My TOP FIVE HIGH END rod & reel combos of 2022!! Smallmouth edition!

Here's a little recap of my productive rod & reel combo's for the 2022 season!
Gear in this video:
Gloomis NRX+ 873c: omnia.direct/V8qxNZ
Megabass P5 Windbuster: omnia.direct/avPEmz
Gloomis NRX+ 872s: omnia.direct/M0pWO4
Megabass Orochi XX Whipsnake: omnia.direct/BYDPjY
Shimano Exsence: omnia.direct/XN9lMk
Shimano Bantam MGL: omnia.direct/093Xo7
Megabass Destroyer Brigand - discontinued :(
Follow me on Instagram! / punchfishing
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Get 15% off at OMNIA Fishing with code: OMPUNCHFG56F
omnia.direct/omnia-mainpage-yt
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[@JP-dj1ow]

I've always been a Loomis guy but I finally caved and got an Orochi Whipsnake and it's such a fun and versatile rod. Thank you for all your insight.

[@littlerich2644]

Great review I love the unbiased commentary and offhand remarks. There is a great deal of homework done ahead of time. Very few technically conversant anglers. It is appreciated.

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@nickrozon9174]

Thank you for your insight on the 872S. I fish walleye and was debating a few rods in the JWR series. Sounds like the perfect stick for me!

[@nawinchester]

I have the Whipsnake and the Enforcer. I haven't fished yet, but your high praise has me keeping them around. Thought about selling, but I guess I'll keep them until the spring so I can fish them.

[@lightningmusky5286]

Another good video! I got to get an 873. That Brigand also looks very interesting. Longer rods are usually great if you can get away with it. I love the 872. The 893:casting is my favorite, just love that rod. So much you can do with that thing.

[@rodneysmith4153]

Great video. 100% agree on the NRX+ 873. Incredible rod. I have mine paired with an Antares. Dream setup.

[@PunchFishing]

Good choice!

[@LynnW-qs5sq]

Totally agree with you regarding the Daiwa reel handles loosening up. Got 2 Steez SvTWS that do it

[@matthewyakabuski9620]

Canadian SM guy . Early convert to light bait casting . Before the bfs idea . Top rods . NRX 893 c glx 892c both with shinano 50 series reels . 10 pound braid to leader . 93 light jig soft plastic senko . Heavier drop shot . 92 drop shot and un weighted plastic . Casting rod drop shot no line twist better sensitivity . Mega bass flat side special . Jerk bait and small cranks . GLX 964c deep diving crank bait rod .But also crazy good shore fishing rocket launcher . NRX 895 c heavy deep jig rod . Newest purchase but crazy sensitive bigger / deep jig rod . NRX 901s only high end spinning rod I own . Incredible long distance light tackle rod . Popular now as a spy bait rod . Had mine long before . If I could have only one . 893c . Up next mega bass wind buster .

[@frankoliveira189]

This reel looks amazing

[@MrGingermToxic]

Always enjoy your refined taste in gear Brian. Got a solid deal on a NRX+ 821 NRR in like new condition, and Daiwa Exist this fall for a solid deal as well. Most boujee set up I've ever owned, but man... It's just such a beautiful finesse combo and worth every penny!!!

[@PunchFishing]

Very nice!!

[@lucas_t7golfs]

Great video! Also I haven't had any issues with my Daiwas, but my Shimano Exsence CI4+ feels pretty sloppy in the handle and has that knock you mentioned, at least compared to its close usdm counterpart, my stradic fl.

[@billcoerver4583]

Try the Dobyns 701C paired with a Daiwa Alphas Air TW, totally awesome set up!

[@makcatchem9614]

From your videos. I bought your exact football jig rod setup. Including the bantam and just for fun the zillion as well. Overall I like the zillion(JDM) better but the bantam balance is better on the NRX+ CRR. And I must say you have great taste. It has by far become my favorite combo for jig fishing. I'm from Western New York I fish Erie lake, Finger lakes, Ontario lake etc. I run it with 16 lb shooter.

[@PunchFishing]

I'm really happy to hear that! The 873c is really a special rod for dragging.

[@masonlee9609]

You should make a review video on the Fenwick Elite series rods

[@spRkyKd4]

Just picked up the Daiwa AGS 7’6” MML. Heard great things about this rod. Really hope you get a change to fish this rod and review it.

[@PunchFishing]

That one's on my list!

[@NorthWoodsWes]

Just discovered your channel. Good stuff here. Northeast Mn here. We just got dumped on with the snow. Waiting for spring lol.

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@toulonglor6243]

Now you got us waiting on a Stella FK review!!!

[@PunchFishing]

I'm not sure how exactly to review it quite yet. I'd like too take a crack at it eventually.

