My FAVORITE Combos of 2022 (These DON'T SUCK)

[@chrisrus53]

Must... resist... buying... new... gear...... Another solid video. Always enjoy hearing your opinions on new gear. The last half of the year I found myself picking up my St. Croix Victory Rip n' Chatter with a Daiwa Tatula SV. It's great for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.

[@shawnbeck2303]

Best reel for me. Quantum Smoke S3 PT Baitcaster. $199.00 reel for $99.00. On a Vengence rod M/H fast. Whole combo $150.00 pound for pound. Dollar for Dollar. Bang for your buck combo. It just flat work's. Shawn.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Debo, here is South Africa bass rod and reel prices have increased a LOT! I found the Piscifun Phantom reel at Aliexpress and paired it with a Sensation medium heavy casting rod. Rod and reel together was about equall to 100 dollars. I like that reel more than my Shomano Calisto or my older Curado. Casts a countrymile and i love rhe dual braking system. Best reel i ever owned. Just ordered thw Phiscifun carbon xcs casting reel. Can't wait for it. Biggest bass on the combo was just over 6 pounds.

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Two of my favorite under-the-radar rod companies, Okuma and Temple Fork Outfitters! My Zillion is my new favorite reel but I picked up some nice spinners too! The Black Friday splurge was an Abu Garcia Zata spinning combo for $99. Should make a good trout setup!

[@BigDirtDawg]

No doubt about the zillion. I picked up the jdm version this year and love it. By far the best reel i’ve ever owned no even close either

[@HappyKatsFishing]

I always get such great info from you. Thank you for what you do. Love finding out about new lures and rods I might not have bought had you not done a review on it. Love watching you catch fish.

[@TheGellyzoo]

Great video Debo! Love all your stuff, learned a lot from you. Thanks!

[@benwilkey2060]

Reel nut at the back on spinning rods is smart. I manage to loosen mine continually when they are in front of the reel.

[@mikvogel]

I loved my Shimano Curado DC paired with a 6th Sense ESP 7’2” Med Mod/Fast. I got it dialed in right around early June and just knew exactly how and where to cast it to put my lures right where I wanted them. Could cast it a country mile, or very short with confidence in my accuracy.

[@andyposey10]

Best rod for me was my Champion XP 734, and favorite reel was my tatula 100. Picked up another tatula 100 on sale to add for next year and a Tatula Elite P/F so we'll see how that one ranks next year!

[@buzzworth2396]

Great review Debo!!!! My favorite you had is the Daiwa Tatula Baitcaster set up. I'm a serious Daiwa fan!!! The spinning gear I liked the most was the Shimano. I used to own about 25 different Shimano setups. Sadly I don't own any right now. Last time I went fishing, I had someone steal one of my Daiwa Whiskers 1300ss and Daiwa Laguna spinning rod. I saw them by my Jeep and by the time I got to the Jeep, they took off running. So I'll be shopping for a new spinning combo. Shimano is definitely a great product. Just hard to find good deals on them here.

[@philipfalco7304]

My favorite do-all spinning combo is the Tatula 7' med. with my 17' Exsence C3000MHG. The balance and sensitivity is perfect.

[@jasonsilevinac3158]

The reel that shined for me this year was the Okuma Hakai. It’s my only Okuma product I own, and I bought it on a whim. I was VERY pleasantly surprised (other than the awkward grips…).

[@kennethdipietro4875]

Okuma makes a ton of quality stuff, a very underrated company

[@kunaiwithchain5278]

Isn’t that like 200 bucks?

[@brianhershberger4429]

YES I too added quite a few reels and rods this last year. I too am a big fan of the Daiwa 150 Tatula. Awesome reel for the price. But my big difference comes with the Shimano Stradic's. Either the Fl or the Cl4 you will be buying a reel that in my opinion it is beyond smooth. You may not find another reel that is slightly smoother but you'll pay $400. The Stradic Cl4 is the best buy among all reels, period I bought three and I'd buy three more if I could find them used in good to excellent condition.

[@robkiltie6481]

Fantastic review Debo - my favorite line of rods this past year was the Lews Signatures rods. Insanely light and I love the Winn grips. For reels, for the money I think that SLX MGL is hard to beat.

