OZARK TRAIL Baitcaster From WALMART - 2 Year Review and UPDATE! (BASS)

Its time for a two year review and update on the Ozark Trail Baitcaster from Walmart! I am out bass fishing today and its a good time to talk about this $34 fishing combo. I have fished with this baitcast combo for 2 years now. I use it an average of 3-5 times per week. It has lasted a very long time, and has caught hundreds of largemouth bass. It is starting to wear out a bit, and it might be time to consider getting a new baitcaster. This Ozark Trail combo from Walmart has gone above and beyond my expectations, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to get into bass fishing! #realistic #fishing
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[@FounderOf4]

I love that you are providing a TWO year update. How many times do you hear about a 6 month or 1 year update... 2 years is awesome Alex! That is money very well spent.

[@RealisticFishing]

🥈

[@TheJuggaloFishingPosse]

Hidden gems in this channel all the time. Plus doing a review on a 2 year old product is pretty sweet considering it was 30 bucks lol. That combo has pulled some impressive feats in these 2 years.

[@RealisticFishing]

It was amazing for $30!

[@joebuck66]

That $30 combo has been great. They probably didn’t expect it to be so good or they would have upped the price. You can spend your slot machine winnings and get a new one. Great review and video Alex. Thank you for putting in the time to keep us entertained.

[@gregchilders7643]

You remind me of my dad. He used to stop traffic to go save a turtle. All the honking and cussing was hilarious 😂

[@TJWilson]

That combo has been a beast. Worth every penny for sure. Just goes to show that you can get a lot of great fishing without breaking the bank. Sad to see you go, but thanks for all the memories Ozark Trail Baitcaster.

[@RealisticFishing]

🥉

[@crosscountrybankangler]

You definitely pushed that combo to the limit and got your money’s worth. I have been fishing with a $28 baitcasting reel lately and after touching it up with some oil it’s been running very well.

[@dwightyoung8059]

I recently bought 2 of the Ozark Trails baitcaster combos on clearance for 40 bucks . One had the tip bent and the other was broken about halfway down the rod. After watching you for quite awhile now , I had no problem snatching them up.

[@SJBassin]

Good review on that setup. At that price point I didn't expect it to last a lifetime. But 2 years is pretty good bang for your bucks! Thanks for sharing!

[@Triaz357]

You’re right about the bite lately. I fish creeks in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia and the fish have just been finicky and sluggish. So many short strikes and lazy hits from bass and panfish. Even the Crickhopper has been slow lately. Hopefully the cooler weather moving in this weekend will get things moving a bit.

[@kingofkentucky918]

I still have my ugly stik baitcaster from over 10 years ago. I did eventually have to replace the reel after around 8 years, but it was my only baitcaster for most of that time. The rod itself is still going strong.

[@RealisticFishing]

Ugly Stick had a baitcaster?

[@kingofkentucky918]

​@RealisticFishing It was a combo. They still sell them. I just googled it, and they're about $60. That's not a bad price for 2023.

[@jasonlopez4855]

You are giving the best review out of 90% of everyone else. That's for your time to do it right for the rest of us. Good.

[@rickbursell7204]

Holy cow, 2 years and a pile of fish later the $34 has certainly earned a place of honor on the wall in the studio in my opinion. The sad end of faithful service. Almost like watching Old Yeller. When its time its time.

[@Carolinafishingtales]

Wow ! That Ozark Trail combo has served you well and still killing it on catching bass. Just freaking awesome ! That's keeping it realistic.

