You can find a full line up of Level fishing rods at shopblat.com/collections/level-rods Bass Mooch Face Mask shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch Bass Mooch Aluminum pliers shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch Toboggan shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch Bass Mooch Scissors shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch Level Rods shopblat.com/collections/level-rods
YES! Finally! Someone else agrees with me about a foregrip on spinning rods. In the 90’s every spinning rod had a foregrip. 20 years later almost none of them still had one. Why did this become a fad? It was like everybody wanted their rod to look cool even if it was borderline nonfunctional and uncomfortable. I’m glad common sense prevailed here though.
@@pandafox94 What do you mean by this? Many people me included grip the rod in front of the reel. A foregrip gives you a grip where you actually hold it. Without a foregrip you have to grap the rod blank and on many rods the nut and threads that holds the reel on. Even if you put a single finger behind the reel a foregrip is still more comfortable. I don't find I get any extra leverage with a foregrip, only that it is more comfortable to hold. I don't even touch a grip behind the reel seat so having the grip there where many rods do is a complete waste.
@@pandafox94 for me it’s not about leverage, it’s just purely about comfort and better sensitivity. The rod balances just in front of the foregrip so if I hold the foregrip then it has the effect of neutralizing the rod weight and makes it much more sensitive. It also greatly reduces fatigue in my arm and hand after fishing all day. The only spinning rod I’ve ever bought that didn’t have a full hand width foregrip is a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod, and it does have a foregrip but it is very small. Just enough for two fingers to rest on it. I hold that rod with my pinky in front of the reel but it is on the reel foot, then ring and middle fingers are on the foregrip, and my index finger rests on the blank, extended and lightly touching it. I use this rod for finesse plastics and wacky worm fishing. Holding it this way makes an already sensitive rod even moreso, and it feels very light weight as well. It has became my favorite rod.
Thanks for such a practical video BLat! Rods are easy to build or customize. A couple of tools, understanding blanks and actions, grips, guides, some patience and creativity and you'll get a better performing and more versatile set up. This is gold! Appreciate all you do!
Heard about you from a friend and literally less than 2:30 in I subscribed due to your straight up honesty especially about fishing culture. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more videos. 🎣
Thats why I still love my 1rst Gen Ugly Stiks!! They never broke yet going back to 1990. Just keep replacing tips and guides as needed. Rod wrapping is easy to do. :-)
@thewatcher4552 that's funny, because i remember in the 90s the general attitude was that American manufacturing was complete dog shit. American factory workers were thought to be lazy and half assed. Thats why companies started off shoring factories. Consumers believed if you wanted something of value you had to import it. You saw this in all industries. The top selling cars were all foreign made, i.e. honda civics, honda accords, toyota camries. Mercedes and bmw became really popular in the usa during 90s too. Anyway, thats how i remember it. Im sure there were still some good American made products being made too. But the 90s were definitely the downfall of American manufacturing
Got myself about 100 of those have million miles on them tons of tournament wins... fished 7 days a week still good... made the switch to lighter rods and reels.. break on hook sets, reels crap out and now I fish 10 times a year. Over priced junk!! ($100) far from the extremes out there.
Cork handles are absolutely high-end in my opinion. First off, it lasts forever. You can literally have it for decades and even after years of use, make it look new again with some very light sanding. Foam has a shelf life, and will eventually crack and breakdown. Cork is just more elegant looking. Its a timeless look that will never go out of style.
So glad they have some cork handled rods now. I have been a fan of this company since Anthony Gagliardi started it. I was a little bummed about the the selection but that is neither here nor there. Now that Hank and yourself have come on, I have some great feelings the brand will become more well known. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to the release of your rods.
My favorite Professional Angler since KVD. The rods look great B. Lat, can't wait to check out the GP and GP2. I love the cork addition to the rods. Man, the spinning rod for neds, wacky, etc. looks awesome too. Blessings and victory to you this coming season!!!
First, totally agree with the cork handle comment. The only time i want eva foam on my rod is when its a trolling rod that i wont hold until a fish is on. Second i always have the spinning reel between my middle and ring finger. So the lack of a front grip doesnt bother me.
I was complaining yesterday about how I have 5 new rods and still seem to catch most of my fish on my 30 years old IM6 cork handles Bill Dance Special with the cheapest reel I own. It just dawned on me that it's because I use it the most because it's comfortable.
Had me rolling 😅😂 in the beginning,you ain't right lol,awesome looking rods love me some crankin favorite thing to do might be purchasing some of these
I don’t own a rod without a cork grip. Just feels right. Of course I’m 79 so I’m old school. Foam grips seem cheap. Be interested in your rods when they become available. Good luck with your project.