[@jimboslice7389]

I sold a bunch of older combos for these two pond setup. Gloomis 843MBR/Metanium and Gloomis 852s/Tatula LT3000. They do just about everything I need.

[@mattkies524]

Diawa sweepfire and crossfire rods and reels. Great budget gear.

[@makcatchem9614]

Daiwa zillion, NRX+ 873c CRR, 16 LB Sunline Shooter, half ounce football jigs. By far my favorite combo of the year

[@ATKR45]

I bought a Abu Garcia Max X and Max STX baitcasting combo based on your recommendation, been very happy with them

[@rvfishingyet]

Slowly going away from any spinning, but the Daiwa Fuego LT really surprised me this year. Had to buy a 2nd one.

[@AdventureswithaaronB]

I’ve had mine for six years, and have absolutely caught everything from sharks and Maccheroni to bass and carp. Highly recommend.

[@tvm2209]

Which reel and rod combo to grow into and most versatile for freshwater lake and pond fishing with occasional river in upstate NY, regardless of price?

[@tvm2209]

Daiwa Zillion SV TW G

[@a_cast_a_day]

Top 3 of 2022 1 - Zillion on the TFO Tactical Elite 2 - 20 Met MGL on the Poison Adrena 3 - Aldebaran BFS on the Sierra 700

[@glxbe]

I liked my Kaden spinning reel but for a medium-light, it felt a little stiff. It ended up snapping on a hookset and I asked them to replace it with an Ultralight. Really good and quick service from Dobyns

[@WadeOntheLure]

Dobyns SUF 701c(BFS), and the Okuma Serrano SRN-S-741 ML (ned rig, spy bait, spinning) standouts from Cleveland, OH.

[@dogvsraptor1980]

If you grab another Dobyn’s champ, check out the 764, I use it for jigs, spinnerbaits, dark sleeps, and chattering jigbaits. Also, check that Daiwa TW SV 103, great little reel I use with 15lb flouro. Great vid Debo. Salute.

[@dogvsraptor1980]

And that Tatula LT feels real nice, haven’t used mine much but impressed thus far. The Vanford is also solid.

[@anthonyreeder8283]

I would like to get a tatula sv! I have 2 of the Tatula 100 and I think for the money I dont know if you there is a better reel.

[@dogvsraptor1980]

@@anthonyreeder8283 I have a 100 and really like it, but that 103 for my finesse football jigs is really good. Better drag and a little more ergo.

[@NStone90]

@@anthonyreeder8283 great sautéed with bps on the tatula 100 as well right now.

[@anthonyreeder8283]

@@dogvsraptor1980 I didn’t think there was a difference they are on the same frame are they not?

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Happy Holiday season too your family, friends and you Debo! Favorite new combo this year Casting Daiwa Zillion with a Shimano Expride 7’2 MH, RF action. Spinning all around (most used)St Croix 7’ ML Avid X with a Daiwa Tatula 3000LT and yes I have a good small connection knot. Or Shimano 7’6 M Poison Adrena with a Shimano 2500 Complex XR. Like your choices! Sons and I still fish 20+ yr old Fenwicks.

[@wingsfan977]

I just picked up the Dobyns 704 in a Fury for next season. Gonna pair it with an SLX DC to be my primary jig combo.

[@koolgrandaddysweetzforever4249]

When I jumped in headfirst a yr and a half ago I went crazy with lower high end setups but had to face facts that I'm too old and broken to enjoy the benefits of things like sensitivity etc... But with my slx mgl70 I can cast like a pro and need to replace all my reels with it !!! It feels good even though the arthritis 🤣🤣🤣 thanks Debo 👍🎣💙

[@lightningmusky5286]

My favorite Combo Daiwa steez sv tw and NRX+ 893. Mid level Cashion Icon 7’6 spinning with Tatula LT lack of weight is awesome on this reel

[@awesomeozzycat9953]

My favorite this reel this year Shimano SLX DC. Favorite rod Falcon HD, absolutely blew my mind for a 65 dollar rod. I have Loomis and Shimano rods too, but the Falcon just surprised me. I have to buy a higher-end Falcon now. Lol

[@phil2470]

I think my favorite for the year is the Nasci also. They feel really good and the drag is super smooth as you mentioned. I haven't caught any bass of size on it yet but I did catch a 6 lb catfish on 6lb flluorocarbon with a Shimano GLF rod, using a rooster tail at Truman Lake a month or two ago. I don't get out as much as I want but I do enjoy this new setup and it doesn't really break the bank either. Great video as always.