[@epistemologicaldespair68]

I’m all about domestically manufactured fishing products, I was heavy into bass fishing from about 15 to 19, $200-$300 combos. When I moved across the country, I fell out of it for about 6 years. Last year I decided to get back into it, and I’m purely and simply obsessed. I’m a bit more frugal now, and so to get back into it I bought this Ozark combo ..::and wow. I paid $31 for it and my lord has it proved itself. Of course I can tell it’s lower quality, but the functionality is amazing. It’s a perfect entry level combo for someone who isn’t sure if they’ll stick with a baitcasting setup or for someone who doesn’t have the money to immediately buy a shimano or abu. Being a 6’6” medium heavy, it’s very versatile, I’ve caught bass on Texas rigs, 1/8oz shaky heads, small jerkbaits, large jerkbaits, crankbaits, 1/2 ounce blade baits. I would recommend this combo to anyone starting out, put some 10 or 15 pound braid on it and go catch some fish!!!

[@markw.4679]

Thanks for the help. I would be happy with anything budget. I dont feel bad if I lose or break it. 👍

[@HughWoo]

You’re the man for posting a 2yr review/update!!! That’s awesome brother!

[@marlojohnston4217]

I appreciate the honest truth and update Alex about the $30 Ozark trail combo! And for the price point... Well two yrs isn't to bad!! Then you caught two decent bass with the old crawfish lure!!! Overall Alex, a wonderful video!! Truly enjoyed. Thank you for always keeping it realistic 😊

[@CasualGirlAdventures]

Love that you have had that bait caster for two years and only $34. You have caught quite a few bass on it. And still counting. 😊

[@cvn01]

Great review Alex! It would be nice seeing how the 30 dollar combo compares to maybe a 100 dollar combo, give us an insight on how they compare and is it worth the extra money. Tight lines brother

[@Wyamike734]

Say it ain’t so.Alex. Great run on that combo ,30 dollars and 2 years of hard use can’t be beat. It’s always good to show people you don’t need to spend a ton of money to enjoy the sport.

[@ModestReviews]

That combo has definitely been a good purchase! Lots of great catches on it for sure! Good catches in this video too! Good luck everyone on the lures! KIR!

[@chuckspires-hl8md]

I love the fact that you put at the end of your video the give away notice and didn't plaster it all over the title for views. Great channel. Love the always positive attitude.

[@carltonphelps8088]

That rod and reel combo has really worked out. Thanks for the 2 yr update.

[@donharju6533]

I really appreciate that you have successful fishing without having to use a lot of fancy equipment.

[@mikesawyer6742]

The combo has served you well. I am curious to see the replacement combo. The old baits do pay off. Thanks Alex. Good stuff

[@JerryN856]

Old reliable and a prehistoric lure. Not bad. Not bad at all Alex. Thank you for sharing.

[@chictown]

Nice to get an update on the Ozark, Alex.

[@06E60S85]

End of an Ozark era! Its been awesome!

[@kennethhaven1169]

Great channel, just subscribed. I came across your channel because I just got a combo from watmart and wanted to see a review on quality. I have never used a baitcaster, so you answered at least 2 questions I had from watching your video. Thank you for great content, and I will be watching more of your stuff, brother.

[@mylesclark3136]

I love Ozark Trail stuff. Caught many a bass on one of my favorite O T jerk baits. Catching bass on it for 2 years and might change the treble hooks out and she will be ready to go again. Thanks for keeping all your fishing instructions simple for all ages. Your the best!

[@davidwilliams1805]

Thanks for another great video Alex! That combo has rocked and did it's job for you many times over. Couple nice bass caught. Good job buddy! Thanks for some great giveaway opportunities! Keep doing your thing and keeping it realistic by friend!

[@warriorpoet193]

Picked up a Ozark trail OTX bait caster reel on clearance this morning for 14 bucks.Looks well made.Im stoked!

[@Psychoti]

Nice sendoff for the Ozark Trail. For your next combo, have you given any thought to a BFS setup? Might be fun hucking flies and tiny jigs on a baitcaster.

[@duanetaylor1526]

I’ve been amazed with your usage of the $30 Wally Combo. 2 years is a long time for a rod/reel combo that gets used as much as you use it. With inflation as it is right now, you might not be able to get another one for $30. But I am interested in what you’ll get next and the cost of it. Thank you for always keeping your videos Realistic. KiR!!! (😢 sad to see it go😢)

[@PopPopFishing]

Love how you show you dont have to buy the high dollar set up to catch fish. You just keep it realistic.

