expride 7’11” XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Light Flip- Shimano Expride 7’6″ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Tail Spin- G Loomis IMX Pro 843 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Blade Bait- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Keitech (4.8)- Shimano Expride 7’2″ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Keitech (2.8)- G Loomis IMX Pro 862C SWBR: http://bit.ly/2x9kxuS
Jig (Pitch and Flip)- Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Jig (Football)- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Big Swimbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF
Big Swimbait- Dobyns Champion XP 806/807: http://bit.ly/2aivwYX
Deep Crank (Tight Action)- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Deep Crank (Wide Action)- St. Croix Legend Tourn 7’6″ MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2Ap51x5
Deep Crank (10XD)- Dobyns Champion XP 805 Crank: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V
Squarebill- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH
Spinnerbait- G Loomis IMX Pro 812 SBR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi
Frog- Shimano Expride 7’3″ Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Topwater- G Loomis IMX Pro 843C MBR (7′ Medium): http://bit.ly/2lVATTC

TOP REELS TO PAIR WITH…

All Around- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Cranking- Shimano Tranx 200 HG: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
DC Performance- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Light Baits- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

_________________________________________________________________

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
_________________________________________________________________

Equipment We Use Daily…

Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
________________________________________________________________

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 #tackle #buyersguide

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
_________________________________________________________________

What we wear…

Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
_________________________________________________________________

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