Can't Find A Megabass Windbuster? Try These Rods Instead!

[@ReelAZMatt]

I sold my Windbuster. I absolutely love my Orochi Enforcer, probably just me though.

[@Cbill1987]

No I love my enforcer as well, great for free rigs, tubes, worms, dark sleepers, finesse jigs, power shotting. Best for deep water. Gives me a lot of leverage on Lake Erie.

[@shadygraves]

I broke my 1st Windbuster on it's maiden voyage. I must've gotten a lemon, because it snapped like a twig. I have to say, I absolutely LOVE it's replacement, though. With a Vanford 2000, it is a superlight, smooth, strong rig. The only problem is that I bought it JUST FOR Vision 110 fishing. This left me with a gap in my arsenal. I remedied that with a 7'2" Phenix M1. It is an awesome rod that picks up where the Windbuster leaves off. For $185, it simply can't be beat. I read reviews before I bought it and every single one was a glowing testament of adulation. I completely concur. If you need a Windbuster stand in, don't hesitate. Only, don't even consider it if you don't like purple!

[@benczarnecki9406]

I love the steez 7’6” mml the one, NRX + 902s and Conquest 902s the best for the free rig primarily using 1/8-1/4 ounce and they fish amazingly at least for me and my friends

[@joshbekah4755]

Trying to decide on a conquest or steez. What do you recommend ?

[@benczarnecki9406]

@@joshbekah4755 pretty tough call to be honest, both are amazing rods that fish pretty similarly. I think the steez can fish lighter baits better and the conquest feels a little beefier but it would definitely be splitting hairs to choose one over the other in my opinion

[@thequixoticangler3364]

At some point, I'm going to get a 3 rod setup from you guys. You've really helped me get going. You did a video on a wacky rig that changed everything.

[@tylucifer9865]

Yessir exactly the question I DM’ed you about. WindBuster VS Utility Player. Picked up a Utility Player and love it

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👊🍻

[@francismcrae4811]

This episode is one of my favorites, information about your products gives me comfort and knowledge in my next rod purchase from Hook Up Tackle

[@twiggsherman3641]

I picked up a Levante Shakyhead on sale. I'm not a big spinning rod fan, but I have to say I've begun taking it out with me almost every trip. I usually start off with a drop shot until it gets hung up, then I switch over to either a spark shad or free rig if I want to be able to cast further. The Shakyhead seems more then capable of doing all of those techniques, and the Levante has enough sensitivity that I'm not struggling to find bites. It's my first Megabass rod, and I'm pretty impressed.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

The Shakeyhead is a great all around rod! Glad it’s working for you!

[@bruceraiken2806]

@@thehookuptackle_usa I was so impressed with the deflection capabilities of the shakeyhead Levante that I purchased a second one. The tip telegraphs the hard bottom so well. I find it's a fun rod to drag with!

[@jasonjenkyns5083]

best explanation of free rig I've ever heard. ;)

[@jimb7304]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the advantages of the free rig vs Texas rig.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@ernestovarela3416]

What wood you say the difference is between the 7'2 cookai and the 7ft?

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Best all around spinning rod out there👌

[@Alex35c]

Own that steez, awesome rod and will do pretty much anything from okashira screwheads, free rig, even will throw 1/2 hard baits in a pinch. Only downside to the rod is the cork isn't the greatest for the price, but sensitivity and action make up for that.

[@jonsnow782]

I like the shout out for the Combat Stick. They don’t get much love here in PA. I got my 12 year old the 7’1” mh, jig and worm. Great for the free rig and super versatile. Built like a tank. Ideal rod for my son to take bank fishing

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

That’s the rod I got for my kids too 👍

[@_Lt__Dan_]

Curious to hear your thoughts on using the Orochi Shakeyhead for Free Rig? too soft?

[@illinibassin]

Rebellion 7ft Medium has been my favorite for 1/4oz free rigs. I have a 2500 Kage LT with it and have a blast. I also like the Evergreen 7'1 MH spin for bulkier baits though my truck door defeated it...I guess a new one is in order.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

That 7’1” MH evergreen is a very capable stick!

[@jamesmanley549]

@the hook up tackle what expride B is comparable to the windbuster in your opinion

[@PKD253]

Man I just found your channel a couple weeks ago and cant stop watching. So much info, I love it!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for being here!

[@MrSwinginjoe]

Which reel do you recommend for the Orochi Enforcer? I just got one for my birthday 🎂

[@mussim2919]

Can you do a comparison Orochi XX vs Windbuster please?

[@RaptureoftheDeep6]

What about the Great Hunting Black Pool 7'7". Id like to use it for free rigs and for spy baits. Can it do both. I like the extra length of the rod.

[@LLTehSaltShakerBlOD]

What about a good replacement for the f0 triza aello? I looked everywhere and it’s out of stock

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Destroyer P5 PopX stick

[@Shawn_Lai]

Why not the SJR rods over rne loomis 822s syr? Aren't the SJR rods more parabolic?

[@underpar3030]

Surprised you didn’t bring up the Triza Ageha. I’ve really enjoyed using it for free rigging!

[@RoadieCyclist26]

Thanks for the videos, always great info.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@valentinmalinin]

I plan getting Cookai Gulf for my seabass fishing. 70m+s is rated up to 50 g, will it really handle stuff like Kanata?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Absolutely!