[@savedbygraceoutdoors]

Wow! Good thing I caught up and commented on your video today. Then this one came up a little while ago. It’s been Realistic Fishing binge day.

[@robertminnis417]

It's been a good one Alex, It's caught some nice bass. It shows it would be a great starting rod and reel for someone just starting out. Great video buddy.

[@turinx]

Happy trails, Ozark Trail baitcaster combo. You did well.

[@RealisticFishing]

It really did!

[@redbeard6606]

That combo has seen a lot of battles in two years Alex. Keep the videos coming.

[@tomfisher2103]

Well you got alot of great use out of that $30 combo. Great value for the money, kind of like getting ready to say goodbye to an old friend. As always great work out there!🎣🎣

[@stevesmith7164]

Good review on the 30 dollar combo, just show that you don't need to spend alot on fishing equipment. Nice bass, thanks Alex

[@timothysmith398]

My experience with cheaper combos hasn’t been as positive as yours. Glad to see they’ve held up so well for you.

[@sethjohnsonoutdoors4055]

Sounds like the combo is on it's last legs!!!! Awesome bass catch on that 40 year old soft plastic Alex!!!

[@joelm6650]

That is definitely something I've learned over the years You don't have to have the most expensive best equipment to still have a good time and catch a lot of fish.

[@henrychin4290]

That was a really good value in bait casters for sure! You worked that it hard and for the most part, it stood up!!

[@xHawgRyderx]

You fished that Ozark Trail hard. For the occasional weekender it would probably never wear out. I bought a sub $50 Abu Garcia bait caster reel because I thought I had to have one and used it twice 😂 There are still old made in the USA Zebco’s like 202, 33 still in service. A lot of people still use those close faced reels but you never hear about those anymore and they served us well. I watch every video of yours. It’s nice to see or not you having the same fish troubles we are having up in NW Ohio. It’s really been bad the past 6 weeks.

[@Justfishcatches]

You could replace that top line guide really easily and reuse the rod. That ozark trail baitcast reel could replaced with another ozark trail baitcasting reel. And still get some more life out of that thing for another two years. You been working that combo like no other. That’s keeping it Realistic! 🎉

[@sebastienyannone4955]

Sad to see you retiring the Ozark… you definitely got your money’s worth. That combo was a constant reminder of keeping it realistic. Love your channel, keep it Realistic!!!

[@LucasEC5000]

Gotta love having success on setups and gear that don’t cost hundreds!

[@thehobohandliner]

Love it, hope to see it retired in the studio someday! Been watching since you got it, great buy!!

[@matthall8378]

I just got the Ozark Trail Grit Stick spin combo for 27 bux. It works good so far. I was gonna get the ugly stick gx2 but this is literally the same thing!

[@michael1529]

The $30 bait caster combo. What a deal. Great longevity. Many fish. But those two problems are fixable. Good luck using it in the future.

[@luigiprovencher]

I just bought two Ozrak Trail Bait casters on clearance from Wal*Mart for $14 each. Regularly $30 something. Never tried using a bait caster before.

[@leonpajak6415]

Wow what a great decision to go back to first spot!!!!!

[@daviddecker822]

Always keeping it realistic my friend as expected!!!!! Thanks for another great video my friend!!!!!!!

[@joycedimaggio3816]

After all this time, I never thought to check my line guides for line wear. I always felt them for burrs. Thanks!

[@steveclutter8478]

I bought one of those OT baitcaster combos after seeing you fish it. It's actually my favorite combo... and It didn't cost a fortune

[@derrickbrown180]

Great video and a great way to retire the combo!! Thanks for keeping it realistic!

[@brianzelinsky-ri6nd]

Alas the ol’ workhorse is giving out…pretty dang good for 30 bucks! Lovin the channel as always! What was up with the dorsal fin on that bass, that guy was lucky to recover!

