Top 5 Fishing Rods Every Angler Needs! (Beginner To Advanced)

Are you looking for a fishing rod? These are the top 5 fishing rods every fisherman should own! Whether you're just getting started and need to stick to a budget, or you want to buy the best so you only have to purchase rods once, we've got you covered! No matter your skill level or budget, this is for you!
The first 5 rods will cover everything you'll face as a newer angler. The very first rod is extremely universal and will help you throw as many different baits as possible, the next 4 will give you a foundation for virtually any situation you'll face on the water. Whether you're working with a budget, looking for "bang for the buck", or simply want the best, we have a recommendation that will fit your fishing style.
Below you'll find links to all the rod and reel combos shown in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
1) 7' MEDIUM POWER SPINNING ROD
Budget Rod- Daiwa Aird X 7' Medium: bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu
Budget Reel- Daiwa Revros LT 2000: bit.ly/3rpoPw9
Mid Range Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: bit.ly/2osaj3q
Mid Range Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: bit.ly/2gu84t7
High End Rod- Megabass Destroyer Wind Buster: bit.ly/2B7NyFj
High End Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 2500: bit.ly/3df3hX5
2) 7'-7'4" MEDIUM HEAVY CASTING ROD
Budget Rod- Shimano SLX 7' Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2L3wppO
Budget Reel- Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Mid Range Rod- Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch: bit.ly/2FdE3YY
Mid Range Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): bit.ly/2TQHwrP
High End Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 843C MBR: bit.ly/2SuZG15
High End Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL B (HG): bit.ly/2ezIBfB
3) 6'10" - 7' MEDIUM LIGHT SPINNING ROD
Budget Rod- Shimano SLX A 7' Medium Light: bit.ly/2AdvIC1
Budget Reel- Shimano Sedona FJ 2500HG: bit.ly/3L30djp
Mid Range Rod- 13 Fishing Muse II Black 6'10" Medium Light: bit.ly/3YssC89
Mid Range Reel- 13 Fishing Axum Competition 2.0: bit.ly/43GsId6
High End Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: bit.ly/2RB0oJP
High End Reel- Shimano Exsence A 3000: bit.ly/2iMtscV
4) 6'10" - 7'2" MEDIUM CASTING ROD
Budget Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium: bit.ly/2r0xWAs
Budget Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): bit.ly/35hugfH
Mid Rod- Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Mid Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): bit.ly/2apmDJt
High End Rod- Megabass Z-Crank Elseil: bit.ly/2wVOSbY
High End Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): bit.ly/2fdX1Uy
5) 7'4" - 7'6" HEAVY CASTING ROD
Budget Rod- Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: bit.ly/2mGp1Vc
Budget Reel- Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Mid Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'4" Heavy Fast: bit.ly/3f4tcEb
Mid Reel- 13 Fishing Concept A2: bit.ly/36XlOVs
High End Rod- Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5" MHH: bit.ly/3RhFit1
High End Reel- Daiwa Zillion SV TW G: bit.ly/3xobPDM
BONUS ROD... 7'2 - 7'6" MODERATE CRANKBAIT
Budget Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" Medium: bit.ly/2YIxLy5
Budget Reel- Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): bit.ly/35hugfH
Mid Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Mid Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 A (HG): bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
High End Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: bit.ly/2og0BmK
High End Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): bit.ly/2H44yjG
FAVORITE LINES...
Budget Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/47bYQIm
Quality Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2p7fxju
Quality Braid: bit.ly/2aFg46b
High End Braid: bit.ly/314VoyF
TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)
We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#fishing #bassfishing #beginner

[@nauz7368]

I love the contrast between tim and matt, Tim can wrap a video like this up into a less than 20 minute video, and matt would do an in depth hour and a half video like this with three different examples of each type of power and action combination (I would absolutely watch lol)

[@timdarnell7819]

Agreed. These guys are the best across the board

[@johnowens7435]

You are spot on 😂

[@onfootbassin]

I would agree. However, I feel that with that longer time, Matt actually explains it a bit better and in a more organized manner. Nonetheless, this is nothing against Tim, the two of them are without a doubt, hands down, the absolute GOATs in bass fishing instructors on KZbin and frankly even on TV (blowing past Dance, Houston, and Martin) with the amount of info they give.