[@oregonsmalljaw3732]

I totally agree the SLX MGL 70 is a killer reel. Use it on a few of my combo's.

[@CrackingBass]

Been dying to get one, but I recently moved due to a new job and will all that fishing fell off to end this year. Cannot wait to get an SLX MGL 70 and get out there this spring! What rods do you feel it pairs well with?

[@farrzmd3038]

Great video. I’ve chatted with you about TFO tactical bass series rods and have been reading up on them. Still haven’t made the purchase yet because it’ll be my first $100+ rod and trying to decide where to start in upgrading my budget rods. .. slx 70 mgl is an amazing reel. Spool it 3/4s full and it’s perfect skipping reel. ..... my sleeper reel has been the abu Garcia gen 4 revo stx. Dual braking system and long casting. I only grabbed a pair of them because the price dropped to $129 ($105 on sale) and my 5/6 yr old black max finally had to be retired. I love dual braking systems so decided on the stx over the x. The reel has solid power and feels great.

[@blackbirdrc8348]

Hey Debo! Man, I think you'd really like the 47 series rods by Doomsday. I have 4 models. The 6'10" medium, mod-fast. The 7' medium-heavy, fast. 7'3" medium-heavy, mod-fast in casting. Also the 7'3" medium, fast in spinning. Super super light rods and good fuji components. The blanks are a mix of 30 and 40 ton. Slick, classy looking rods to boot. You should pick one up for the upcoming 2023 season. You seem to be on a jerk bait kick lately so I'd grab one of the 6'10" medium rods. The 7' MH, fast is a good all around rod. Their fast action is more of a true fast and their mod-fast actions are along the lines of a st crox fast. Maybe a little slower. The guides may be a tad on the smaller side for leader knots but I haven't had too much trouble with that. Seem to have more trouble with build up in the guides depending on where i'm fishing. Love these rods!

[@GAB3D559]

Was really looking to buy a kaden casting rod for jigs earlier this year but came across a Halo HFX that was on sale. Beyond happy with it!! Got it paired with my older tatula type R and it’s a sweet set up! From all the good stuff I’ve heard about em I want to step up to a zillion! Maybe next year.

[@BigDirtDawg]

I bought the same zillion and it’s by far my favorite reel i’ve ever owned. I got the Jdm version and love the fact it’s one of the only reels around this price point still made in japan

[@tvm2209]

Where’s a good place to order it from and have it shipped to the states?

[@barrymckinney4347]

Great video! I have the exact same Doybns Kaden spinning rod! It's my favorite spinning rod! I got a super deal on a new old stock Shimano CI4+ 4000 that I paired with my Doybns Kaden rod!

[@134rwa]

As much as I appreciate budget gear, in which the quality of it is constantly improving, when I stepped up to the higher end gear, through the help of Bass Pro Shop gift cards from a dear friend, I really noticed the increase in performance and durability. My most used baitcasters are the Curado DC, the Tatula 100, and I'm surprised with the durability of the Tatula CT. I have a couple of Lew's, but I like the braking system in the Daiwa's so much more. My most used casting rods are the Abu Garcia Veritas, and Veritas PLX, and Johnny Morris Signature and Platinum series. Same brands with spinning rods, as far as spinning reels, my most used are the Johnny Morris Platinum, and the Pflueger President XT.

[@williamfriggle]

