Bro, I'm glad you stayed real and keep producing content for the new and novice anglers. I firmly believe the industry as a whole has slipped up by neglecting, what I believe is by far the largest demographic in the fishing community...the backpack toting pond hopper and bank beater. Keep doing it up player. It's been a pleasure watching your community and you grow. #fiSHINsanity
H2O Express is Academy fishing gear. The H2O Mettle is a great reel. You should do a cheap vs expensive H2O reels. The Mettles are aluminum frame reels.
Thanks for the great video. I'm not a rookie, but I enjoy seeing the budget stuff too. It's, also, good to see one where the reviewer isn't just slamming the product. Thanks for the honesty.
When I started fishing I had to buy combos because I didn’t feel like I knew enough about rods and reels to pair them together but now I won’t even look at the combos and I’ve paired some sweet combos of my own and gotten into technique specific. Now I’m all into super finesse micro creek fishing for as many species I can catch on ultra lite gear and I will say I’m having the time of my life with this stuff. I’ve been watching your channel for years and I’ve learned so much stuff from you and been very entertained in the process so keep it up.
I love how Westin is constantly teaching while he fishes. Maybe if I show this to my kids, they will start doing what I try to tell them. But you know how that goes… they won’t listen when you tell them, but if they hear the same thing from someone else, they will pay attention
This video could not have come at a better time. I literally just bought this combo a couple weeks ago... My first bait caster I'm used to spinning reels. This video was very informative. Thank you!!!!
H2O express is academy’s home brand. If you really want to have fun Walmart has their home brand (Ozark Trail) casting combo on sale for like 30 bucks or something ridiculous like that.
@@joeschmo8732 yes happens everytime almost I gish I can run a my line by a fish and they spook then if I run it by them with a clear leader they just see the bait and react if they see the line alot of times I don't even get bit
Westin have you ever put any thought into the BFS setups? I have been thinking about trying one for Crappie even though a lot of people are using them for stuff like Drop Shot.
@@WestinSmith if you ever make it up around Norris Lake on the Claborine Count TN side let me know and I can show you around a little. I’ve been thinking about getting a couple BFS rigs to set them up for Crappie only rigs.
It’s next to impossible since it will happen almost every time after getting snagged or setting the hook on a good fish. Just gotta predict those scenarios and then on your next cast be easy with it and pull out the excess line until you’ve got past the part that’s “stuck”
I have come across the same problem with this combo. Smoother casts will help too. If u start to sling it hard, u can bet its gonna dig in soon after. 🤘
Maybe instead of going for the next cheapest from a particular store, do another review on that stores brand. Like H2O Xpress for academy, (like this video) or the BPS from bass pro, or Ozark Trails for Walmart
I got that ugly stick one and the reel sucks because it's slips! Like putting your hook on hook keeper the reel won't stay tight. It goes backwards. I ended up buying another cheaper reel for the rod but my first bait caster was a Shakespeare agility and was like 50 bucks and learned on it and then got a Lew's orange and white bait caster combo and they do alright. I have cought many many fish on them but I want nice rod and reel combo. I want a googan rod and hopefully one day googan reel when they are available but till then hope to get nice googan rod and some kind of nice reel when I'm able to do so but priorities first. You guys are what got me into wanting and learning how to fish with bait caster so I've watched and watched and learned and learned and I've gotten good with them but can't wait to get way nicer combo to fish with. You guys are awesome 🙂❤️💯 I've used plenty of googan bait mostly soft plastic some hard baits and I love them. I've cought all my biggest fish on googan bait! 🙂💯❤️ Love it 🙂
So awesome! Same for me, I got started after watching some of these other channels….. I’d get a Go To if you could only grab one, so versatile for the googan rod lineup
Not trying to troll but I've tried a baitcaster and other than a smaller profile and faster recastablity I don't see any advantage over a spinning reel. Great video though!
I'm not new to fishing by any means, baitcaster on the other hand is completely alien to me. I got a new Shimano for my birthday. I'm finally getting past the birds nests but still don't see the advantage other then gear ratio
Great video! I loved all the tips you gave while fishing, very helpful for us newbies. Wouldn't complain if you repeated this challenge with Walmart or Dick's! :)
If you're going to be on video you should make more of an effort to wear things that fit you. Including hats. Seeing your head swimming around in a hat that is way to big for your head is just as distracting as it'd be if you were wearing a pair of pants or a shirts 4 sizes too big. You look like a 7 year old wearing an adult large. You make great content, typically free of ego and foolishness, sometimes you could do more research and better educate yourself, otherwise you do a good job. Don't distract from what you're doing by wearing things that are a distraction.