[@PKD253]

Absolutely spot on and I’d watch both videos😅

[@hunternixonfishing2500]

Exactly I’ve said that for years

[@ryanprellwitz8565]

I’m working on reducing my rods as I fish from a kayak and this is pretty much what I settled on. Great choices all around.

[@jvfishingfever]

Tim great video! I like how you guys cover all levels of equipment! You guys have influenced a lot of my rod and reel purchases!

[@Roboworm99]

Love your breakdowns and the options for all budget types.

[@scottcameron3559]

Well done tim being older and having had alot of surgeries let me tell you ,the equipment you use is highly important, you get what you pay for it pays for itself during the day, long live the king TB

[@Dogbone384]

Great Video! My first rod was an Ugly Stick too, circa 1980-ish. I still have it in the basement with a Shakespeare spinning reel for 'sentimental value'.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Awesome job Tim,nailed it ❤

[@webbnf]

Agreed! 7ft- 7.2ft medium is a must! Versatile, reliable, and even better if it's an Ugly Stik.

[@richshackelford5793]

Great video Tim, can’t wait for your BFS buyer’s guide

[@MichaelRomero]

Cool video! The Daiwa Tatula AGS 7'3 Brent Ehrler multi-purpose is my favorite

[@tenncutt]

Great video. Just subscribed. Going out to inventory my gear now! Thanks

[@CatchingWithDylin]

Hey Tim love the videos, would be super helpful to have a video or section of a video where you talk bladed jig rods specifically!

[@victory10111hook]

Excited for buyers guide season to start back up

[@stevesmith7164]

As a beginning baitcaster I have all med hvy with mod and fast action 😊

[@VinceNiergarth]

Thank-you guys!

[@codycampbellfishing2007]

So excited for the buyers guides😂

[@techtiger38]

You give great content. Love your channel! However, I do want to point something out on the Medium Heavy rod. I own a Levante Perfect Pitch, and to me it feels more like a Medium Heavy Plus. I think a Dobyns Champion or Sierra 734C is a better choice for an all around Medium Heavy. In my experience, the Perfect Pitch feels better for a committed bottom contact rod. In addition, it has an extra fast taper and maybe too fast for a all around duties. The St Croix Victory 7'3" Medium Heavy is a good choice as well, for an all around Medium Heavy.

[@Triple87]

I laughed way to hard at “oh, sword fight.” 10:09 🤣

[@JohnSmith-cf3nx]

This might be taboo but I throw shaky heads on a casting rod but want to step it up a bit sensitivity wise. Looking to pair with a slx Mgl or curio Mgl and stay as close to 400 as possible what rods would you suggest. Power/action

[@chrisgaines3502]

Nice video Tim. Idea for another video… the next five rods. I’m pretty sure I know what you recommend because I watch a lot, but I wonder if I’m right?

[@WhereWeWild]

Hahaha yes! You know how many fish I’ve caught in my life with an Ugly Stick spinning rod man? 👊🏽😎😃 I honestly thought I was cool too back in the day with that clear tip section when I saw my friends didn’t have it. 😂 But seriously, for anyone who reads this who is just getting started… yeah now I have a rod for every single bait, but my biggest bass ever was caught on a basic 7’ Medium Spinning combo that costs around 80 bucks. So… don’t feel like you need to spend thousands of dollars to catch quality fish, you don’t. 😊 You may just eventually find yourself wanting to. 😂🤙🏽

[@paxonhayes2264]

Hello Matt and Tim, I was wondering if you had any recommendations for a rod and reel. I was wanting a shimano reel but would be open to other recommendations. I was wanting to spend under 150 on a rod, and around 200 or under on a reel. I was looking at some of the saint croix rods. I was also wondering if it would be better to spend money on a heavier rod or lighter rod, and if you know of any brands having big sales. I do most of my fishing on a lake in Illinois. Thank you

[@omalysiragusa9747]

So I’m actually going to be purchasing my first ever medium power fast action rod in a 7’1 and man it’s got some good bend in it! It’s gonna be my dedicated bladed jig/ spinner bait/ finesse type rod can I also throw crankbaits with it?

