Catching Chunks On A Walmart Rod!

Fishing for big smallmouth bass with a Walmart rod! I forgot my nice rods at home on this trip so I had to stop by the closest Walmart to my fishing spot and grabbed an Ozark Trail casting combo. Will it hold up to some chunky fall smallies? Let's find out!
NDYakAngler merch: shorturl.at/jwCLR
Gear used on this trip:
Kayak: Hobie Compass www.hitempo.com/
Rod/Reel: Ozark Trail OTX combo from Walmart
Lure: Z-Man Minnowz 3" amzn.to/475IyAp
Jig: Keitech round head 3/16 3/0 amzn.to/3T4bXUQ
Line: Power Pro Super Slick V2 15lb amzn.to/3rRI6qp
Leader: Daiwa J-Fluoro 12lb amzn.to/3SqD0wb
Pliers: Umpqua Rivergrip amzn.to/49z5vO0

[@henrypeterson1981]

The Best part about this Video is the “Left Behind” Rod & Reels. Your Walmart purchase should attract many new Followers and I’m glad you’ve included that fact into a Video.

[@anthonyhoffmann543]

It's the man not the equipment! True professional!

[@cjhalasz6000]

I agree 100%!!

[@thehamburget]

Here’s something weird. I live on a lake connected to the ocean by a river, but it’s still freshwater. Anyways I threw on a bass jig and caught my first steelhead ever 🤷‍♂️

[@irkjustice5600]

When they're hungry, they'll eat about anything, just like any other fish. My father and I used to use 3 inch curl tail jigs to catch channel catfish at certain times of the year. That's cool catching your first steelhead. Gongrats!

[@RadGhost-gt5sq]

Well that was a hunger steelhead!

[@thehamburget]

I was fully expecting a like 3lbs bass but no I caught a 30inch Steelee

[@RadGhost-gt5sq]

@@thehamburget lol for sure!

[@messi10monu99]

Yep. Steelhead will go for anything unexpected. They are such an anomaly when it comes to baits/lures. Two of my top steelhead lures that work for me every single fall/winter is a frikin small rubber shrimp lure I use for salt water and then a small streamer/deep water fly I only ever use for brook trout. So I’m sure u could catch some more steelhead on that bass jig in the future!! What color is it?

[@earlshannon1048]

Hey Matt you made my day I'm 67 and once in awhile I forget something lol good to know you younger guys forget things! 😅😂😅! Great video really enjoyed it 👍

[@jessedean5127]

I love the humility you show…We have ALL forgotten something in our gear before heading a field…including my gun before a hunting trip 😂 Thanks for keeping it all real…Great Content Sir!

[@camronbitzer3159]

I love how you catch 10 fish and just act like it's no thang at all. I get ecstatic over a single fish 😂

[@XxsteamerxX]

Me too. I'm learning to act like I've been there before and not yell in excitement, trying not to scaring off any future catches

[@MisterCOM]

Fishing gear has become really good for the money you need to spend. I remember when i was around 10 years old, 14 years ago, that it would rattle and feel more plasticy than a happy meal toy.

[@montyjerkins5848]

The best freshwater fishing in the country in Minnesota

[@Jetrojack04]

Love how you turned a small memory laps into an interesting product review. Great content, as always.

[@cobraviorel]

Respect from Romania ! All video i like! Keep doing !🐟🎣

[@PizzaShrimp]

the ozark stuff seems pretty good for the price. realistic fishing used his ozark baitcaster for about 3 years before he finally put it down because of mechanical issues. not bad for a cheep combo (he paid 35 at the time) that he didn't do ANY maintenance on at all.

[@PNW_Adventures1]

Your content is so pure, it’s unmatched. Thanks for that. The quality is the best. Just fishing and positive energy without ads and sponsors.

[@FishingIsLifeBro]

My wife calls him the Mr. Roger's of the fishing world.

[@docv73]

​@@FishingIsLifeBro😅🤣😂 I said the exact same thing when I subscribe to him a couple years ago.

[@Jetrojack04]

Yep. Pure love of the game.

[@PNW_Adventures1]

If you wanna watch some fishing. This is unfiltered. No clickbait.

[@JohnnyParker-we4nf]

Honestly and humility, shows character. Great vid.

[@greggdsciotto8952]

We fishermen should patronize bait and tackle shops whenever possible! Wal-Mart, only in a pinch!!

[@Goregoonswasteofspace]

Walleyemart saves the day! 😉

[@6412mars]

It's not the gear it's the fisherman..as a young boy way back when ...fishing fall crappies around docks,I landed a 40lb blue cat on a 202 zebco with 4lb line😂Thanks to big brother RIP..who taught me to be a good fisherman..I'm 63 now and have taught my kids and their kids to be good fisherman and fishergals.