Bro, I'm glad you stayed real and keep producing content for the new and novice anglers. I firmly believe the industry as a whole has slipped up by neglecting, what I believe is by far the largest demographic in the fishing community...the backpack toting pond hopper and bank beater. Keep doing it up player. It's been a pleasure watching your community and you grow. #fiSHINsanity
H2O Express is Academy fishing gear. The H2O Mettle is a great reel. You should do a cheap vs expensive H2O reels. The Mettles are aluminum frame reels.
Thanks for the great video. I'm not a rookie, but I enjoy seeing the budget stuff too. It's, also, good to see one where the reviewer isn't just slamming the product. Thanks for the honesty.
Just subscribed. Seen you before.... why the heck do you not have more people subscribed!!! Informative, humble, and entertaining... im confused
When I started fishing I had to buy combos because I didn’t feel like I knew enough about rods and reels to pair them together but now I won’t even look at the combos and I’ve paired some sweet combos of my own and gotten into technique specific. Now I’m all into super finesse micro creek fishing for as many species I can catch on ultra lite gear and I will say I’m having the time of my life with this stuff. I’ve been watching your channel for years and I’ve learned so much stuff from you and been very entertained in the process so keep it up.
Just uploaded my first youtube video a few days ago, thanks for the inspiration
So awesome!! Keep cranking them out!
I love how Westin is constantly teaching while he fishes. Maybe if I show this to my kids, they will start doing what I try to tell them. But you know how that goes… they won’t listen when you tell them, but if they hear the same thing from someone else, they will pay attention
Dude that intro was insane. Love it.
Thank you!
@@WestinSmith of course man. I can see you take so much pride in your channel. Very unique style as well.
Started my UA-cam channel because of you man!!
This video could not have come at a better time. I literally just bought this combo a couple weeks ago... My first bait caster I'm used to spinning reels. This video was very informative. Thank you!!!!
Oh man so awesome! Thanks for the comment.
Yes sir! Thanks for the reply
Very nice review! I've had this rod for a couple years now and it's held up pretty good. I can launch it a mile also! Nice job as always brother!🤘
Great review, Great starter combo
That was a crazy catch bro
H2O express is academy’s home brand. If you really want to have fun Walmart has their home brand (Ozark Trail) casting combo on sale for like 30 bucks or something ridiculous like that.
Just gotta say I love the hat buddy! I ride a Duke 390.
Hey Westin, i was wondering if you happen to know what size box you were using in this one. Awesome video brother!!
H20 is academy brand not bad honestly for what they are
Oh dang well that makes since 🤣🙌🏼 appreciate the feedback on that one. Honestly for having everything setup and ready to go it’s a great deal
I bought this one couple months ago , only used it topwater pond fishing , works good , thanks for the video 🤘🏼
Awesome Craig!!! Thanks for the feedback
Yo that was a dope af of a deadstik lol !
I bought the Abu combo, and it's actually pretty nice. It's not a Curado, but it's a good reel.
Westin passing the knowledge he has learned on and paying it forward.
Love the budget stuff. Great content Maybe next time try the same challenge at Walmart
I use braid to a floro leader on everything I've seen alot of reactivity to line this year especially the flo green
As is hi vis spooking fish ?
@@joeschmo8732 yes happens everytime almost I gish I can run a my line by a fish and they spook then if I run it by them with a clear leader they just see the bait and react if they see the line alot of times I don't even get bit
Westin have you ever put any thought into the BFS setups? I have been thinking about trying one for Crappie even though a lot of people are using them for stuff like Drop Shot.
I have a couple BFS reel reviews. Love em
@@WestinSmith if you ever make it up around Norris Lake on the Claborine Count TN side let me know and I can show you around a little. I’ve been thinking about getting a couple BFS rigs to set them up for Crappie only rigs.