The bounce gone be creazy bro!!! Congratulations and hurry with getting them on market... I have 2 casters needing rods and might get another spinner as well!!!
Thank you !! I’m currently trying to find my go to spinning rod when I’m going out with one casting and one spinning rod. I wrote off level because of the lack of a foregrip. The two keepers also a very nice touch. What length is the spinning rod? …. I agree about spinning rods being a challenge to dial in what I’m looking for. Reel seats, guides, and action, it’s a challenge to get all 3 to what I want. …. I like cork and carbon handles. None better. …. Great looking rod series!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for designing a spinning rod with a handle ABOVE the reel seat. I have been asking for this for years, and I fish almost exclusively with spinning rods so this is freaking awesome!!!! Please let me know where I can get a couple
Hey cork is great.. lol! I think it feels better in the hand when I use cork handles. Also, Loved the video! Congrats on all the new rod designs they look great.
Need to try the Microwave eyes on your rods. It takes the slap out of the line between the reel and the first eye. You get more distance and accuracy. I use them on the rods I build and I love them.
I've bought so many composites that are heavy and not enjoyable to fish and then others who have done it really well. Will have to check yours out! I LOVE spinning rods where reel is behind the hand. The ones where they put the reel up front are just not comfortable. Love the spinning rod grip you got going on. Also it would be nice if you could show your rods flexed under a load so we can see the action/deflection.
Watching your UA-cam videos was one of the driving forces getting me back into bass fishing after being away for 20 years . Your excitement and enthusiasm Lit the Fire in me. Thanks. Totally stoked about your new Signature Series level rods. When will the spinning rod be available for the General Public? I don't see the cork grips on the link you provided above. Keep up the great work love your videos. Good luck in the 2025 season
B I like that new handle on the spinning rod. I like to hold the rod in the same place as you. BUT the thing that all companies do is put the hook keeper to close to the spot where you finger sits on the blank it should be moved up an inch or down behind the reel seat.
They look good. I'm also a big fan of cork handles. Classy, comfy, sensitive and if you do even a little upkeep they look good for a long time. EVA just looks cheap and tacky most of the time. It's cheap, it works, it's easy for the company, but I don't feel like it adds anything to the rod other than maybe saving a few dollars.
I'm amazed and frustrated that more rod builders aren't moving to the "Euro" grip. everyone holds the rod mostly in front of the reel why not do that!!! Of course thank you, thank you, thank you for the cork as well!
Would you compare the GP2 to the old the old Team Daiwa S series, if you have used them? Those rods were the bomb for cranks, spinnerbaits, & top water. You would rarely loose/miss a fish due to the forgiveness . They too were not the most sensitive, but they had that feel you need. A crank bait would make that tip dance like a sewing machine needle. 😂
Is that 7-3 medium heavy fast a Texas rig rod? Love the way they look. Probably right at the top of my budget. Need a Texas rig rod and bladed jig rod for my kayak tournament season.
I never got to experience your last spinning rod because it was on back order for like a year. Glad I get to get one of these when you get them all squared away
Will these have the same grip as the signature series from Favorite? That to me and rod sensitive. I have about 4-5 casting and a spinning B Lat series. Love those rods.
Why is it that hardly any companies do full cork handles ? Is it something to do with performance or just because they think the split grip looks cooler ?
Man make a 7 ft. Casting rod that can handle light texas rig (3/8 total weight), full cork handle, and moderate-fast tip, for under $200. I'd buy one just because you were involved, and nobody seems to make one.
I’ll put a few tournaments on them before we drop them. I don’t have a date but I always like to bring my people along the process. Sometimes we have to change things.
@BrianLatimerFishing St. Croix Mojo Yak Spinning Rods as a reference. Shorter butts is main difference. Add a point or method for quick tether straps when stowed in the rear rod crate to prevent loss (trolling/tip over). Greg Blanchard has a great setup for kayak tourney anglers.
You can find a full line up of Level fishing rods at shopblat.com/collections/level-rods
Bass Mooch Face Mask
shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch
Bass Mooch Aluminum pliers
shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch
Toboggan
shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch
Bass Mooch Scissors
shopblat.com/collections/bass-mooch
Level Rods
shopblat.com/collections/level-rods
Who else wanna see B.Lat hoist another check in '25 💪🏾👍🏾
Definitely would be nice seeing that happen again
The Rods look really good. I like the idea of 2 hook keepers. And "CORK is Back Baby!"
cork and foam look so good together too
@@tackleandtacos Just checked out your channel. Really enjoyed the chat with Brian.
