Spinning Rod: We debated this category for a while but in the end we had to recognize how good a value the Daiwa Tatula XT Spinning Rods are delivering high-end performance at a wallet-friendly price of just $99 at Tackle Warehouse. Completely redesigned and overhauled a season ago, these rods combine HVF graphite and Daiwa’s X45 Braiding-X construction for a very lightweight, sensitive blank that’s perfect for finesse fishing. They resist twisting and ovalization under heavy loads, giving anglers increased power and durability when working light lines or fighting fish.

The Tatula XT rods are a great value for under $100

Equipped with JDM-style EVA split grips and Daiwa-exclusive reel seats, the Tatula XT rods provide excellent comfort and feel on the water. Available in a wide assortment of sizes and actions, they combine innovative technology, modern styling, and strong performance at a price that makes them possible to gift to the finesse fishing angler on your list.

There are 2 piece Tatula XT models that are great for travel as well

Casting Rod: There are plenty of great rods out there, but the Trika 6X Series stands out for its look, feel, and performance. These casting rods deliver precision, sensitivity, and power at a retail price of $299. Built from carbon fiber end-to-end on ultra-responsive TORAYCA HP blanks, they feature Axial-Weave Technology and premium nano resin for increased strength, reduced weight, and an exceptionally crisp feel.

Trika's rods feel very unique

The carbon-fiber handles extend the blank’s sensitivity, look and feel fantastic, and outperform traditional cork or EVA in durability. Topped with Fuji K-Series Alconite guides and a custom carbon reel seat with large cutouts for direct finger-to-blank contact, the 6X rods provide smooth line flow and pinpoint accuracy.

The carbon fiber grips look and feel great

From finesse plastics to flipping, the Trika 6X Series is our top pick for technical bass anglers seeking a high-performance, all-around casting rod. How desirable are these rods? Let’s just say there have been more dust-ups over who gets to fish and write about Trika rods than any other brand in our lab over the last two seasons.

Trika rods are very light and sensitive and the 6X is the sweet spot in their lineup

Swimbait Reel: Shimano has been on a tear this season and the redesigned Shimano Tranx is our choice in the hotly swimbait reel category, the Shimano Tranx 300B delivers premium power and precision in a compact, easy-to-palm package. Built with CoreSolid technology, which combines the frame, outer sideplate, and level guard into a single aluminum piece, the Tranx 300B provides the rigidity needed to tackle demanding freshwater and saltwater predators.

The new Tranx is a lot more compact and powerful feeling thanks to the CoreSolid design. This reel feels purpose built for fishing big baits

Loaded with Shimano innovations including SVS Infinity MD for precise casting control, MicroModule gearing for smooth, powerful cranking, X-Ship for enhanced pinion alignment, and Cross Carbon Drag for adjustable, fish-stopping power - this reel handles everything from largemouth bass to smaller tarpon with confidence. Corrosion-resistant S A-RB bearings and ample line capacity round out the package, making the Tranx 300B a versatile, high-performance swimbait reel at a reasonable retail price of $349.99 at Tackle Warehouse. The only thing that Zander doesn’t like about the higher speed reels is that they only come with the saltwater-oriented Power Handle. But hey, aftermarket handle upgrades are easy and help give the reel an even more custom look and feel.

Shimano has gotten really serious about the swimbait market and the Outlier is the best swimbait rod they have built to date

Swimbait Rod: Shimano has gotten increasingly serious about its swimbait lineup - not just with reels and in-house baits, but with the introduction of the new Outlier swimbait rods, which are arguably the company’s most dedicated big-bait rods to date. These rods are purpose-built using Shimano’s most advanced blank technologies to maximize utility, durability, and sensitivity. Spiral X and Hi-Power X construction work together to deliver exceptional compressional and torsional rigidity, helping prevent blank twist and roll while enhancing casting accuracy and power.

