The Perfect Match: 12 Favorite Bait Finesse Rod and Reel Combos Revealed!

I've had a handful of you request me to do an overview of all the bait finesse rods and reels I use. This is that video. I decided to make it now because honestly, a lot of it will be changing in the next six months!

I talk about CDM vs JDM, what you get for spending more money, and reveal some of my plans for the rest of the year. I also reveal a bit of a secret - there's some big news coming soon!

Links to the newest stuff:

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - DWU & Lemoren
1:38 - CDM vs JDM
1:59 - DWU & Mavllos Delicacy
2:59 - Genius & Trout Sensation
4:02 - Micro Monster & Venom
6:20 - The Other Venom
6:50 - Kastking Centron Lite & VE II
8:18 - Why I won't buy Kastking Again
9:12 - YLT Tank
10:53 - Yamaga Blue Current iii 53B
12:50 - Top Secret Prototype & Aldebaran 22
15:15 - Silver Creek & Finetail Glass
17:07 - Gekkabijin & Double Down
19:32 - SLX DC XT & Expride
22:29 - Curado BFS & Mojo Bass
24:48 - SLX BFS & Kistler Helium
27:07 - The BFS Rabbit Hole
28:26 - What is UPS Delivering?
30:19 - Reviews Coming Soon

Want to support the channel, get early access to most videos, behind the scenes info, and access to live Zoom Chats to discuss Bait Finesse fishing? Join my Patreon Group:

**My gear: LINKS and Favorite Sources BELOW!!!

Some of my links are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission each time someone buys using my link. It doesn't cost you any more, and it will help support the channel.

My Reels:

My Rods:

Favorite Lures:

Fishing Gear:

Video Gear:

[tristanhdh]

just got my first baitcasting combo. i got the slx dc xt and very happy. love this video and keep going

[fishinwithish]

Very cool overview of your rods. Also VERY cool to see you gettihg to work with a company to help produce some rods! Thats awesome!!!! Proof putting in the work pays off!congrats!

[donniefoster]

I love the jenko double down if you love casting light swimming type baits it’s the deal it’s my favorite I fish for crappie and bass mostly on a 1/16 -1/8 baits I get long cast with the soloking Acura

[JWDBSNRNOCN]

BTW, KastKing makes really good braided line. I use the Destron Camo braid. For the price it out performs powerpro.

[abelabner]

Thanks for sharing, able to glean useful information from your opinions!

[quanloikid]

I'm surprised you haven't picked up a KUYING TETON TTC510S which is about 47g and is what I use with the Aldebaren BFS....it's a great rod. Unfortunately a year ago you could buy it on sale for $110 delivered and now it is $184 plus tax....much too expensive for CDM. Another great video!

[ikashibimauler]

I know you have been using power pro but are looking to switch. Berkley X9 is the best I have found and I have used a great many braids over the years. So I would maybe try some of that if you can. 832 would be second, but that is quite thick for its strength. I had a terrible time with J braid especially with any jerkbait or topwater as it would literally come apart just jerking it. No fish. No snag. It would just break by itself when regularly snapping a jerkbait. Spooky. Also if you are looking for an American rod, I can recommend the Cashion Icon 6'10" for a bit on the power finesse side. Really great rod.

[FiciousCritik]

My NRX+ JWR 802C is paired with a Conquest BFS.
It's perfect for weightless Senkos; accurate, sensitive and ... _productive!_ 😜
I had to save up.

[FounderOf]

I came here because I think you look like Martin Truex Jr.... I am subbing for the content

[yep.fishing]

Id love a short glass and also somethijg a bit more stout for our bative freshwater species here. I have a short rod on the way from aliexpress that I havent seen people review. Im looking forward to sharong it with you guys.

[patrickhartman]

4months ago. I don't have any plans on buying more. Lol yea im rite there with you.

[philipfalco]

Nice assortment Aaron! Have you tried the Dobyn's 691C for your SLX BFS yet? I use the Dobyn's 650C for my 22 Aldebaran and the 7' Sensilite with my Curado BFS. They all match and performs great for open water. I save my shorter rods for streams.

[bgeezus]

I know this video is old but I bought megajaws elite shallow spool and it is not noted on the website as having a drag clicker and the cs rep had no idea what I was talking about. I had to scour youtube and reddit for someone with the reel to answer my question. Kastking qc is junk. I have the mg12 elite and that megajaws elite shallow spool feels better by miles in smoothness and cast distance.

[tommylagebro]

BFS or not, i kind of have the same mentality as you, i want to be able to throw smaller version of some lures even if they are heavier than 6g.
being from Sweden i mostly fish for perch but hopefully also som trout.

Just bought a westin w6 -15g.
hoping it will have good sensitivity, probably going to pair it whit my Daiwa alphas CT70 that has a roro spool on it.

[stirfrihd]

Could I ask if the finetail glass is able to catch small bass? I want to put my CQ 17 on something smaller but I do a lot of bass fishing as well!

[davebonham]

What rod do you recommend for treble hook applications for bass fishing? (Jerkbaits and Crankbaits)

[letufamily]

you have for every month one combo😅 and you just started 🙈 Great information, thank you🤗

[patrickhartman]

The Daiwa J braid x8 is the smoothest braid i have used, better than beyond braid

[patrickhartman]

What is bad is I love my kastking valiant eagle 2 for 3.5gr and up. Im a righty that has to use left hand.

[TheSinistral]

Regarding the KK. I hear you and that influences me to not use them. Customer service is everything. However, you said they don’t sell in the US market but I got a VE2 for about $80 and after a couple trips it has been exceptional. ( Of course, it might not be durable)