[@hen_17]

I really need to hear your in-depth thoughts about the NRX+ 873C. After watching and re-watching your NRX 873C video, I need to know your thoughts about the two, so I can possibly add another NRX+ to my collection. Awesome video! Might just pick a Orochi Whipsnake instead of a Destroyer P5 Landsat now🤔

[@PunchFishing]

Whipsnake is definitely a better buy.

[@matthewninness8212]

Awesome video. I primarily fish for smallmouth. I thought you might include the Addermine instead but you can't go wrong with the Whipsnake. I also love the Enforcer. Sounds pretty similar to the Brigand.

[@PunchFishing]

It is very similar to the Brigand

[@DinusvanDoorn]

After st croix rods I fishing with the old NRX’s. Later I switched to the Kistler models. My favourite the Kistler Helium with a Shimano metanium. After this video maybe I must also buy some new bantams 😂

[@gregg2660]

Pleas Compare the conquest 842 and nrx+ 852

[@joeypike8187]

How is the whipsnake for bottom contact. I fish small creeks and rivers for small mouth. Or would you recommend the Landsat or something else. Thank you

[@nawinchester]

Punch, I have the Orochi whip snake, and I know you think highly of that rod, but I also know you think highly of the addermine. I have a chance to pick up another mind, would you prefer one over the other or do you view them as pretty equal? And if you could have both, would you have both in fish both?

[@raymondjohnson6496]

Do you have any mega bass triza rods if you do u like it I am thinking about buying the dragoon I got the 21 daiwa airity LT3000 CXH it’s awesome reel I like to get 19 shimano vanquish C3000XG next to put it on a mega bass windbuster rod will it be light enough for that rod

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

Awesome lineup dude! The one thing I didn’t understand was the finger balance thing. Could you do a video on that sometime? Thanks

[@PunchFishing]

Some people just like to see where the balance point is on rods with certain reels. It's not really that important, but why not talk about it?

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

@@PunchFishing thanks for explaining dude! I guess i never understood why u would balance a rod without a lure on or even line because we don’t fish empty rods or cast with one finger. I know rod builders will make rods to pair with certain reels so maybe your right. I think you should explore this topic and settle the debate. I’m looking forward to your reviews in 2023! Thanks

[@daydaygriz]

That is what she said 😂 I enjoyed this video bc I can’t afford any of it so u gave me a chance to look at it and hear how it performs

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulkruger3425]

Thanks for this Brian, great job! So it looks like the NRX + 873 crr, has replaced your P5 x bites as your football jig rod. Think I might need to upgrade too. You think it’s worth the jump? So do even Caroline rig with it too or just drag jigs?

[@PunchFishing]

Oh absolutely. The Xbites has been pretty much benched because of the 873c and bottom contact 2.

[@Justin.Hawkins]

I want to love the nrx 872s, it’s a jack of all trades type rod, just can’t find that one thing I love it for yet.

[@PunchFishing]

My main two things are paddle tail swimbaits and neko rigging worms in grass

[@Justin.Hawkins]

@@PunchFishing I’ve got to start tossing neko rigs…. I just don’t do it

[@lpbass8369]

Hey Punch good stuff why the bantam ,metanium switch.I would guess just hitting them harder?

[@PunchFishing]

I personally like using the Bantam more than the met.

[@akersnl]

Bro, you got to get an Exist. I have one I’ll give you a good deal on. And I finally broke down and got a CRR but haven’t had a chance to fish it yet. Looking forward to it.

[@PunchFishing]

I'll get an exist eventually

[@twiggsherman3641]

I fish smallies up here in Canada. My main rig all summer was a free rig. I don't really like Zman soft plastics, but with a free rig since things like the hella craw and hula stickz float, casting them out and just letting them slowly float back to the surface on slack line was absolutely money. I caught my PB 4.04 lb smallie on a 1/4 oz free rig with a coppertruese hula stickz wacky rigged.

[@PunchFishing]

Wow, I never thought to wacky rig a Hula Stick on a free rig. Very interesting!! What hook do you use?

[@twiggsherman3641]

@@PunchFishing size 2 Trokar weedless wacky hook with the weedguard snipped off. It's heavy enough that the stickz slowly raises off the bottom with slack, but not so light that it skyrockets to the top. I cast it out, give it some slack for a few seconds, then hop it up and do the same again. I got the idea from Matt Stefan's KZbin, he calls it a reverse wacky rig.

[@philipfalco7304]

Great Video Brian! Have you tried the Tatula LT Kage spinning reel yet? It say's they have 9BB compare to the 7 on the regular Tatuls LT's. I was wondering if they put those extra bearings in the handle or somewhere else. Do you think the Kage is worth it at about the same price? Thank's.

[@PunchFishing]

I think some of it is handle? I don't think the Kage is really that much of an upgrade over a regular Tatula LT.