The Outlier looks and feels like a custom swimbait rod but is built with the technology and refinement of Shimano's high end rods. This rod feels very light and crisp and yet can cast big baits with confidence

A proprietary CI4+ carbon-infused reel seat and double-foot Fuji K-Frame guides add the durability needed for heaving large swimbaits. The spiral EVA handle, finished with a heat-wrapped exterior, provides a secure grip and a distinctly custom-built look and feel. The Outlier series includes a range of lengths and powers suited for everything from finesse soft baits to giant 14-ounce plugs, and retails for $399.99 and is available at Tackle Warehouse.

Smaller and easier to fish, the Spro KGB Lil Guy is cute and deadly

Hard Bodied Swimbait: For hard-bodied swimbaits, the SPRO KGB Lil Guy 120 Glide Bait is our pick, delivering almost everything we love about a resin KGB swimbait - just more affordable and accessible. At 4.72 inches and under an ounce, it’s easy for any angler to cast while still producing the choppy enticing glide that draws strikes from reluctant fish. With a jointed body, wide brush tail, oversized eyes, and intricate detailing, this compact glide bait mimics the action of the larger KGB Chad Shad 180 in a smaller, versatile package. Equipped with razor-sharp treble hooks on swiveling hangers, it’s ready for hard-fighting fish right out of the box, making the Lil Guy 120 a solid choice for anglers chasing big action without needing specialized swimbait setups. $59.99 each at Tackle Warehouse.

HawgHunter partners with Baitsanity to bring the Finesse Minnow to market

Soft Bodied Swimbait: One of the hottest new softbodied swimbaits is the HawgHunter x Baitsanity Simplebait Finesse Minnows, a collaboration between Eric Smith of HawgHunter Swimbaits and Baitsanity. These 5-inch finesse swimbaits are built for realism, featuring Eric’s unique oscillating tail action and Baitsanity’s proprietary PVC construction to create subtle, lifelike movement on a steady retrieve.

This swimbait is great for pressured waters and precision scope fishing

Designed with a vertical line tie and a pre-rigged internal lead harness, they maintain perfect balance and durability for presentations under or far away from the boat. Hand-painted colors, precise baitfish detailing, and custom eyes make them ideal for pressured fish in clear water, while their versatility throughout the water column makes them perfect for blind casting or forward-facing sonar applications. Retailing at $23.99 at Tackle Warehouse for a pack of two, these minnows deliver high-end finesse performance for swimbait anglers.

A 3D printed rat swimbait? Meet the Dead Rat from Deadbait

Custom Swimbait: If you are a frequent reader of TackleTour than you know of Zander’s affinity for rat swimbaits. So it’s no surprise that our custom swimbait pick this season is a rodent, but what might be surprise is it is a 3D printed swimbait from the team at Dead Bait. The Dead Rat is 3D printed from thermoplastic monomer and is one of the easiest to walk rats weighing in at 2 ounces with a 4 inch body and finished with an Illude 5 inch plastisol tail.

The Dead Rat is an exceptional twitch and walking rat and draws viscous topwater strikes

While it may not knock as loud as an Illude Rad Rat which is made of wood, the Dead Bait is a fun to fish and deadly effective rat that is much more accessible at a price of $65 each direct from Deadbait.

Looking for a more conventional topwater weapon? The Whopper Plopper is hard to beat

Hardbait: Give the gift of explosive topwater action with the River2Sea Whopper Plopper. Proven and addictive, it’s perfect for pressured fish - crawl it slow along weed lines, burn it over wind-blown banks, or add subtle twitches for an attention-grabbing splash. Available in a full range of sizes and priced from just $9.99 to $16.99, it’s a versatile, fun bait that’s hard to beat for the price.

We joked about fuzzy baits until we finally tried them and they just plain get bit. The Strike King Tumbleweed is a reasonably priced option that can be rigged a variety of ways and comes in a range of patterns

Softbait: In the softbait category, the Strike King Tumbleweed is our pick. Yes, it’s a “fuzzy bait” that many anglers, ourselves included, used to joke about…until we fished it. Now, we’ve seen firsthand how deadly effective it can be, especially in pressured waters. Its ten-sided soft-plastic body and ten flowing skirt strands quiver naturally, even without a twitch, creating irresistible action. Floating and versatile, the Tumbleweed shines on a Neko rig, drop-shot, jig head, or even as a topwater option, offering a fresh, attention-grabbing alternative to standard dice baits. There are a lot of fuzzy dice baits out there, and a lot of them are more expensive. At $10.99 for a pack of four at Tackle Warehouse, the Tumbleweed is a small investment for a huge payoff in bites.