Hey Debo. Love your videos. Long time watcher. Seldom commenter. But my excuse is I watch mostly on my TV through a Roku and I can not comment on it. My favorite combos are the ones I have and use. I am disabled and living on disability. So I have to raise funds in some creative ways to get decent gear. But I have done so. I am mostly happy with my setups with the exception of my reels. But we will get into them. The most used combo is my Dobyns Fury 705CB crankbait rod with either my beloved Daiwa Tatula CT or a Dobyns Maveric reel. I fish a lot of treble baits. The reason I swap them around is I hate the Dobyns reel. At first, I liked it but the longer I use it the more I hate it. I hope to one day replace it with a Daiwa. And the Dobyns rod is great. But I am wishing I had gotten a Sto Croix crankbait rod instead. I tried one and it is awesome. And was only $20 more than the Dobyns. :-( My favorite baitcasting combo is a St Croix MojoBass 7ft 1in MHF. Awesome rod. I normally run my Daiwa Tatula CT on this rod. Yes, I often switch reels from rod to rod until I get more I like Like my Diawa. I have another Dobyns. The Maveric 705CB rod with a Runcl Svallet reel. I got it on Amazon for $38. And for the money it is a really nice reel. I like it more than my Dobyns reel. I was tired of swapping reels and lures with my Fury all the time. This is mostly my topwater rod. For spinning I have a St Croix MojoBass 6ft 8in mxf with a Daiwa Legalis 2500 reel. I use this for my soft plastics like wacky and Texas rigs. I have a St Croix Triumph 7ft MLF with a Daiwa Regal 2000. This is my Ned Rig rod and anything that is to light for baitcasters or my MojoBass. Sorry it is so long. I am long winded. You are probably happy I don't comment often. Keep the great videos coming. Us bank fishermen need to stick together. No one takes us seriously in the fishing world.

[@HappyKatsFishing]

I got a Revo and it's because of your reviews. I would like to get a Kestler rod next. You seem to love it. ❤️

[@alcav54]

I’ve bought a bunch of Abu Garcia ST and STX casting reels. They are being discontinued but I really like them.

[@antknee3112]

I'm a huge shimano fan, for me they just feel the most comfortable in my hand and justmy favorite reels. With that being said, I have the diawa tatula 150 and to me it is the smoothest reel I have. I have the shimano slx and curado k and im very biased to them but the tatula 150 is the smoothest by far. Been using it for a variety of baits this year and don't have a negative thing to say. Easy to dial in and fun to use. Great video Debo

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Try a chronarch mgl or a bantam.

[@orangef3802]

Debo, amazing content as usual! We appreciate you, have a great Holiday season! As for rod, I was impressed with a Megabass Triza Sparna. I know it's not budget, but I was using midrange rods prior. It is quite sensitive with a good backbone. I can throw extremely downsized gear and still get good hooksets. Very good for a 3 Piece rod!

[@tombrewster54]

Another great video Debo. Always learn something new or find something I'd like to try!

[@jerryvalentour164]

this year it was a zodias 7'5' and a shimano 200 dc for a cast combo. A st croix 7'3' and a shimano stradic .

[@kevinclement9147]

I really like the new Lews Custom speed spool 7-2mhf. And I fully agree with you on the Shimano MGL both in the SLX and Curado

[@retflo2583]

dobyns Fury 734 for chatter baits and light jigs, loved it

[@rodgermerritt8067]

THANKS for sharing..I am all in on Dobyns Fury..Just ordered 2 more 702sf an 734c..

[@jimmcculloch5825]

Another great video from what , In my opinion, is one of the top 3 fishing channels on KZbin.

[@NoFro-TL]

Picked up the MGL 70 with the 20% discount from TW. Can’t wait for it to arrive.

[@willtrax71]

Great Video my Friend and I have to say I grabbed a new without the Box LFS after watching your stellar review and gifted an Inception from 13 Fishing and my 2 favorite and most expensive Reels and man they are truly amazing Reels. I only have a couple so I’m kind of biased I guess lol but the Lews and 13 Inception are just plain smooth and cast anything but absolutely would love to get a Tatula some day. Stay safe my Friend Semper Fidelis

[@KalaniThames]

Those Okuma guide selects are money. The Swimbait rods are by far the best swimbait rods under 150 dollars and no one talks about them.

[@KEZFishing]

I bought the okuma SVI spinning combo as my first serious rod and reel in the 6’6” and size 10 reel and it’s been pretty dependable. It does the job and the drag is nice compared to the Lews Mach 2 I like it way better. Don’t have anything else to compare it too yet but I plan on buying a higher quality spinning combo next Black Friday

[@cincinnatiking8008]

I have mostly Dobyns rods and the Sierra is my favorite! I actually like it more than the Champion XP. The Sierra has a softer tip, which makes it extremely versatile! My favorite reel has been the JDM Metanium, which you can get for about $230

[@BigDirtDawg]

yea i use Dobyns as well but i have the jdm zillion instead of the metanium.