[@geraldduncan5646]

Walmart sporting goods should send you a nice Thank you for all that free promotional on that $65.00 combo you had such great success with on this trip.😁

[@ndyakangler]

I can write it off on my taxes at the end of the year at least!

[@geraldduncan5646]

@@ndyakangler it’s always good to have a back up plan,eh Matt? Are smallies good eating? I notice in your videos that it’s always catch&release which is a good thing,( whenever the cameras rolling). But, when it’s not, I would’ve thought you would keep one or two for a nice meal, eh? Looking forward to your video, young man,👌

[@cliffpeebles9705]

Great lesson shared. You don't need to bust the budget on gear.

[@irkjustice5600]

You have some of the best fishing waters. Really enjoy your content!

[@kellymoore4517]

Heck of a Walmart commerical we've got here!

[@rickvoigt8720]

Totally relatable. A few years back we drove into Canada on our annual trip and when I got there, the rod case was in the van but the reel case was still back home in the garage. Didn't spoil the trip at all since my buddies always bring back-ups, but they were both right-handed and I use LH. No problem with spinning reels, but I had trouble with the baitcasters. Not so much on reel and retrieve baits, but on topwaters and jerkbaits, I struggled to get the right action. Even so, it was another great trip!

[@OneDegreeLife]

Thanks for this! I picked up a 5.5 foot light action Ozark Trail OTX spinning rod a while back for creeks. Slightly stiff, but excellent rod for $35! Great to see a well-watched angler giving an honest review of a "cheap" combo, even though it was purchased because of an unfortunate scenario. Keep the videos coming!

[@73bwell]

You have the Best fishing 🎣 show on U-Tube!🏆 Howdy my Friend

[@brucemckinnley5272]

To be able to fish in such lush surroundings, clean water, no boat traffic, and beauts Smallies....this is on my Bucket list for sure!!! Thanks for your awesome vids

[@JamesBurger1]

This proves that you don't need the best gear to have a good time on the water. Good catches

[@docv73]

Loved this video. I am also very pleased with an Ozark combo. I awoke today to my little brother heading back to Texas, and 4 inches of fresh snow on the ground (Iowa). I needed a pick me up. Thanks for what you do! I have that same Ozark rod/reel. A few years ago, when I finally figured out how to use a bait caster, I asked for more for Christmas and my birthday. My son and his wife got me this Ozark. I have a Piscifun, 2 Daiwas, and 3 each Lews and Abu Garcias, so the Ozark was appreciated but always kept for selective limited uses, because I didn't trust it. 3 years later, it gets used a lot. It has EARNED a place in my stack of combos, so much that I don't even look for which brand I'm grabbing anymore. I just grab the set up I want.

[@the2060ish]

Pike on the Walmart rod officially broke in. Happy you save some videos to play in the winter..👏👏

[@exwldr6945]

I Love catching PIKE, Never get Enough of them, they're All Good!!

[@shepardsonp]

@NDYakAngler - The Zebco Snoopy combo would be hilarious. Not to mention the Ronco Pocket Fisherman. A whole new line of content for the channel! :)

[@montyjerkins5848]

When I was a kid I thought that pocket fisherman was so cool!

[@dalebechtel8904]

I’m also glad you made this into a rod and reel review especially for people that can’t afford the higher end ones.

[@christinerogers5331]

Another great video, Matt, that Walmart combo turned out to be a great deal, and it produced some really nice bass. Anxiously awaiting your next video, take care and be safe!

[@hbrianunderwood4946]

Nice, honest evaluation of the OT combo. Way to roll. Love your winter prospecting using that mapper. Great stuff, Matt.

[@nicholasfantini3638]

This season was my first year using mainly baitcasters and I have found that the OTX stuff is decent. I have a few Ozark rods and reels. They make a MH rod called a GRITSTICK. That's my favorite so far. Love the content dude keep it up.

[@dietwaffles5907]

I have this combo as my first baitcaster setup and it has served me very well. I have used it as a frog rod, and despite the med/heavy rating I have landed some nice fish on it! I have 50lb braid on it and it has been a great experience for my first baitcaster

[@bobbyswain7049]

You had yourself a day. 65 dollar combo was def a winner and banged out a bunch of 17 plus inch smallies.......doesnt get any better than that🐟

[@antoniomora1255]

I love fishing in that kind of weather. I really love it especially if you have such a splendid catch. And with an unexpected cheap combo which turned out to work more than finely. A nice drive back to one’s warm home recalling those marvellous smallies. As always, a most enjoyable fishing video that I didn’t expect to have since it has been uploaded on Sunday and not on Saturday as usual.