The Berkley Skirted Riveter sounds great right out of the package and can be tuned for varying degrees of squeaks and knocks and comes outfitted with PowerBait skirts

Wirebait: The best new wirebait this season, the Berkley Skirted Riveter Buzzbait - recent Editor’s Choice Award winner - delivers topwater excitement at an outstanding price of just $10.99. Designed to make your topwater arsenal even more effective, it features a custom ring rivet and anodized blade that produce a squeaking sound straight out of the package, with an adjustable wire to create either a heavier head-knocking noise or a cleaner squeak. Outfitted with a PowerBait silicone skirt enhanced with attractant and a razor-sharp Fusion 19 hook with a long shank and O’Shaughnessy bend, it ensures lightning-fast hook penetration without the need for a trailer hook. Lightweight, versatile, and deadly when fish are feeding on top, this award-winning buzzbait has reminded us why buzzbaits are some of the most thrilling presentations in bass fishing, especially early in the morning, sunset, and even after dark.

The Exsence B is a finesse fishing weapon, it is light, fast and precise

Enthusiast Spinning Reel: Affectionately nicknamed the “Dark Stella,” the stealthy Exsence B is actually a very different reel - one built for lightweight performance and ultra-quick, precise lure manipulation rather than the ultra-smooth, torque-rich winding power of Shimano’s CoreSolid Stella series. The Exsence B incorporates many of Shimano’s most advanced technologies to deliver longer, more accurate casts, highly responsive control, and smooth, confident retrieves. The lightweight platform now includes a 2500-size model equipped with ultra-fast XG gearing (6.4:1).

The Exsence B is a MGL reel designed to more agile bait control. This is a great choice for enthusiast finesse anglers

At its core is the MGL Rotor, crafted from carbon-infused CI4+ with an asymmetrical design that reduces rotational inertia for instant start-up and agile bait control. For anglers who depend on precision presentations, such as tight scope-and-rope applications, this translates to detecting subtle bites and maintaining fluid, controlled retrieves with minimal effort. Ideal for finesse-focused spinning enthusiasts, the Exsence B retails for $599.99–$609.99 and is available now at Tackle Warehouse.

The Mangestsu blends classic design with a new aluminum frame and components, this exclusive limited edition reel is designed to JDM enthusiasts but is also reasonably priced

Enthusiast Casting Reel: Our enthusiast baitcaster pick goes to the Daiwa Mangetsu, a reel that perfectly blends throwback style with modern Daiwa performance. Built on the proven Tatula 150 platform through an exclusive Daiwa x Tackle Warehouse collaboration, the Mangetsu channels the classic look of the 2007 JDM Certate Vintage Custom while packing serious capability in its robust aluminum frame. Magforce-Z delivers precise casting control, the T-Wing System optimizes line flow and winding, and Daiwa’s HyperDrive Design adds strength, smoothness, and long-term durability.

Smoother and more powerful than the classic Tatula reels and channels the Certate Vintage Custom vibes

The tried-and-true Ultimate Tournament Drag provides confident stopping power, while the drilled aluminum spool, 100mm handle, and rounded cork knobs offer a planted, winch-ready feel that serious anglers will appreciate. Finished in sleek silver with subtle D-VEC branding, the Mangetsu is equal parts performance tool and collector-grade eye candy - and at $299, it delivers enthusiast appeal without the typical premium price of limited-edition reels. Grab one before it’s gone; this is destined to become a classic for Daiwa fans. As a bonus, Tackle Warehouse is including a Mangetsu hoodie while supplies last - whether you gift it or keep it for yourself is up to you. Personally, we’d keep it.