[@MWM92688]

I would love to hear y’all’s opinions on the stix fishings 6 rods especially now that they’re available on Tackle Warehouse‼️

[@jameszelinske6329]

What is the yellow piece that I think is an add-on some of the rod handles? Cannot tell if it's a hook holder or maybe some type of float.

[@davidmorrison3328]

So in ur opinion this is not about rods but I Ben Goin back and forth about witch reel I wanna buy between the tattula and the curado dc witch one would u go with if u could only have one

[@jeffclashofclans1470]

What would be recommended for 30lb braid, I was using said braid on a 6-15lb new rod I bought and it snapped the tip off when I was texas rigging with a 1/8 ounce weight

[@deebz22]

I feel like u have to have a great travel rod. DAIWAS 666B Is a great BFS travel rod. Megabass makes great swimbait travel rods, 6th sense and st.croix make great travel spinning rods. A lot of kids can't ride their bikes with 7ft+ 1 piece rods

[@coleb13]

Hey Tim, I’m curious I see your little hook keepers on your rods. Those seem convenient. Where did you get them?

[@malcolmholliday1172]

That size 2 Owners hook doesn't look like it would keep a big bass hooked for every long. Also what's that hook keeper at the bottom of the spinning rod ?

[@ETuss713]

You have a wide range of bass fishermen watching, but also a good following of inshore speckled trout fishermen too. Especially on jerk bait videos!

[@lawrencekickery7666]

Tim what do you think about the megabass levante brallist

[@kingsfan8888]

Would love to get a full breakdown dedicated purely to GLoomis IMX Pro series with the must haves in the line with real pairings

[@aseerintisher2410]

Please suggest more spinning rod and reel. I want to cath 15-20 kg fish...

[@DHW448]

I wish yall would review the new Vanquish. IMO it's the best spinning reel ever made. I really enjoy your channel. Thanks

[@ryanprellwitz8565]

If it’s the best ever made, why review it? Jokes aside I wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the Unlimited Budget Black Friday videos coming up.

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

The vanquish is a beautiful reel don’t get me wrong… However best spinning reel ever made I don’t think so. The Daiwa exist is in a league of its own. On the saltwater side the certate and saltiga are the best money can buy. Pair any of those with zenaq rods and you have the best setups on the planet. How would I know ? I own several. As always Daiwa Is King 👑

[@1zzy_713]

what gear ratio for the shimano 150 MGL ? 6.2.1 or 8.1.1

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Here in my home province in South Afric (KZN) we have A LOT of grass and structure in our dams so i have 2 medium power rods and 10 medium heavy rods of various lengths. I agree that a 7 to 7,4 lenght is best. Due to the structure i don't have any finesse rods or reels. I fish light lures on one of my medium power casting rods with 20 pound braid on the casting reel. Thanks for a stunning channel. I strongly believe the rod is more important than the reel as i catch more fish on my more expensive rods than the cheaper ones.

[@dustinwalker8152]

You guys are going to end up with the world record largemouth. It’s so cool to see bass fishing growing worldwide.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

​@@dustinwalker8152I hope so, Bud. My son and i both caught 3 bass over 7 pounds last weekend. Caught my pb of 8.223 pounds on a weighless texas rigfed fat albert in watermelon gold. My friend caught a nine pounder right next to me. Was an epic dayof fishing even though the wind was about 18 miles per hour.