[@CapnDanTreasures]

Great video as always... I have 15 high priced St Croix rods paired with Daiwa Tatula's and 1 Daiwa spinning rod that I bought for like $30 from Kmart back in the early 80's, it still catches fish as well as all of my expensive rods. Keep the great videos coming Sir... Tight lines!!

[@ZacharyBobbie1611]

That same exact Walmart rod was what I learned how to use a bait caster on. It was affordable, durable, and perfect for a learner’s rod. Tight lines my friend! 😎🎣

[@Aidan_Eh]

YOOOOOOOOOO BassMang! ! ! ! 👋🤓 a fisherman forgetting his rods???? ive never heard of such a thing.. lol 🤣 i think wallymart owes you a percentage for that product assessment.. lol this was great dude, thx for draggin us along.. see ya on the next an be safe out there .. Buh Bye 👋🥸

[@toddfarmer6210]

You don't need a $500 combo, $20 bait $5k electronics & $50k boat to enjoy fishing. A cheap kayak, decent rod & reel, a small assortment of different baits & a lake map. Grow your gear as your budget allows. 60 years of fishing & I still get a thrill with a cane pole & a worm. Enjoy fishing whatever your budget.

[@j.a.1785]

💯👍

[@nunnuka-7728]

sometimes its more fun to just go back to basics and sit on a rock with pole on your hand and fish some random species and enjoy the day

[@randallburgess46]

Always love to see small mouth,no matter what size. They are beautiful. I’m going to buy the Ozark set up for myself. Thanks for taking me along.

[@ericallison4494]

Brother, you catch more Smallies than anyone I've ever seen...and I live in Kentucky. You should plan you a trip to Dale Hollow. Catch that 7 or 8 pounder.

[@JReb71]

Thanks for the trip catchin my absolute favorite fish in the world

[@PaintedTurtle001]

Ozark Trail products are pretty darn good. I use their tents, sandals, etc. Thanks to you, i now know they make rods and reels. Thanks! 👍

[@highnoon116]

Thanks for sharing your fishing journeys with all of us this year! Very well done…. High Noon

[@ojabog]

Quality of “cheap” fishing rods is better than one might expect. The reel might have a pile of plastic parts that wear out easily, but perform well enough for light use.

[@TKOSNGR]

Walmart's rod and reel selection, at least in my area, has really improved over the years. Ive recently started upgrading some of my tackle but still own several Lews Hank Parker casting rods and theyre work horses. My oldest being probably 6-7 years old and they still catch fish as good as my Shimano rods 😃

[@MannyTV_]

It’s terrible in my area. Hopefully in the future Walmart makes it better

[@trs4437]

I’m prone to the odd brain-fart, too. Back in October I worked hard all week to clear a Friday morning to go kayak fishing, day dreamed about it all week, got up at 5:00 am, tossed the kayak on the roof-racks, then spent the next hour searching in vain for my cam straps. It occurred to me I probably wound them up and left them on the car roof after stowing the kayak back in the garage the last time I took a Friday morning off. No doubt someone in my neighborhood was stoked to find expensive straps laying in the road in front of their house. I was so bummed out I went back to bed instead of using my old ratchets. Preparation is nine tenths of the job, my Dad used to always say.

[@LiSa.N.J]

Now that Combo I can afford. Great "Review". Thanks for taking us out with ya again this Sunday. Always look forward to your videos. Stay safe!

[@checkmatekingtwothisiswhit7685]

It's crazy, a $65 combo fishes as well as a $400 one. Thanks NDYA

[@kayceeyou]

I'm sure the $400 will outlast the $65, but for the average angler, going affordable will work out.

[@GB-yk4nt]

@@kayceeyou I don't know- If you mainly fish out of a kayak, especially on rivers, I recommend avoiding the high-end gear. No matter how careful you are it's only a matter of time before you lose stuff.

[@cjhalasz6000]

@@GB-yk4ntrespect!

[@BourbonTrailFishing]

Thank you for all the effort you put into your content. You’ve inspired me to start posting my footage. In spring I’m going to start getting some long form material with a couple GoPro’s. Wish me luck and thanks again!

[@tmkayakfishing8236]

Great video today! I fish mostly budget combos on my bait casting rod and reels. For the most part they work out great. They don't always hold up to the stress of a lot of fishing. The plastic eyes and plastic hardware seems to be where they fall apart the most. However, I can buy new every year the biggest benefit is being able to have gear for friends and family.