Each Mangetsu comes with a limited edition hoodie (while supplies last), up to you if the angler on your list gets it or it mysteriously gets "lost" in the gifting process

Enthusiast Rod: The words “Enthusiast” and “Megabass” just seem to go hand in hand. For anglers who demand the very best in rod design and performance, the Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion Casting Rods are our pick in the Enthusiast category. These high-modulus MX40 titanium-composite blanks deliver incredible sensitivity, torque, and bending power, designed to enable anglers feel every subtle bite and work baits with precision. Generous cutouts and ergonomic grips make them comfortable to fish all day, while the Yuki Ito-designed reel seats and Evoluzion Locking Head System keep your baitcaster locked in and amplify feedback.

The Megabass Evoluzion rods are true Enthusiast Class rods

Topped with lightweight titanium-frame SiC guides and wrapped in artful four-color threads on a striking galactic strontium blank, these rods are as visually stunning as they are high-performing. There are so many great models to pick from, and best of all the unique slant handle design has returned on a number of models as well.

The slant bridge handle is back on some models!

Retailing from $699 - $749 and backed by a three-year warranty, the Destroyer Evoluzion rods are a perfect gift for enthusiast anglers who want a rod that’s equal parts artistry and performance.

Bates introduced their first BFS reel this season and it is a good one!

BFS Reel: Bates continues to surprise us with some of the most compelling new reels on the market, and the Hundo LTS Casting Reel is a perfect example. Featherlight yet solid and refined, this CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum reel features the Hundo compact form factor we love with features optimized for BFS. The reel has a gunmetal grey and gold anodized finish, re-engineered spool, and adjustable dual brakes built for micro-finesse baits.

The Bates Hundo LTS features a shallow spool optimized for quick startups with micro baits

The shallow, skeletonized spool makes precise line control effortless, while 10+2+1 bearings and an 88mm milled crank look and feel very refined with each turn. With 8.5 lbs of drag, corrosion-resistant components, and a custom neoprene case included, the Hundo LTS is a top-tier choice for unlocking bites in high-pressure finesse situations and retails at $395 and is available at Tackle Warehouse. It looks and fishes like a much higher end reel and proves that Bates is not just about the power game, but also good at light and precision applications as well.

Daiwa's Presso Air rod makes BFS fun. Even panfish are thrilling on these compact and light rods

BFS Rod: For ultralight and BFS anglers, the Daiwa Presso Air Casting Rod is our pick in the BFS rod category. Available in 5'10" and 6'8" lengths, it’s short enough for tight spaces but still packs precision and sensitivity thanks to X45 graphite blanks and HVF Nanoplus resin technology. MegaTop carbon tips transfer energy perfectly for subtle bite detection, while Fuji K guides with alconite rings reduce wind knots for flawless casts. With a beautiful wood reel seat, premium cork handle, and custom rod appeal, the Presso Air feels as good as it looks - and at $229, it’s a high-performance choice for finesse anglers chasing big fish in small spaces that won’t break the bank (relatively speaking versus many other BFS rods that is).

Baitsanity may be best known for their full sized swimbaits but in the span of just one season has become a leader in micro BFS swimbaits

BFS Bait: Our pick in the BFS baits category goes to the Baitsanity Micro BFS Glide Minnows, delivering much the appeal of a big Baitsanity glidebait in a micro-sized package. With a jointed body and lifelike baitfish profile, this minnow swims with an impressively wide glide that draws strikes from bass, trout, and panfish alike. For a deeper, slower presentation, the package includes two .08-gram adhesive tungsten weights, allowing the Glide Minnow to sink slowly without losing action. Equipped with a sticky-sharp treble hook, it’s easy to fish on spinning tackle or your favorite bait-finesse setup, making the Simplebait BFS Glide Minnow a must-have for anglers chasing ultralight fun on both large and small waters.

There are a lot of great patterns available including the Garrett Customs styled Gobbler

Retailing for $18.99 at Tackle Warehouse, it’s a compact, powerful option for precision fishing. There are a lot of great patterns to pick from, and Zander’s favorites are the versatile Bread and Baby Shad, and custom Gobbler, all of which are effective for targeting both bass and trout.