[@cincinnatiking8008]

@@BigDirtDawg the Zillion is the next reel I'm going to get from Japan. I know it has an aluminum main gear, but I don't think that's a big deal. How long have you had yours? Any problems?

[@BigDirtDawg]

@@cincinnatiking8008 i’ve had it for about 3 months so not very long but i use it everyday. So it’s been put thru the paces believe me. I live in florida and have already caught and 8lb large mouth on it. Drag handled the fish like a monster. I love this reel. You can cast everything from super lightweight to heavy lures without an issue. My favorite part is that it’s buttery smooth and you don’t have to adjust it really at all when changing lures. Very minimal adjustments. The reel will cast into the wind effortlessly. You won’t disappointed at all. Ordered from japan and had it with a week

[@jamesp2674]

Great reviews! I really like sixgill products! I do have a lews reel and also a Shimano Sedona, but yeah, sixgill!

[@sterlingmorrow9062]

I love the new Daiwa Tatula XT Casting Rods that came out at the ICAST this year. I use it for Texas Rigs and it feels awesome in hand especially for $99. Just ordered the Glass version of that one can wait to try it out. Try that one out DEBO and let us know what you think!!!

[@pacman_17]

Thank you Debo for putting this together. I'll be sure to use your affiliate link when I place my tacklewarehouse order

[@CrunkyOMan83]

2:54 is my favorite description ! lol

[@brianlee9074]

Great choices Debo. I agree with you about the SLX mgl. Totally under the radar. And SpiderWire braid is terrible. I bought some on sale, and found out why when I used it. Tatula 150, and LT are sweet! My go-to combo this year has been the Okuma ITX on a Psycho Stick. Thanks man! ✌🏻😎🎣

[@CrackingBass]

Love the end of the year wrap up/fav equipment viDEBO! I'm planning to take a big step forward with equipment in 2023. Planned to add the miravel, have to say it looks good on that elite bass, may have to go with that combo. Also, I've been dying to get my hands on the SLX MGL 70, looking for a solid $100-$150 rod to pair it with.

[@matyasabkarovits]

If u can check out the Dragon Excite Cast 213 rods i have the 3-18gramm(~1/8-5/8 oz) cranking stuff for sure... Full EVA handle and the reel tightener is also has EVA foam on it... Once i tried it with a older shimano that has vbs breaking system, i out casted my spinning gears with it 😅

[@NStone90]

Best reel for me this year would be the revo sx you've recommended, followed closely by the daiwa tatula 100. Best rod would be the daiwa procyon feel in hand paired with the tatula is a dream. Worst though, the lews hypermag. Honestly too small both in length and width. Doesn't feel good with the normal way I hold it plus it likes to spool heavily on the left is just a big disappointment but I'm using it regardless as it's still a good reel. Not really but kind of bummed I missed the omnia sale for the lews custom slp, literally half price making it under 90 dollars.

[@mackflanagan7002]

Love the recommendation vids. You really do use a variety.

[@bradwehrle7486]

The Denali Kovert Lite has been a beast for the price this year. Weight and sensitivity punches above its class.

[@lesterhoward6561]

Love your show! I just watched a video by David Dudley outdoors. He did a test where slack braid was used and slack flourocarbon.Flourocarbon showed more sensitivity on slack where Braid showed none...your thoughts..thanks!

[@victorsimonsen921]

my favorite new reel for this year was shimano curado 150 mgl hg.

[@alanbontumasi5078]

Great video, enjoyed the reviews. I agree with you that Tatula is great reel. Very comfortable.

[@anthonygorden5723]

I would like you to do a fbs rod and reel set up. I have just got in to it and I’d like to know what you think.

[@Fisherman_83]

Would like to see a review on the Stradic if you ever get your hands on one.

[@BrodieBassin]

My favorite combo this year was a doybns fury and a shimano curado

[@Whitehalo117]

I use the tatula 200 for big baits. Its such a solid reel

[@russhood6747]

I wish you try the Shimano Scorpion DC it is great reel with IDC5 braking system, I have owned this reel and no bird-nest. Downwind or Upwind from Japan $200.00 or less

[@Bassdaddy]

My favorite gear this year was the JDM DC scorpion I bought love the reel and the color scheme. Hey Debo have you used any IKE rods? I see a lot discounted right now and I’m looking for a good rod with that color scheme to match a lews pro ti

[@mmax7295]

What would your opinion be on replacing rods and reels in terms time frame? I ask because I tend to use mine until it breaks or gives out.