[@DanKoning777]

Great fall outing-based on the comments it's clear you're not the only one subject to "senior moments." I met with an older gentleman yrs ago to demonstrate an issue with my guitar-when I got there my case was empty; how/why I didn't feel the weight difference. 😕😂In the end this kinda worked to everyone's advantage [even Walmart's]. You just provided a unbias field test-helpful to those on a strict(er) budget. Makes you wonder how many good "budget" combos there are. Good stuff Matt. God bless.

[@robertverrinder1614]

Look forward to seeing you use it on the river. Wonder how it will hold up to bigger pike and muskie.

[@crazy88909]

@NDYakAnger I went fishing and it was so cold. My reel was freezing but with the tips you have been giving me, I caught a 4.6 pound smallmouth! Thanks NDYakAngler!

[@kennyw6932]

Your adventure today demonstrated Walmart Ozark fishing equipment catches fish too. Loved that 20 incher, your reward for humble forgetfulness, right? Thanks for sharing.

[@MrFreekyByg]

It's going to be a long cold wait until yak season starts again. Thanks for the videos!

[@rolandgdean]

LOVE THE CHEAP COMBO CHALLENGE! I've been really wishing you'd do a Zebco 33 combo challenge...this is pretty close. I think it would be a great video success for you...as a woodworking content maker, (much smaller scale) I notice the "all hand tool" videos get tons of views. It seems people love to see pros use primitive "more relatable" tools. Love your honest review of the product. I see tools like that as WAY better than our fathers had, even thought they're cheaper because the lesser things benefit from the tech developed at the higher end. A REALLY GREAT VIDEO sir!

[@dasimcoes]

That minnowz bait was catching em today. Another great video.

[@josephabeytajosephabeyta9305]

Always good to watch your videos. Always worth the time. Thanks, can't wait to see some ice fishing videos. BTW, I too have forgotten my rods...and bought a Walmart rig, strangely it remains in my rotation

[@onimusza666]

We already have a light winter in Poland, so there is no ice yet :( and in May I had a kayak capsizing and drowned two fishing rods and had to return home

[@ndyakangler]

We’re making ice here now! I’ll be checking a few lakes in the next couple days.

[@docv73]

Been there done that. It sucks. I also sent a fish finder to the bottom of the lake when I flipped. Plus it was early April, and the water was still very cold.

[@greatplainsman3662]

​@@ndyakanglerstarting to make ice in outstate Nebraska. Next week in the forties...back to zero.

[@aceboardtheangler5252]

Well if nothing else, you have a combo to leave in the truck at all times 😂 Nice video 🎣👌🏾

[@xlucim]

I never buy expensive rods and I've never had an 'economical' one break.

[@therivergiveth]

You must not be fishing that hard lol. I break 2-3 mid range rods per year which is to be expected as I fish at least 2 days a week year round.

[@Travis12861]

⁠@@therivergivethI fish more than that and still have 15 year old Shakespeare combos that are still working. Sounds like you’re just careless. 😂

[@bobbyswain7049]

I fish 4-7 days a week and have only broken 3 rods in 30 years......js😆

[@rvmcwhorter]

I might go pick one of those up to learn baitcasting. Love your vids , and great job picking up on the merch now !! You rock NDyakangler

[@atuuschaaw]

That was one productive point holding a lot of good fish! Excellent! ♥

[@philipstephan5451]

Man those were some nice small mouth bass. The small mouth bass here in Indiana of comparable size are few and far between. Your Ozark trail rod and reel handled every thing you threw at it with flying colors. Hey, stay safe, cheers. 😊

[@thatfishingnoob]

Sly move Matt, forgetting those rods so you could show everyone how it’s done with a Walmart reel haha. Kidding. Sick fishing. Glad you got the pedals out!

[@Tightt88]

The Ozark Trail rod and reel line are surprisingly great for how cheap they are. I am a big fan of all of them. I just wish they made ultra light reels.

[@turboboy0]

i never have to worry about forgetting my fishing rods. i keep 3 telescoping rods and 1 ice fishing rod in my truck at all times in case i don't bring my regular ones. i can fish at any time.

[@MatthewKipp-vu1kc]

I have the otx reel and tbh it really works well it’s probably my favorite cheapist real I’ve ever bought

[@tomroise9426]

Nice plug for Walmart rod. I sure hope they appreciate you!! Tough to leave when they are hitting like they are out there. But wise decision … Thx for sharing …

[@markstott6689]

It just goes to prove that you don't necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars to catch fish. I once took the dog out for a hike about 30 years ago. I had a 6ft length of line, a tiny hook, and a couple of slices of wholemeal bread. I tossed it into a brook a few times and caught and released 3 brown trout in no time at all. I just looked at the Fargo forecast: -2°C to -12°C and snow showers. The big freeze must be imminent. 😊😊🎣❄️⛸️❄️⛸️❄️🎣😊😊 Meanwhile here in Yorkshire 5°C to 2°C and grey.