Aftco continues to make great sunshirts and the Ocean Bound Hood ups the ante

Apparel (Sun Protection): For years our pick in the apparel sun protection category has been the Aftco Samurai hooded shirt. This year there is something even better, the Aftco Ocean Bound Hood is our new pick. Boasting UPF 40 coverage, an ergonomic hood, and thumb loops to shield wrists and hands, this shirt keeps you protected from harmful UV rays during long days on the water. Made from a sustainable blend of 65% REPREVE recycled polyester, 30% tencel, and 5% spandex with a stain-resistant DWR finish, it’s stretchy, soft, and cut with an active fit for maximum comfort and mobility. Whether chasing bass, stripers, or tuna, the Ocean Bound Hood delivers functional sun protection with more style and comfort. Retailing for only $59, this camo sunshirt is a great choice for any angler or outdoor enthusiast looking for a stylish technical garment.

We love Salty Crew's blend of technical features with casual style. These are garments that you just want to wear both on and off the water because of how comfortable and stylish they are

Apparel (Outwear): Every angler needs a good hoodie and for chilly mornings on the water, the Salty Crew Cast Life Fleece Hoodie is our pick in the apparel outerwear category. Midweight and cozy at 8.5 oz, it’s made from an 80/20 cotton-poly blend, with an adjustable hood and kangaroo pocket to keep you warm and hands protected. Bold cool looking screen printed graphics on the chest, back, and sleeve give it instant style - perfect for anglers who want function and flair.

Unlike so many other hoodies that feel heavy and stiff the Salty Crew Cast Life provides warmth without unnecessary bulk and mobility when casting is excellent

Unlike many other hoodies that feel stiff or heavy, the Cast Life hoodie feels soft and warm, making it a great outer or layering garment, that never feels heavy or impedes casting action. At $64.95 at Tackle Warehouse, it’s an easy gift for anyone who loves chasing fish in comfort.

Plano updates the StowAway series with new latches and Rustrictor corrosion-resistant technology

Storage: An organized angler is always a more effective angler, and this season Plano has redesigned the classic StowAway Waterproof boxes to deliver simple, configurable storage. Available in both 3600 and 3700 sizes, these boxes are large enough to hold big lures or organize all your terminal tackle essentials. A watertight Dri-Loc O-ring gasket keeps contents dry and protected, while Plano’s Rustrictor corrosion-resistant technology and single-latch design provide quick access without compromising durability. The transparent lid makes it easy to identify contents at a glance, and a dedicated labeling area, adjustable compartments, and pre-cut dividers allow for fully customizable organization. Designed for convenience and built to last, the Plano StowAway Waterproof boxes keep your tackle ready for anything on the water, all at a reasonable price - $18.99 for the 3600 and $19.99 for the 3700. Anglers looking for an even more technical solution can consider the Plano EDGE boxes, just keep in mind that they are heavier. As always, these standard sizes will fit an array of various bags or boat lockers seamlessly.

Zander's favorite kayak for travel is the Old Town PDL 120 Pro

Watercraft: There are plenty of excellent fishing kayaks on the market, but the Old Town PDL 120 PRO stands out for its balance of price, performance, and portability. This compact, pedal-driven platform is our top choice for anglers on the move, offering ample fishing-friendly storage, a proven and reliable pedal drive, and extensive customization options via multiple accessory mounts and factory-installed thru-hull wiring ports.

Anglers looking for more speed and power can consider the lithium powered power assisted pedal drive ePDL+ 120 Pro version

While Zander regularly fishes from both a Hobie Pro Angler and the Old Town PDL, he consistently chooses the PDL 120 PRO for long-haul trips. Its compact footprint and relatively light assembled weight of just 131 pounds make it far easier to car-top or truck-top for solo missions.

The Old Town PDL 120 is light and maneuverable yet stable

Despite its size, the PDL 120 PRO remains impressively stable, and its durable polyethylene construction has proven to hold up season after season. Retailing at only $1099 (The ePDL version retails for $3,599), the Old Town PDL 120 PRO is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a kayak that can grow with them while delivering reliable, no-nonsense performance year after year.

Car or truck topping is easy with the Old Town PDL 120. This kayak is great for those long range and overnight trips

Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior we hope you found something on our Holiday Hit List to help make sure your gift lands just right - under the tree and on the water. From all of us at TackleTour, we wish you a very happy holiday season and tight lines in the year ahead!