[@Perfectsavage_13]

Nice two bass on the two year old baitcaster, glad it was going nice and strong for ya, barely had a year with my combo and it's doing alright, caught nice fish with it. 👍

[@j.t.cooper2963]

👍🏻😎 All of my cheaper gear is still hanging in there. It's all going on 5-6 years old and is still just fine except for normal wear and tear. I keep it clean and well lubed and it always works.

[@RealisticFishing]

Happy to hear they are lasting!

[@oldguy59]

i bought one of those combos av year before you. tore the reel apart twice cleaned and oiled it. couldn't get it to work. this spring my son took it and couldn't get the reel to work. so he replaced the reel. now he uses it

[@subieracer005]

Dang, 2 years is a great run!! I'm impressed..

[@MoMan.88]

I’d say you definitely got your money’s worth out of that combo, it’s caught you a ton of fish, one of my favorite rods is a Berkley lightning rod, it’s like $40 and Abu Garcia black max reel which is call the max x now I think and it’s around that $40 price point also so that’s around $80 for the combo which isn’t as budget friendly as a $30 combo but I still consider it budget and it’s great quality for the money imo, great video once again, I’ve enjoyed watching you catch bass video after video on the good o’l Ozark Trail combo, will definitely miss seeing it, but looking forward to seeing what combo you get next and watching many more catches on realistic fishing in the future, keep up the great work Alex!!

[@cyberflexx953]

You definitely got your money's worth. I will say, I've used lower end rods and reels in the distant past and their is a difference between then and now. The quality is alot better than back then. I will also say, when I switched to St Croix rods, there is a big difference in sensitivity and I could feel and hook more of the light bites. Maybe not everyone will agree.

[@ronaldyeater3322]

Sup Alex, glad you did this update, brother and I bought our combo the week you aired yours, was $40+ in RI, but still great, you have used yours more than us, my grips are getting little worn, my tip had a grove, brother replaced both our tips for like $1, we will keep on using, hope next budget combo is as loyal for you, managed to get couple bass, and save a turtle, I'm in the giveaway so fingers crossed🤞, I won a black max combo at a game dinner, they paid $50, still haven't used it, but other winner still using so 🤷, my grandson finally asked what the bull in circle with line through it is 😂🤣, said honestly Alex is no bullshit👍, tyvm tc 🎣

[@willsoto2993]

New Jersey hit 82 degrees and fishing is hard and hot great work 👌

[@lupiaan2021]

Thanks for the precious feedback on the Ozark combo, it puts things in perspective...And thanks for the turtle! ;)

[@dallis11]

Success on old plastics. Thanks for sharing!

[@boostedunrivaledteg]

That baitcaster lived a good life haha. Caught so many fish. I don't get to go a whole lot as I should be, but I love my lews xfinity from Walmart..its like 70bucks.. it would be cool to see someone feature that one. Wife said to send you mine and I can buy another one so you can feature it haha😊

[@MrLibro67]

That $30 OT has been an Old faithfull! Salute to the low budget legacy.

[@fredbarny7247]

Alex I can’t wait to see your next budget combo. When you find one I hope I’ll be able to snag one too.😊

[@benruegge9100]

I am excited to see you fish with something new

[@BTGLEE]

I bought this same one two years ago when I seen Alex using it…I don’t get to fish as much as he does, so it’s still in really great shape, but I actually prefer to use it over my much more expensive Lews bait caster I purchased around the same time. Can’t say enough about the moneys worth I’ve gotten out of this purchase though.

[@RealisticFishing]

Very cool!

[@stevegraffmusic]

2 years of service life out of the $30 combo is still a good deal.

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Hopefully Ozark Trail combo has a couple more outings. Know it’s been keeping up with Realistic Fishing use with know BS Pansy outings or catches. Just Branches, trees, all varieties of fish from small to really nice ones. 👍 thanks Alex!