[@duskycotw8404]

its 3:50 right now and i was about to go to sleep, and ofc they post a perfect vid for me

[@timothyburns7455]

I love these kinds of videos . I have all 5 of these powers. Question though: I have a 7' 6" heavy Doby's Sierra and I was wondering if you think it would do an okay job as a swim bait rod? I can only afford a handful of rods and I want to use this one for throwing swim baits and A-rigs this fall/winter

[@mattquinlan4629]

If you like Dobyns try the 6’9” fury. It’s cheap and will handle swim baits (esp trebles) better than the 7’6 Sierra. I have both and LOVE the 7’9” for a rigs and glides under 7”.

[@techtiger38]

Sierras have a slow taper which may be ok. I use a St. Croix Mojo Bass 7'4". I don't swimbait much, but it is serviceable. I think if you wanted a committed swimbait rod the Dobyns Fury 795SB is great. I saw a video where Milliken caught an enormous bag using that rod. Other options are Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy cheap price excellent value. Daiwa DX Swimbait Rod cheap also is a great option. If you are just occasionally using a swimbait, your frog rod will work fine.

[@brettmchaney6898]

Action is how fast or slow the tip of the rod returns to its original or natural state

[@jitterswing467]

Can BRAID Line be used on all of these rods and reels? I ask because many years ago it was recommended you only use braided line with designated rods and reels. Thanks!

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, that is a thing of the past. You'd have to get a really cheap rod these days to experience an issue.

[@noahledbetter3969]

Right on time lol

[@adams9604]

Is our just my phone or are near full screen ads popping up way too often?

[@adamcaldwell553]

You and Matt preach this important fact better than most on KZbin. Action and Power are poorly explained and mean everything when it comes to properly working baits and landing fish. I cringed every time I hear this information misrepresented by fishermen who get paid to fish professionally.

[@krisramos7453]

I only have 6 combos. 7’4 heavy fast 7’4 medium heavy mod fast 7’ medium fast 7’ medium cranking 7’ medium light fast spinning 7’ medium light fast (more moderate) spinning Next on the list 6’10 jerkbait combo, 7’2 medium heavy, 7’6 heavy

[@tjlastname5192]

I have a question I don’t have good luck with crank baits nor chatter baits and I wonder if it’s because I’m not using a medium moderate rod? I have medium fast action rods and I wonder if the rods I have may not have enough bend to let the bass to suck in the baits. Honestly I don’t even feel bites when I use them, so I don’t know. Also I used one of your older videos to help pick my first 5 rods, except I bought a second medium spinning instead of the heavy casting. It fit the type of fishing I do more.

[@techtiger38]

Medium Moderate is going to help you keep the fish pinned and loads alot more using treble hooks and moving baits in general. You get a slow cushion versus a fast tip which has a snap and is more responsive. So to answer your question. A medium moderate tip is going to give you more opportunities to land fish. What has revolutionized my moving bait experience has been the glass rod. It will beat you up during an outing and is heavier than than your standard graphite rod, but the benefits are they have slower, more parabolic action which may help you get fish hooked even more.

[@tjlastname5192]

@@techtiger38 that’s kinda what I was thinking. I believe one of the crank bait rods I’ve looked at is a glass rod. Just concerned that I’m not even feeling any bites with the other. I’ll buy one eventually though, and see if it makes a difference. Thanks for the reply.

[@techtiger38]

@@tjlastname5192 there is maybe a fraction of difference in feel. The difference is in weight. I love glass rods for chatterbaits. I solely use glass for chatters. It also makes a great trap rod yo-yoing.