[@philipfalco7304]

@@PunchFishing It's not much of an upgrade but I did notice the handle knob on my Kage 2000 is tight unlike my Tatula 1000 and 3000.

[@MichaelRomero]

You should do a review on the Daiwa Procyon MQ reel before you give it away. Or maybe you have another one you can do a review on looks like a really interesting reel.

[@PunchFishing]

I might shoot a quick video about it

[@kylemayer8486]

My problem with daiwa is all 4 of my jdm ballistics have anti reverse failure, making them useless. I don't like shimanos drag though.

[@jamesh7469]

My #1 by far was my close quarters finesse swimbait setup. I cast, pitch and skip 3” spark shads on 1/8oz with an Alphas SV TW800 6# Tatsu 13Fishing Muse Black 6’10 ML The rod action was perfect, but the sensitivity on long casts wasn’t ideal so I’ve upgraded this offseason to a custom 7’3 ML NFC XRay build. ML casting rods are pretty hard to find so I went custom Brian you’ve kinda inspired me to make my own version of this. Talking in front of the camera might even be great practice for presentations at work

[@jamesh7469]

I got a steal on a Brigand recently, excited to put it to work. Gonna pair it with a Ballistic MQ 3000

[@jwalker497]

873crr is the most underrated rod ever

[@PratscherFam]

Purple lights are the best lights.

[@christophertowsley8563]

Why don’t you try ice fishing it’s awesome! And so much gear to review👍

[@edwingroot4751]

in the netherlands we cannot buy megabass rods. do you have an alternative fot the dropshot rod?

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Yes you can buy them in the Netherlands at Fauna

[@rich5916]

Whipsnake!!

[@PunchFishing]

One of the best spinning rods MB has ever made!

[@michaelchang4738]

First time watching your videos. A St Croix rod didn’t make your list. Do you like/use avast Croix rod?

[@PunchFishing]

I've posted some St. Croix videos! I do like them. I like other stuff better though.

[@kingofsl8891]

I love the free rig thing, it’s like we finally came full circle. From slip sinker lindy rigs with boat for whatever bites 50 years ago, back to essentially the same thing now haha

[@PunchFishing]

So true!

[@kingofsl8891]

@@PunchFishing it’s actually become a big summer producer for walleye for me, usually like a scented jerk shadz or super fluke

[@jcbk45]

Couldn’t agree with you more about the 873 CRR!

[@leepao6302]

What brand of braided line you normally used? My prefer is Varivas and YGK

[@PunchFishing]

I'm a big fan of Daiwa Jbraid Grand

[@leepao6302]

@@PunchFishing Oh ... have you try Varivas line before?

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

@@leepao6302 DAIWA Tournament EVO X8 is the best braided line

[@leepao6302]

@@kayakfishingforpredators9107 “best?” Lol … that sounds like a bit of stretch, tbh that’s just your opinion

[@leepao6302]

@@kayakfishingforpredators9107 see to me the “best” braided line is the one you willingly want to pay for that sounds way realistic, don’t you think … lol. And if you still disagree that than you have a problem, because the word “best” is a very biases and the opinion only entitled to the individual who stated … lol

[@mikewasserburger9662]

Omnia discounts do not seem to work any longer

[@lpbass8369]

thaught i was the only guy that does the hair tie trick lol to funny

[@PunchFishing]

I learned it from Josh Douglas

[@pineomt]

May I ask…how did the Landsat break?

[@PunchFishing]

I was just fighting a pretty normal 2lb smallmouth and it snapped mid fight.

[@pineomt]

@@PunchFishing that’s discouraging…sort of prevents me from wanting to invest heavily in MB rods. I know every rod can break, but at least my Loomis and Croix sticks are backed by strong warranties. I already own a Landsat…so sunk cost at this point.

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Het Brian, i found out today that we get a EUROPEAN model of the Megabass Destroyer WINDBUSTER. Same specs F 3,5-7ft2- 7.....17 gram ONLY IT HAS A BLACK EVA FOAM GRIP. Its called Destroyer FRENCH Ltd WINDBUSTER.

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Look for the catalogue at ULTIMATE-FISHING

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Dot NET. Scroll down you can find the 2023 ULTIMATE FISHING Catalogue

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Page 34 of the 2023 Ultimate Fishing catalogue

[@PunchFishing]

Very interesting!

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

@@PunchFishing you have seen they kept the same Reel *seat but added black foam instead of cork of the P5 serie I have Not had a hands on sofar. But i keep an eye out for them and i try to upload some (comparison) video later on.

[@Shawn_Lai]

Why you gotta be a girl to have hair ties? Lol. I have long hair... I could give you a hair tie. 🤣 been waiting for this video though for real and your NRX+ 852S review. Great content!

[@PunchFishing]

Well, I've been bald since my 20s so I have to borrow hair ties from the gals in my house 😁

[@gregg2660]

Mm