[@neychie9025]

Love your videos, thank you for the time that you spend on them. God bless.

[@ElevatedGillsFishing]

I use the $65 ozarck trail combo from Walmart and it kick ass. I’ve caught so many fish with that combo.

[@miguelignacioster]

The fact that you used that rig for 2 years is it only cost $30+ Damni!!!!! It doesn't get any better than that Baby!!! Thanks brother for showing that you don't need to break the bank when it comes to fishing.

[@larmiisoren2568]

I rarely get them on craws but it feels like the season. Nice catches

[@demetriusnorthington3849]

Yeah Clarksville on the map ! You're a trooper that turtle would have been left where is was. Im so scared of them haha.

[@FishingWithChris_Tv]

Ozark trail has increased their QC. The Ozark trail OTX Rods are pretty nice for about the same price.

[@MrNichols50]

It’s pretty amazing how much use you’ve gotten out of that rod and reel combo, it just goes to show you don’t have to spend tons of money to get out and have fun fishing. Time to get another cheap combo Alex maybe a different cheap brand .

[@masonblasi8350]

Cant wait to see what your next combo will be! Id still keep it around incase you forget your gear again, its still wayy better than a can lol!

[@Justin.Sprenger]

Bought an Abu Garcia Vengence at Dick’s years ago after the video you posted. Best $35 I ever spent on a combo, and it’s still going strong (but hasn’t seen as much use as your Ozark Trail lol).

[@hvdflorida]

Thanks for keeping it realistic, your catches look just like mine here in west Tennessee

[@kentbrinton757]

Nice job catching the two bass on the 40 year old plastic lures. So what rod and reel combo you looking to continue your fishing channel with now

[@edwardvanvalkenburg3254]

Howdy Alex, that's some serious work that combo has put in. 2 years is my time frame on rods, I'm rather Brutal when fishing. Waders and DEET are working at the moment. I've them say "fk the bush". Keep it Realistic

[@danburner1182]

Always feels good to get your money’s worth on an item you use frequently. Definitely a rarity these days. Great video! Keep it Realistic!

[@johncahill612]

I like the Ozark Trail gear. It seems to be quality stuff that doesn't break the bank. I'm having luck with some of the lures. I'm also looking at one of their ultra light rods to get into that.

[@scottsoucy6186]

We're having the same kind of weather up here in Michigan! I haven't caught a fish in over a month!

[@JustJoshua73]

Shame we can’t get em anymore. Maybe the Shakespeare alpha is up next…? It’s the only one I see one Walmarts website for that price range. It is pretty cool you got two years and tons of fish catches on it though. Truly is a testament for many of us.

[@franklinmera9898]

That’s great to know, I have the ozark trail otx! On an ugly stick carbon casting rod hopefully it last more some time too.. thanks for your videos you’re awesome 😎 keep it realistic!! 💯💪🏽

[@davidcarrillo6318]

You should rattle can it gold and hang it! You could easily keep it going by replacing the tip and handle… have you opened it up to lube, or do any kind of maintenance?

[@ghayes2135]

I love the 30 buck ozark! It’s been a great piece of kit!

[@LokiDean72]

2 years worth of fishing for $34 and a 25¢ lure. That's how you do it. Showing you don't have to break the bank to catch some fish. Great stuff.

[@shannonboatright4894]

What’s your next rod combo going to be we will have to see.. Alex I don’t miss a video I enjoy each and every one of them.. great job as always

[@slantedorbit]

I’ve only ever used spinning gear, though I’ve only fished a few years. Seems more realistic given where I fish. Maybe one of these days I’ll get a smallish baitcaster to learn new things.

[@kento702]

Its been a good run with the Ozark! Whats next on the list Alex?

[@RealisticFishing]

Not sure yet!

[@billbousfield1571]

That combo has earned it’s place on the wall. Time to see if something else affordable can last as long.

[@michaellacy8510]

You could replace the tip-top guide and maybe even get a new crank. Probably cost you about $30.00…