[@valentinmalinin]

@@thehookuptackle_usa and how does 72ms compare to windbuster? Sorry for bothering, but you guys are the only source of information on the Megabass stuff.

[@kentbrown5369]

Can you recommend a casting rod that would work for the free rig. I have used the p5 bait finesse a few times for lighter Applications but I feel it gets overpowered with 4 inch baits. Love your channel. Thank you for all your knowledge

[@Alex35c]

Poison adrena 6'11 medium plus is a really nice rod for lighter free rig. 1/4 to 1 oz rating

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

In Megabass I would do the P5 X Bites

[@ewwee2k]

Thanks for the video! What about using a baitcaster for Free Rigging?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Absolutely! I’m referring to it here as a finesse technique but use it on heavier gear too!

[@ewwee2k]

@@thehookuptackle_usa Thanks. Maybe do another Free rig tutorial and how to work it & preferred baits & gear. Line size & the like

[@conedprepper]

Hello love your channel! Question is daiwa saltiga 7' medi/heavy reg-action glass rod a great all around rod? To be honest I'm just starting to fish.

[@jonathanclement4587]

You talked about steez ags and tatula elite. Is there a good option in the rebellion line?

[@thendricks9499]

Do you always use the free rig on spinning gear/finesse presentation? Or do you also fish on casting setup?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I like it as a finesse technique, but you can absolutely do it as a normal technique on heavier casting gear

[@Snoogleheimer]

I have a Landsat.

[@TheBeagledogxxx]

By far my most watched/referenced hookup video. Great stuff

[@sparhawk7774]

Great content. Definitely want to try this. What reels would you recommend to pair up with the Steez?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

The ultimate would be the Exist. Certate or Kage would be good options too

[@awesomjsmooth33]

Glad I got windbuster 😎😎😎

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

Great video!! 👍🏻👍🏻🍺🍺

[@prodigalscoundrel]

I'm on a budget. Would a Mojo Bass 7'1 Medium Fast get the job done?

[@Designed2Hurt]

Of course!

[@Shawn_Lai]

Are you fans of the exprides or poison adrenas? Those rods seem to never make it on your lists.. just curious!

[@akersnl]

April next year!

[@kayachaa2679]

Do u ship to Spain?

[@jamesh7469]

I know Ben isn’t really a St Croix fan but it would be nice if he was at least familiar with the models. 7’ M Fast does not carry down through all the lines since Victory and LTB threw out the model conventions

[@mandogfish7418]

Can't believe you pushed a St Croix Xtreme.

[@treehunter1]

You should shed some light on the poison glorious. I got the new 7’4 swimbait model and it’s amazing

[@toulee845]

do you run braid to leader for free rig? would the weight sliding down the line hurt the knot?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Always braid to leader. I’ve never had a problem with it.

[@lonyeary4979]

Why do you guys only use spinning tackle for free rigging? Why not use an equivalent action bait caster?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I use it mainly as a finesse technique, but you can absolutely throw it on casting

[@Steven_Carlson]

Can't find any because I have them all 👀

[@kylemayer8486]

Said it before and I'll say it again. Ark reinforcers are on par with any of these rods. You carry their tungsten, you should give at least their top of the line rods a chance.

[@michaelorsaovue]

I use an x bites for free rig.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

This would be a great option

[@randyjob5769]

Or you just have to know the right people to get a windbuster 😉

[@timmysd88]

Not for nothing but I think Ben is a nice guy and a decent fisherman, his at his best though presenting new baits for sure. He wouldn’t last a month here on the Delaware River by Philadelphia. Griff would though.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I don’t know what this means, but 🍻

[@Cbill1987]

Catch smallmouth on a free rig all day on the Delaware? Especially on the dolive beaver? If he can finesse the sh*t out of smallmouth on the Great Lakes, what would make the Delaware river a challenge? Really all you need is finesse jigs on that river. Pause jerkbaits in the colder months. Don’t really understand the angle here. The Susquehanna is a way better smallmouth fishery anyway. No need to waste time on the Delaware. Shoot even the Allegheny is better.

[@bryanturner2494]

Sure would be nice if you would highlight more affordable rods and reels. You just don't seem to give 2 shits about the beginner fisherman. It really turns people off that just want to learn about new techniques and then they see the price u spit out and it's a waste of time.

[@rtuneloft]

incase u dont know... hookup is a shop that deals with high end jdm products... Its what hookup specialize in and is known for..... most jdm products are expensive ... I suggest u shop places who dont specialize in high end jdm products if u want more affordable prices so u dont waste ur time !!!

[@MadMaxx89]

Go watch a tactical bassin buyers guide. They have them at multiple price points and the hook up carries most rods in those videos. St Croix bass x and mojo are great starting points in my opinion to start dipping your toes into nicer gear. If that's still to expensive just go get a rod from Walmart and fish away, you may be overthinking what you need to just start fishing.

[@jacobkramer1089]

There are tons more people that cover the lower end than the higher end. I love that they highlight these products.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s the opposite actually. If beginners got the gear we speak about instead of “cheap” gear they’d love their experience so much more and would catch more fish faster. 🍻

[@bogdanmircea5720]

I buy the steez ! 🫡

[@ZoeyL-h3y]

Is the 7’1m steez able to throw 3/8oz finesse jig that weighs 5/8oz with trailer?