New Sub
YES! Finally! Someone else agrees with me about a foregrip on spinning rods. In the 90’s every spinning rod had a foregrip. 20 years later almost none of them still had one. Why did this become a fad? It was like everybody wanted their rod to look cool even if it was borderline nonfunctional and uncomfortable. I’m glad common sense prevailed here though.
Agreed
How big a bass are you fighting that you need that much leverage?
Should be the only way spinning rods are built! 100%
@@pandafox94 What do you mean by this? Many people me included grip the rod in front of the reel. A foregrip gives you a grip where you actually hold it. Without a foregrip you have to grap the rod blank and on many rods the nut and threads that holds the reel on. Even if you put a single finger behind the reel a foregrip is still more comfortable. I don't find I get any extra leverage with a foregrip, only that it is more comfortable to hold. I don't even touch a grip behind the reel seat so having the grip there where many rods do is a complete waste.
@@pandafox94 for me it’s not about leverage, it’s just purely about comfort and better sensitivity. The rod balances just in front of the foregrip so if I hold the foregrip then it has the effect of neutralizing the rod weight and makes it much more sensitive. It also greatly reduces fatigue in my arm and hand after fishing all day.
The only spinning rod I’ve ever bought that didn’t have a full hand width foregrip is a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod, and it does have a foregrip but it is very small. Just enough for two fingers to rest on it. I hold that rod with my pinky in front of the reel but it is on the reel foot, then ring and middle fingers are on the foregrip, and my index finger rests on the blank, extended and lightly touching it. I use this rod for finesse plastics and wacky worm fishing. Holding it this way makes an already sensitive rod even moreso, and it feels very light weight as well. It has became my favorite rod.
Thanks for such a practical video BLat! Rods are easy to build or customize. A couple of tools, understanding blanks and actions, grips, guides, some patience and creativity and you'll get a better performing and more versatile set up. This is gold! Appreciate all you do!
the handy dandy note book😂😂 bro is a dad through and through and here for it😂😂😂
That and the make cork great again were my favorites!
Heard about you from a friend and literally less than 2:30 in I subscribed due to your straight up honesty especially about fishing culture. Keep up the good work and I look forward to more videos. 🎣
Thats why I still love my 1rst Gen Ugly Stiks!! They never broke yet going back to 1990. Just keep replacing tips and guides as needed. Rod wrapping is easy to do. :-)
The golden era...where we made quality goods, now it's just corporate greed.
@thewatcher4552 corporate greed and customers want instant everything
@thewatcher4552 that's funny, because i remember in the 90s the general attitude was that American manufacturing was complete dog shit. American factory workers were thought to be lazy and half assed. Thats why companies started off shoring factories. Consumers believed if you wanted something of value you had to import it. You saw this in all industries.
The top selling cars were all foreign made, i.e. honda civics, honda accords, toyota camries. Mercedes and bmw became really popular in the usa during 90s too.
Anyway, thats how i remember it. Im sure there were still some good American made products being made too. But the 90s were definitely the downfall of American manufacturing
Got myself about 100 of those have million miles on them tons of tournament wins... fished 7 days a week still good... made the switch to lighter rods and reels.. break on hook sets, reels crap out and now I fish 10 times a year. Over priced junk!! ($100) far from the extremes out there.
Cork handles are absolutely high-end in my opinion. First off, it lasts forever. You can literally have it for decades and even after years of use, make it look new again with some very light sanding. Foam has a shelf life, and will eventually crack and breakdown.
Cork is just more elegant looking. Its a timeless look that will never go out of style.
The problem is finding cork of acceptable quality even if you pay for top flor the highest grade it isn’t that great anymore
@@jakeschuster9991
Exactly. I work in outdoor retail and you wouldn’t believe the amount of cork filler used even on $200-$300 production rods.
So glad they have some cork handled rods now. I have been a fan of this company since Anthony Gagliardi started it. I was a little bummed about the the selection but that is neither here nor there. Now that Hank and yourself have come on, I have some great feelings the brand will become more well known. Keep up the great work! Looking forward to the release of your rods.
I’m glad you got another sponsors for your rods. Can’t wait to see you in another MLF tourney.
I'm glad you know how to make spinning rod grips! The reel lock nut should always be at the bottom of the grip, not the top!
@@bxcloud104 ABSOLUTELY!!!! that makes a huge difference in how the rod weights!
@@BrianLatimerFishing Yep! Plus it moves your hand position up the rod blank, so the balance with a reel will be right at your hand.
My favorite Professional Angler since KVD. The rods look great B. Lat, can't wait to check out the GP and GP2. I love the cork addition to the rods. Man, the spinning rod for neds, wacky, etc. looks awesome too. Blessings and victory to you this coming season!!!