Do you know why Academy doesn't carry left handed reels? Great video
Westin lowkey underrated
Nice review! Maybe the next budget build could be Walmart since that will probably the most common store close the everyone. Maybe even Dicks.
Westin when are you going to get the new googan baitcaster reels and do a review
Yes once they are ready!
H20 express is an awesome budget brand. They have some pretty cool small swimbaits as well.
Maybe a shopkarls budget combo? Under like $100
Definitely need to do that!
The H2O Express Ethos HD is the best reel that Academy sports makes..
LOVE YOUR CONTENTS WESTIN SMITH 💥💥💥
Hi do u have any tips how to prevent braided line dig in on your baitcaster?
It’s next to impossible since it will happen almost every time after getting snagged or setting the hook on a good fish. Just gotta predict those scenarios and then on your next cast be easy with it and pull out the excess line until you’ve got past the part that’s “stuck”
I have come across the same problem with this combo. Smoother casts will help too. If u start to sling it hard, u can bet its gonna dig in soon after. 🤘
Maybe instead of going for the next cheapest from a particular store, do another review on that stores brand. Like H2O Xpress for academy, (like this video) or the BPS from bass pro, or Ozark Trails for Walmart
You should do a vintage reel and rod with straight mono line, kick it 1995 style
That’s a great idea haha! I’d use some of the gear we picked up from the flea market!
@@WestinSmith yeah that works, an old ambassador 5500 would be great, they hold about 400yards of line so mono is the deal
I got that ugly stick one and the reel sucks because it's slips! Like putting your hook on hook keeper the reel won't stay tight. It goes backwards. I ended up buying another cheaper reel for the rod but my first bait caster was a Shakespeare agility and was like 50 bucks and learned on it and then got a Lew's orange and white bait caster combo and they do alright. I have cought many many fish on them but I want nice rod and reel combo. I want a googan rod and hopefully one day googan reel when they are available but till then hope to get nice googan rod and some kind of nice reel when I'm able to do so but priorities first. You guys are what got me into wanting and learning how to fish with bait caster so I've watched and watched and learned and learned and I've gotten good with them but can't wait to get way nicer combo to fish with. You guys are awesome 🙂❤️💯 I've used plenty of googan bait mostly soft plastic some hard baits and I love them. I've cought all my biggest fish on googan bait! 🙂💯❤️ Love it 🙂
Dang that is nuts!! Thank you for the comment for everyone to see, glad we didn’t end up getting that one 😳
So awesome! Same for me, I got started after watching some of these other channels….. I’d get a Go To if you could only grab one, so versatile for the googan rod lineup
Oh yeah I have me fishing savings and so hope when I go get my nice combo that googan reels are out! Hey and thanks for the advice on the rods 🙂
That frog combo was my first "real" bass combo lol I think i paid 60 bucks
Heck yeah Jeremy! That’s sick man, glad we put something together with it !
Not trying to troll but I've tried a baitcaster and other than a smaller profile and faster recastablity I don't see any advantage over a spinning reel. Great video though!
Love the vids
H20 express is acemdys brand
I'm not new to fishing by any means, baitcaster on the other hand is completely alien to me. I got a new Shimano for my birthday. I'm finally getting past the birds nests but still don't see the advantage other then gear ratio
H2 Express is Academy brand
I love your video
Go to bass pro and buy the most expensive reel and most expensive rod they have
🥵🥵🥵🥵 sounds expensive haha. Might need a sponsor for that one 😂
Great video! I loved all the tips you gave while fishing, very helpful for us newbies. Wouldn't complain if you repeated this challenge with Walmart or Dick's! :)
H2O express is Academy brand LOL
Rather see a fishing new urban area video. 🤷🏽♂️
Real men don’t say first
Why are all these companies making things in green and neon green?? Wonder why 🤣, riding coat tails of another's hard work
Haha green is all over the shelves 🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you're going to be on video you should make more of an effort to wear things that fit you. Including hats. Seeing your head swimming around in a hat that is way to big for your head is just as distracting as it'd be if you were wearing a pair of pants or a shirts 4 sizes too big. You look like a 7 year old wearing an adult large. You make great content, typically free of ego and foolishness, sometimes you could do more research and better educate yourself, otherwise you do a good job. Don't distract from what you're doing by wearing things that are a distraction.
Such gay fishing content that's been done over and over and over and over again