[@Oldbasshole]

Typically rods give signs that they’re getting ready to give out . Finish starts flaking off and they develop creaking sounds . A good quality reel should last a lifetime if maintained. Keep it cleaned and properly lubricated and they won’t let you down

[@zaviwaher9536]

Great video, I know it is not really focus of your channel but any recommendation for a light trout stream fishing bait caster rod to use with #0-2 spinners and tiny spoons?

[@melvin768]

I love diawa spinning reels and I like, Lewis baitcasting reels , rods vary I like some of the diawa Arid x rods a one Dobbins rods and I like alot of Kistler rods just can't afford them., I'm going to be getting 3 new combos 1 2500 Tommy Morris 2.0 carbon lite ser I es made by diawa one lews reel as nd find Mr a nice rod I think I will go to lake Maddy here in Florida and have them build me one, that lake us the deepest in Florida, it has a de e pest depth of over 500 ft deep, loaded with big bas big crappie

[@BrodieBassin]

Great video! My biggest question is where did you get that shirt?

[@billsutorius2753]

Great review, I really appreciate it

[@protopiper5567]

How’s about the shimano slx that’s what was recommended to me and that’s the combo I went with.

[@raymondfrancoeur5544]

What rod should I buy for swim bait 3onces no Shimano products thank you

[@jackkerrigan5046]

great vid. keep up the grind

[@willtrax71]

I got the Disturbed reference my friend Lol I’m hoping not the only one….

[@Nick_Hunter2]

Ark 7’ mh invoker pro and a daiwa tatula would have to be my favorite this year!

[@5.7.0bassin2]

My favorite reel this yr we talked about it earlier in the yr but is that curado mgl

[@5.7.0bassin2]

And the rod I had for a while but the daiwa tatula 7'2" med is my all around rod for chatter baits spinnerbaits top water it just goes so well with eachother

[@tvm2209]

Zillion 21 or some kind of Shimano baitcaster for my only reel?

[@jeswright35]

I"m liking Debo! I'm liking this guy real talk!! Your reviews are solid ! i'm throwing all my shit away ( selling).. .lol just to upgrade to the combo's this winter. Thx ! Divorce time.. my wife is going to leave me i bet. lol

[@trapin68]

Fenwick does make a nice rod but their one glaring Achilles Heel is their absolutely AWFUL customer service. Ask anyone who’s had to deal with them…they’ll tell you. It’s for that reason alone that I’ll never buy one of their rods again.

[@290shawty]

I rocking wit abu garcias baby... I live in Houston so I fish alot of saltwater and a lil bit of fresh water. My revo inshore gen 4 hard to beat day in and day out. Ps imma bank angler

[@daydaygriz]

JDM Daiwa sv tw103 on a 7’3” heavy 6th sense lux rod

[@ATKR45]

Kinda dated now, but for an ultra light spinning getup, I like the Ryobi Kiki 800.

[@plumbplumb458]

Have you tried any of the St Croix Victory rods yet?

[@tvm2209]

I feel they will easily become St.Croix’s best selling reel. Their Legend Xtremes are obviously their best reels but at $700+ after tax most people will avoid it. The Victory has some of the perks of the Legend Xtremes but actually affordable for most people.

[@emmpak]

Does anyone have the 2022 Zillion HD?

[@mikeylikesit1831]

I want a TFO rod. If only I needed it. 😪

[@joshguthrie8142]

Can’t wait for the best and worst lures of 2022

[@fishingwithaaron314]

epic vid!

[@joshlanham4885]

Love the zillion 👍

[@movetfishingandfamily2604]

I have shimanos and Daiwas. I honestly like my Lew's reels better.

[@alcav54]

Rudd has been sporting Fenwick’s resently

[@MaineStreamFishing]

I gotta get a zillion…. And now i want that shimano mgl uggghh

[@TheWaymont]

Tried those KLX rods. Heavy, and clunky feeling. Really disliked them.

[@RickiBobbi69]

there's just something about a dobyns and daiwa combo