I had to come back and watch the spinning reel twice. I'm 2 excited!!
First, totally agree with the cork handle comment. The only time i want eva foam on my rod is when its a trolling rod that i wont hold until a fish is on. Second i always have the spinning reel between my middle and ring finger. So the lack of a front grip doesnt bother me.
I was complaining yesterday about how I have 5 new rods and still seem to catch most of my fish on my 30 years old IM6 cork handles Bill Dance Special with the cheapest reel I own. It just dawned on me that it's because I use it the most because it's comfortable.
You've always had a great mind and intuition for coming up with idea's that will improve product, no reason to doubt you now 👍👍👍
I think that you should “Make Cork Great Again”. I love cork handle rods.
I concur on the Spinning Foregrip, especially for imparting exact movements, as well as skipping baits in tight quarters.
GP series should be your general purpose rod that you use for basic fishing
Take my $ on that spinning rod! Hopefully theres a 7'10 to 8' version as well. Would be killer out here for CA delta stripers!
Excited for these rods my man, keep up the great work
So glad you fixed the grip on the spinning rods 😊
Had me rolling 😅😂 in the beginning,you ain't right lol,awesome looking rods love me some crankin favorite thing to do might be purchasing some of these
Im getting both! 😂 Especially the spinning and I love the keepers placement
I don’t own a rod without a cork grip. Just feels right. Of course I’m 79 so I’m old school. Foam grips seem cheap. Be interested in your rods when they become available. Good luck with your project.
BLat giving away some key knowledge. Keep up the good work bro
Can't wait for the spinning rod and will check out one of the crankers too.Love the cork handles.
The bounce gone be creazy bro!!! Congratulations and hurry with getting them on market... I have 2 casters needing rods and might get another spinner as well!!!
Level rods this level rods that the brush pile comment had me rollin’ 😂
That spinning rod handle looks like the old Team Diawa spinning rod handles . Very comfortable
Z Man on the YZ I love it I used to ride and now I'm older all I do is fish for bass cool 😎
Why that speech had me HOLLERING! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you !! I’m currently trying to find my go to spinning rod when I’m going out with one casting and one spinning rod. I wrote off level because of the lack of a foregrip. The two keepers also a very nice touch. What length is the spinning rod? …. I agree about spinning rods being a challenge to dial in what I’m looking for. Reel seats, guides, and action, it’s a challenge to get all 3 to what I want. …. I like cork and carbon handles. None better. …. Great looking rod series!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for designing a spinning rod with a handle ABOVE the reel seat. I have been asking for this for years, and I fish almost exclusively with spinning rods so this is freaking awesome!!!! Please let me know where I can get a couple
Especially that spinning rod... always my fav grip
With you on the spinning rod handle & the cork! Those NGX look sick before but sounds like an upgrade to me
I agree, cork has a more natural feel. I think we should demand more cork in our rod grips.
Hey cork is great.. lol! I think it feels better in the hand when I use cork handles. Also, Loved the video! Congrats on all the new rod designs they look great.
Need to try the Microwave eyes on your rods. It takes the slap out of the line between the reel and the first eye. You get more distance and accuracy. I use them on the rods I build and I love them.
Nahhh those aren’t good. They aren’t good for fishing in ice, grass and they reduce casting distance
@ good point. I don’t have to deal with the ice.
Hellyeah!!! Cork!!!
I will definitely b getting that SPINNING ROD. It will help my hands not get tired so fast.
Great looking rod setup! You should think of coming up with a three rod setup for kayak fishing only
I've bought so many composites that are heavy and not enjoyable to fish and then others who have done it really well. Will have to check yours out!
I LOVE spinning rods where reel is behind the hand. The ones where they put the reel up front are just not comfortable. Love the spinning rod grip you got going on.
Also it would be nice if you could show your rods flexed under a load so we can see the action/deflection.
Checked the link and the prices are very good.
Daggum B Lat! That's a freaking thumbnail. Super engaging. Sheeeesh
Watching your UA-cam videos was one of the driving forces getting me back into bass fishing after being away for 20 years . Your excitement and enthusiasm Lit the Fire in me. Thanks. Totally stoked about your new Signature Series level rods. When will the spinning rod be available for the General Public? I don't see the cork grips on the link you provided above. Keep up the great work love your videos. Good luck in the 2025 season
B I like that new handle on the spinning rod. I like to hold the rod in the same place as you. BUT the thing that all companies do is put the hook keeper to close to the spot where you finger sits on the blank it should be moved up an inch or down behind the reel seat.