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Great vid! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the ice fishing season!

[@TWC6724]

I got my first StCroix BassX spinning rod for $81 on Black Friday. Can’t wait to get it in the mail.

[@jeffreyboucher344]

Could probably spend 100-200 bucks on new spool and "upgrade" the Ozark combo and it would still be cheaper than a 400 dollar setup...probably perform damn near just as good too! Nice catches and cheers from Maine

[@trentonhansen8333]

Those OTX combos are actually pretty nice. I have two and I really like them. One of them is the casting version of your combo, and it's a favorite.

[@victorsimonsen921]

thanks for sharing seems like more times than not you end up with good one.great video

[@lawrenceconstantine7735]

I went the other way and got an Old Town 106 Minn Kota just love it.

[@fishingtherapy4565]

Mooorrrreee vivideoooosssss!!!! Have all my babies!

[@bigdeliciousband]

On a day that I forgot my (surf) fishing rod, I drove all the way home and back again and ended up catching my PB Striped Bass. Need to forget the rod more often.

[@ViperrVFX]

love starting the day with a good ndyak vid

[@tmscheum]

Thumb is looking a lot better!

[@TheJaymon1962]

I enjoy these videos very much, plus I learn something too

[@timmarkowicz779]

You have a number of great fishing holes. Living in a sparsely populated area helps.

[@TheNodontdoit]

Next season maybe consider doing a challenge at a couple entry level price points to show YT how much more important mental work of fishing is than the gear (we all love the gear don’t get me wrong 😅). Cheers 🇨🇦

[@BenjySparky]

Matt you rock! Love the channel and content. Peace

[@Elroy5150]

Another fantastic video!

[@Sherm_Hildebrandt]

Dont need no fancy stuff to catch bass. Pike and my favorite the muskie, thats a whole nother ballgame.

[@kj197734]

I just did this to myself back in July. I had rods set up in the garage to take to Minnesota, loaded up the truck, and left without the rods. Dick's and Walmart to the rescue for me to make it through the weekend.

[@JaredKirkwood]

I always enjoy your content.

[@jdalend]

Would you say this is a good combo for someone to use as a first baitcasting combo?? Ive only used spinning reels so far.

[@JamesMiller-wg7mf]

we're all watching your banged up thumbnail grow back out :)

[@rascaligan8122]

Man I hate when I forget stuff! Got to the water one day and realized I forgot my paddle! Great stuff as always pal.

[@ndyakangler]

I’ve done that once or twice too! Most of my gear just stays in the back seat of my truck now.

[@rascaligan8122]

@@ndyakangler Same! There are certain things that just stay in my car so I dont forget them.

[@joshtp1234]

I always say that the fish don't care what rod you use! after $100 there are diminishing returns on rods anyways. Great video.

[@SystemLost]

Just like most hobbies, cheap gear can usually get the job done.

[@earlwilliams2889]

I am glad to see you do an honest video also this shows you do not have to spend 400.00 dolars to catch fish thank you from those of us how love to fish but donot have the money to buy the very best .

[@topwaterwes2339]

Bought the Quantum Octane rod/reel combo last spring. Used it for most of summer until the thumb bar crapped out. $50 combo. It seems Ozark Trail may be a better combo 😂

[@ndyakangler]

I’d be impressed if either one got me through a season without any issues! That’s usually the problem with those cheap combos they just don’t last more than a season.

[@KD-kf4zm]

At least in the past, is was Quantum making the Ozark trail products. I have a rod that says Ozark trail on the rod blank and has zebco / quantum on the tag.

[@865Dev]

Love that ozark TFO rod have one in a UL spin awesome video

[@darrentsosie6334]

I use the OTX rods and i like them. 1 spinning rod and 2 casting rods.

[@jasonovens4932]

I’d trust the rod and reel almost as well as any other combo, it’s the line that I wouldn’t use. I’d have to change the line immediately

[@copw5]

Best fishing content on the internet/ Bring on some corporate sponsors!

[@thomas77597]

I’m not saying rod and reels don’t matter, but they don’t really. I have two young boys I take out, they fish on ugly stiks and $50 reels. We catch plenty of large fish. If I go out solo I’ll bring something nice, but it’s not a night and day difference.