BUYER'S GUIDE: BEST $200 ROD AND REEL COMBOS!

These are the best rods and reels for the frugal angler! Today we're covering the best "Bang For The Buck" fishing rods and reels that combine to create a $200 combo. If you're looking for quality gear to take your fishing to the next level, this is for you!

$200 Combos have long been the standard for durability and sensitivity in fishing rods. At this price point a lot of high end advancements have trickled down and you're seeing advanced technologies at an affordable price. So much so that many of these rods and reels will outperform the high end gear from just a few years ago. If you're looking to get the most for your money as a newer angler, this is your price range.

Below you'll find links to the exact rod and reel combos in today's video. We've included our favorite models from each product line and our favorite reel sizes and speeds for each combo. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

*PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...*

*SPINNING COMBO #1...*
Models: 7' Med Light, 7' Medium
Size: 2500, 3000

*SPININNG COMBO #2...*
Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'1" Medium Light
Size: 2500D XH

*SPINNING COMBO #3...*
Models: 7' Medium
Size: 2500 D XH

*SPINNING COMBO #4...*
Models: 6'10" Medium Light, 7'1" Medium
Size: 2500HG

*CASTING COMBO #1...*
Models: 704, 705 Cranking, 735
Speed: 7.5:1

*CASTING COMBO #2...*
Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Heavy
Speed: 7.2:1

*CASTING COMBO #3...*
Models: 7' Medium, 7'3" Medium Heavy, 7'4" Heavy
Speed: 7.3:1

*CASTING COMBO #4...*
Models: 6'8" Medium XF, 7'4" Heavy
Speed: 8.1:1

*CASTING COMBO #5...*
Models: 6'10" MH, 7'2" MH Glass, 7'4" Heavy
Speed: 7.2:1

*SWIMBAIT RODS...*
Model: 8' Heavy

Model: 7'8" Heavy

*SWIMBAIT REEL...*

*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... 

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*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY... *

*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…* 

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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!

#buyersguide #spinningreel #baitcasting

[vincentgelles]

As much as I love TW and I spend thousands and thousands of dollars with them every year, they totally ruined the holiday sales in my opinion. It used to be everything was on sale even if they couldn’t advertise it when you got ready to check out, you would see the discount in your cart. I bought higher end Shimano, Daiwa, and Megabass gear and even though it wasn’t advertised I still saved 15 percent. Yesterday I put a Loomis rod in the cart and started my checkout just to see and there was no discount so I tried an Expride, again no discount. I know some Shimano rods are on sale but I would rather have an Expride and it’s not on sale. I’m not rich by any means so I always looked forward to this time of year to save on some rods and reels. I really wish they would go back to the way the sale used to be so we could save on everything.

[c.shoefish]

I always find it hilarious when Tim starts fidgeting with things when Matt goes on his description tangent 🤣. Great video fellas, cant wait for the 3-400 combo vids.

[controlledchaoseffects]

Great morning everytime I go to YouTube and see greatness

[oldeschoolbob]

Thank you, Matt and Tim. Great timing on these videos, too...though I can well imagine that that was not as easy as in years past. Thanks so much for these guides and for everything you bring us throughout the year. Good luck to those heading out to have a go at the bass today and have a great Saturday!

[edpavlik]

As always guys loved the rod-reel combo buyer’s guides. Extremely valuable information. One thing I did find misleading though regarding the Intenza rods you show and refer to, is that it is not the older model that is on sale. The new model that you show is more durable, lighter, especially the glass models and has many other better features, but it is NOT ON SALE. A few comments I saw talked about getting the Intenza on sale as if they we getting the features you describe, but it’s not the same rod. The new Intenza is a so much better rod.

[midwestfischerman]

It's cool that you guys are featuring the Daiwa Legalis LT spinning reel. I've been seeing other great reviews about this reel. It will definitely be the next spinning reel that I buy. Merry Christmas, Matt and Tim!!!

[jonorech]

Nice to see Cardiff get some love. My muskie reel for decades.

[dustinharris]

just picked up a shimano zodias medium light bfs rod on TW for $130 bucks. Which a pretty good deal! I’ve never owned a zodias series rod and I’m hoping it’s going to be a awesome rod. I’ve heard y’all talk about them for years and decided to pull the trigger on one.

[davidhidalgo]

It is just funny that after all these years of buyers guides Matt has brought Tim over to the dark side with words like ISH and they make the cut with the sales. LOL I remember when Matt would "stretch'' the budget every time and get that look from Tim and now Tim has joined Matt. Thank you for all you do.

[Jason-]

Can’t wait for the super high end gear video 👍

[jfezatte]

I have my Daiwa Legalis paired up with a Dobyns Maverick 7' ML for my drop shot setup & absolutely love that setup for the price! True budget workehorse setup coming in around $170-$180 depending where you get them.

[simonyang]

I use high end gear but also own the Tatula XT 7’1ML. I’d say for $100 and under with sales, they’re the best rod for the price. Lightweight and all black and classy. Cant beat it

[willperryman]

This years TW Sale has been confusing to say the least, and caused me to miss some opportunities to buy and consequently TW lost me a few different weeks, especially with Shimano products, 😢 and may have been my own fault but I’m just that kind of buyer, I’m retired and looking for deals and discounts 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’ll continue my addiction and you guys are the Best 🍀🎣🍀👊😎🙏 I hope you and your families have a Holiday Season to remember 💯

[krr]

I shop at TW a lot and just received another shipment yesterday. However, don’t forget the other companies out there who has their own brands. I know you guys are tied tight with TW, but for the money it is also hard to beat Bass Pro Shops Carbonlite 2 rods and reels. Though I own a bunch of high end Shimano’s and Lew’s rods and reels I’ve also got several Carbonlite 2 Combo’s. They’re about 5 years old now, but they have caught me a ton of fish. My favorite is the one I use for fishing jerkbaits. I enjoyed this video. The technology in the lower priced rods and reels today is outstanding and would have had much higher price points 10 years ago.

[Seasterberg]

Man I tell ya, I've had 2 St Croix Bass X rods in the last year and both of them defective in the reel seat. It doesn't tighten down to the reel it just keeps spinning around. And also really don't like the fact that it cost me $50 bucks to get a replacement from them when I sent my first one in. Fished a couple weeks with the new one and it's doing the same thing now. Got away from the Bass X rods and changed all mine up to the Dobyns Fury series which I love and military and first responders get 30% off which is even better. Love you guys always great content !!!!

[brianrobinson]

Matt and Tim
I've never seen you guys even mention the brand, but I wouldn't doubt that you guys have tried at least a couple.
What are your thoughts on the iRod Genesis series of rods?

[fundamentawellness]

the 7'6 MH glass in the Intenza is on clearance for $99! I picked it up for that sole reason, to hear its one of your guys favorite do all crank rods is even better!

[joshmason]

Oh shhhh…this is my budget area, so was just coming on to see what you guys had out…and this video just so happened to drop today!! I’ll take it!!

[farrzmd]

Thanks for showcasing Halo. I’ve had their rods in my cart a few times, but not a lot out there on them.

[dropzBiG]

tatula xt is a realllly good rod spinning and casting i got both