#thenewdeal with cork! I like it
Best budget spinning rod ever made was the Fenwick Elite Bass shaky head rod.
It was the best rod for everything, except drop shot.
They look good. I'm also a big fan of cork handles. Classy, comfy, sensitive and if you do even a little upkeep they look good for a long time. EVA just looks cheap and tacky most of the time. It's cheap, it works, it's easy for the company, but I don't feel like it adds anything to the rod other than maybe saving a few dollars.
GP FOR THE WIN 😁
Please make some panfish rods too.
Cork handles are King
Medium fast on the spinning rod?
will you have them separate the spinning from the casting rods on the website.
Make cork great again!!
lol I tend to buy more core handled rods than foam.
What's your thoughts on ABU Garcia rods and reels?
Wouldn’t graphite composite be G C rather than GP?
i like those rods
13:30 lol 😂
I am the same way with spinning rods. I prefer a top foregrip
I have your favorite rods so I def gotta get these..!! 👊🏽
Right on. There's a few upgrades on these that I always wanted.
@ yeah man looking forward to getting some
I'm amazed and frustrated that more rod builders aren't moving to the "Euro" grip. everyone holds the rod mostly in front of the reel why not do that!!! Of course thank you, thank you, thank you for the cork as well!
Would you compare the GP2 to the old the old Team Daiwa S series, if you have used them? Those rods were the bomb for cranks, spinnerbaits, & top water. You would rarely loose/miss a fish due to the forgiveness . They too were not the most sensitive, but they had that feel you need. A crank bait would make that tip dance like a sewing machine needle. 😂
I want to see a MCGA hat! If you don’t make it I will.😊
😂😂😂
Is that 7-3 medium heavy fast a Texas rig rod? Love the way they look. Probably right at the top of my budget. Need a Texas rig rod and bladed jig rod for my kayak tournament season.
I only use rods with cork
I never got to experience your last spinning rod because it was on back order for like a year. Glad I get to get one of these when you get them all squared away
Will these have the same grip as the signature series from Favorite? That to me and rod sensitive. I have about 4-5 casting and a spinning B Lat series. Love those rods.
I use a vintage uglystick for cranking.
In 2 years I've had about 80 to 100 rods shipped to me and only 2 have been broken neither shipped in a tube or pipe.
Why is it that hardly any companies do full cork handles ? Is it something to do with performance or just because they think the split grip looks cooler ?
Did I miss in the video, did you say when they were coming out?
Hopeful you can do a panfish rod
Should be taking that circular saw to the entire fishing industry, it’s turned to trash also!
Man make a 7 ft. Casting rod that can handle light texas rig (3/8 total weight), full cork handle, and moderate-fast tip, for under $200. I'd buy one just because you were involved, and nobody seems to make one.
Are you going to do a boat tour video of your new Falcon?
Let's Go!! 💪🏾💪🏾🔥
I prefer cork over foam
When will these be available?
I’ll put a few tournaments on them before we drop them. I don’t have a date but I always like to bring my people along the process. Sometimes we have to change things.
@ Thanks really enjoyed the video!
What's the price point you shooting for?? Are you being budget minded??
June 2025 for the BLAT Series rods to be on the Level/Bassmooch site
B. Lat us crappie guys need a rod from you boss 🤷🏾♂, whats good ????
Affordable for me is something in the $30-60 range
You didn't tell us the Power and Action of the do everything spinning rod with the handle above the reel.
don’t call it GP. i’ll leave it at that 😭😂
7' MH holding down the "Jailbreak Series" eh?
B Lat keeping it real on the sponsor hype fest ..
Wouldn't it be GC LOL for graphite composite
Yes!!!!! I don’t know what I was thinking!!! GP still sounds better😂
I use 30 year old Fiberglass cranking rods.. old Fritts rods to be exact . IYKYK
So…. I still have mine
@ Lews or American Rod Smith ? I have 3 RS and one Lews
You're hilarious dude😂
You're just to dang funny......
you could sell all 4 rods in a package deal.
Brian you better clean that table bruh
"Graphite Composite" it should be GC or GCC "graphite Composite crankin"
Kayak rods 🙏
What would be a kayak rod? I’ve never heard of a rod for a boat?
@BrianLatimerFishing St. Croix
Mojo Yak Spinning Rods as a reference. Shorter butts is main difference. Add a point or method for quick tether straps when stowed in the rear rod crate to prevent loss (trolling/tip over). Greg Blanchard has a great setup for kayak tourney anglers.
Best cheap rods under 100 dollars for freshwater or saltwater fishing are ugly stiks , thoughts on ugky stik rods.
man why do you alway build some of the best spinning rod in the game?
Give me all of them