Want to see this gear in action? Check out my latest YouTube videos where I use every rod, reel, and piece of equipment listed here. You can also visit the Reel Talk blog for detailed gear reviews and tips.
Rods & Reels I Trust
These are the setups I actually use on the water. Some of this gear was sent to me for testing and reviews, but none of it gets listed here unless it’s something I truly use and trust on Texas lakes, rivers, and ponds.
Ugly Stik GX2 – 6'6" Medium Heavy (1-Piece)
This is my exact GX2 setup — the 6’6” Medium Heavy, 1-piece casting rod rated for 10–25 lb line. It’s got that classic Ugly Stik strength with enough sensitivity to feel Texas rigs, jigs, and lighter reaction baits. I’ve banged this rod around docks, kayaks, and Texas brush and it just refuses to quit. If you want a budget-friendly workhorse that can take abuse and still put fish in the boat, this is the one.
KastKing Speed Demon Elite – 10.5:1 Baitcasting Reel
This is the reel I pair with my 6’6” MH casting setup. The KastKing Speed Demon Elite has a blazing-fast 10.5:1 gear ratio, which makes it perfect for burning bladed jigs, picking up slack on Texas rigs, and getting fish out of cover fast. It’s lightweight, smooth, and crazy responsive. If you need a reel that keeps up with fast Texas-style fishing, this one is legit.
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Baitcast Combo
This is the exact combo inspired by Jordan Lee — the same guy I watched win the Bassmaster Classic right here on Lake Conroe. The Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Baitcast Combo is lightweight, smooth, and dialed-in for Texas-style bass fishing. The rod has great sensitivity for bottom contact baits, and the reel has a clean, strong drag that handles big fish without hesitating. Whether you’re bank fishing, pond hopping, or hitting deeper structure, this combo is a killer all-around setup.
Baits That Stay Tied On
These are the baits I always keep tied on when I’m fishing here in Texas. From shallow grass to deeper structure, these lures have put in serious work in ponds, creeks, and lakes all across the state.
Berkley Slobberknocker – White
My top choice for dirty water, cloudy days, and windy conditions. The White Slobberknocker has a strong thump that calls bass out of cover and fires them up in shallow water. It’s been a killer producer for me in Texas ponds and lakes.
6th Sense Gyro Tail Spinner – 3/4 oz
The Gyro Tail Spinner is my go-to when bass are suspended or locked in deeper water. The 3/4 oz weight lets me bomb it out, count it down, and work the whole water column. You can slow-roll it, yo-yo it, or jig it, and that blade flashes every time. The bigger profile and oversized eyes give it extra drawing power, especially when fish are chasing shad. If you need a bait that works when nothing else is getting bit, the Gyro gets it done.
Hex Appeal – 6.2" Soft Plastic Worm (Garage-Made by Snatchin Baits)
This one hits different because it’s made right here in my garage. The Hex Appeal is a 6.2” soft plastic worm I pour through my Snatchin Baits setup, and it’s built for Texas-style fishing. The hex body shape gives it a subtle, tight action on the fall, and the tapered tail kicks just enough to get bites without looking unnatural. Whether I’m fishing it on a Texas rig, shaky head, or even a light Carolina rig, this worm flat-out catches bass. It’s my personal confidence bait for ponds and lakes across Texas.
Tackle Storage & Organization
Keeping my gear dialed and organized on the water is as important as the bait I throw. The Evolution Outdoor bags and trays I use not only look good but hold up in real-fishing conditions and help me move fast when the bite shows up.
Evolution Outdoor Drift Series 3700 Tackle Backpack
When I’m loading up for a full day on the water, this is the backpack I grab. The Drift Series 3700 fits tons of gear — trays, tools, GoPro stuff, lunch and more — without feeling like a pack load. Comfortable straps, rugged build, and smart internal layout make this one of my favorite storage pieces for bank, kayak or truck fishing.
Evolution Outdoor Ballistix Hangr 3-7D Tackle Tray System
I pair this tray system with my backpack to keep all my plastics, jigs, hooks and parts in order. The Ballistix Hangr 3-7D creates a laid-out tray setup that fits right into the Drift backpack or sits in my truck. No more digging through a mess of boxes — everything has its spot and it makes fast-changing rigs easier.
Evolution Outdoor Big Bait Bag
For those bigger casts, bigger plastics and bigger rigs — I load this bag up. The Big Bait Bag carries big swimbaits, oversized soft plastics, spare rods, and bulky gear that doesn’t fit in standard boxes. If you’re fishing heavy cover, big water, or throwing big stuff, this bag is built for it.
Gear I Carry Every Day
These are the tools and everyday essentials that come with me on every fishing trip and filming run. From the knife in my pocket to the hard case that protects all my camera gear to the full drawer system in my truck bed — this is the gear that keeps me organized, efficient, and ready for anything.
Buck Knives 839 Mini Deploy Auto Knife
This is the knife that never leaves my pocket. The Buck 839 Mini Deploy is lightweight, fast-opening, and built tough enough to handle anything on the water — cutting line, trimming braid, opening bags, and whatever else comes up. It’s small, smooth, and ridiculously sharp. If you want a carry knife that’s reliable and made right here in the USA, this is it.
Condition 1 – 22” Camera Hard Case (#300)
This is the case that keeps all my filming gear protected — GoPros, batteries, mounts, mics, SD cards, everything. The Condition 1 #300 is waterproof, dustproof, and built like a tank. I toss it in the truck bed, drag it to the bank, drop it in the kayak, whatever — my gear stays safe. If you film your fishing like I do, this case is a must-have.
DECKED Truck Drawer System
One of the best upgrades I’ve ever made to my truck. The DECKED drawer system keeps all my tools, fishing gear, camera equipment, and random essentials locked in, organized, and easy to access. Waterproof, dustproof, and built ridiculously tough — it turns the bed of your truck into a full-blown gear organization machine. If you fish, film, work, or live out of your truck like I do, this setup is a game changer.