[@tjlastname5192]

@@techtiger38 so I guess I need to adjust my tactics, or maybe these fish have seen way too many crank baits. Also can’t catch crap with chatter bates either. Tried every method I’ve seen on KZbin. Haha

[@techtiger38]

@@tjlastname5192 cast the chatterbait and let it fall to the bottom. Usually a hard 5 to 10 count. Then rip it up, let it fall. Rinse and repeat. Another way is to slow roll, pop it, burn it and stop. This method replicates an erratic hunting action. The chatterbait will track straight, then dart way off course when you vary the speed coupled with the popping and jerking. A bite on a chatterbait with glass rod will feel like a wet sock. You'll be cranking and all of a sudden you'll get a feeling like your hung up or just a dead feeling. As for a crankbait, I fish shallow my experience is a squarebill works best when it's worked fast and there is rocks, structure in the path of the bait. When the lure ricochets off a rock or structure, this will get the bass excited. Open water is usually best for traps and spinnerbaits. For me traps are fished best yo yo'd, usually with 50lb braid and a frog rod in heavy grass. I downsize the hook, Finesse trebles are great for this. Spinnerbaits are great in open water burned in cooler months. In the cooler months I like a trailer with a paddletail and a stinger hook. My choice of spinnerbaits is a finesse War Eagle 3/8oz, I like a Storm Largo Shad 3" trailer. Again burn this lure.

[@treehunter1]

5 different models of Exprides (or equivalent) with 5 Zillion SV TW (or bantam if you’re brainwashed by Shimano) is all a serious angler needs

[@kenneth9874]

Sounds like you've been brainwashed by daiwa..

[@treehunter1]

@@kenneth9874 all my shimanos develop a gear buzzing sound. I’ve only had one zillion get rough, but because it got dumped in mud 🤷‍♂️

[@kenneth9874]

@@treehunter1 I've got 6 curados,3 stradics, and a nasci and have never had any problems.

[@kenneth9874]

@@treehunter1 I'm still a bit skeptical about daiwa's ever since back in the day when on the first redfish my neighbors daiwa's gears were stripped...

[@techtiger38]

I am partial to the Megabass Levante line for casting. I prefer G Loomis for spinning. There is not a reel on the market that is smoother than a Daiwa Zillion. I currently own 2. My favorite reel is the Shimano Metanium. As for spinning I'm in love with my Stradics.

[@MrCrybaby95]

I need to pick your brain a little bit. I wanna get a rod that could throw cranks, chatterbaits, and spinner baits. I’m throwing your average size cranks and normally1/2oz chatterbaits and spinner. I thinking 7’4 med/heavy moderate to cover thous baits. let me know you what you think

[@techtiger38]

Try a Levante Diablo Spec R. That is the most versatile moving bait rod I've ever owned. You can burn bank with spinnerbaits, slow roll chatterbaits, and it's an awesome rod for squarebills.

[@MrCrybaby95]

@@techtiger38 I appreciate that recommendation! I’ll be sure to look into it

[@kevinpowdrill199]

New to fishing my question is every time I put braid on my spinning reel I get knots in the line, why?

[@michaelblair7141]

@kevinpowdrill199 My guess is you aren't putting enough tension on the line while spooling, causing line twist and thereby, knots. TylersReelFishing (he is, in my opinion the next best channel to these guys if not equal but in a different way) has a great tutorial on how to properly spool on line that might be good for you to watch. I have it linked here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naGbdYKKjcuJg68si=tY8iglicvWPy4jh5

[@timothythompson6549]

First, make sure you spool the reel under a little bit of tension. Second, if you're throwing something that doesn't have much resistance on the retrieve, like a Ned rigs, pull the line taught after each cast before you start reeling.

[@kevinpowdrill199]

@@timothythompson6549 thanks I am throwing ned rigs and drop shots

[@chrislopez6782]

Can you explain why the power and action excludes certain baits? Why it isnt effective to throw this bait on this type of rod? You can physically throw any bait on any rod but how does the wrong power and action affect your presentation…. If that makes sense.

[@kunaiwithchain5278]

Also keep in mind, not every medium rod is built equally. A medium bass rod will be much smaller and can’t throw as much lead as a medium cat rod

[@sunsetlandscaping4973]

I see lot of people fishing with 9’ rod on bank why is this?

[@ETuss713]

Want all your rods to be NRX plus quality rods....build your own. It's not hard, very rewarding, and can save tons of money.

[@unsp0kenreveng3]

1st Leggo, Great Video!