The orange Lews Xfinity combo in both spinning and baitcasting has been the best budget fishing combo I’ve ever found. Got mine on sale for $25 and i still use it to this day
Hey Lojo, I’m twelve years old and I have only ever caught four fish in my life. I would really appreciate that Okuma combo and it would make a big step up in my fishing journey. I hope to one day be a big fisherman just like you. Anyway, thanks for the consideration and I hope that you see this comment.
I have that ugly stick it one of my favorite carp and catfish especially when you hook into a 5lbs or bigger fish. You can just drag it in but when a fish really kicks off and runs that combo handles it. Hope to see you snag an 8lbs cat on it. Remember this comment when you do!
I was really hoping you would have tried that H20 house brand combo's with the baits. We don't have Academy stores here in Michigan. Wish they'd build a store up here.
I'm 61, and remember when baitcasters weren't really widely available to the average fisherman; everyone in my neck of the woods used spinning gear. As all of my friends adopted them, I stuck to my spinning gear. But that Lew's combo is screaming hot.
For the bait caster, mine did the same thing. But after i used it for a while, it kinda got broken in. Might be one of those reels, Might just have to break it in a bit.
I started off with a Lews Mach Smash for my first baitcaster, loved it and still use the reel to this day. I agree 100% on that spinning combo, looks great and seemed to function well.
The Piscifun Serpent 7”6 H-XF rod paired with the Piscifun Carbon XCS reel. My all time favorite, sliding in at less than $100. Unbelievably light, casts a mile, and has the power to haul monsters out of heavy cover.
My last budget combo was for some friends who came to ocean fish with me. The reel blew up and they actually sent the other combo to the bottom of the sea laying it on the rail. Anyhow, love the stuff LOJO, keep up the good work!
Okuma has received a lot of praise for making quality reels the last few years. That would be my choice as they are hard to find anywhere but online where I live. Enjoy the videos Lojo keep the content coming.
Lew's American Hero, I had this bait caster combo for roughly 3 weeks when my son accidently broke the rod tip about 5 inches. For the time I did have it, it held up pretty well with no issues.
I'd have to agree that you made three excellent choices in the budget combos as far as both aesthetics and functionality goes. If I were buying, I would have purchased the Lew's bait casting. That's the size and functionality combo I'm lacking right now. Something to throw some slightly smaller crank baits, spinner baits, jerk baits, top waters and soft weightless stick baits, but it will also handle some weighted Texas rigs, if needed. It reminds me of an upgraded version of my first rod and reel venture into bait casting. From the issues you were having, I'd have to return it for another just to see if the reel was a lemon. I really liked the Okuma combo, but I don't have a need for that as I have that covered, as one might expect. Great video and good comparison video.
I actually do have the Okuma Fuel Spin combo and I'm absolutely happy with it. Versatile with techniques, reel is pretty smooth. It definitely serves and purpose in my arsenal and I always bring it with me every trip. Great choice to try this one Lojo!
I'm with you on the Okuma open face reel and I'm a big bait caster fan. I just can't stand a bait caster whereas the button gets stuck. But don't get me wrong open face has always been my go to I first started fishing with an open face but when I started fishing with a bait caster I just fell in love with it.
I'm actually glad you decided to keep that catfishing combo. I love uglytik rods and have at least 1 for every type of fishing can't wait for the next spillway video with it. I also have that lews reel you bought and had the same issue with the button but I can tell when it's going to do it before hand now so I reset before I cast.
That Lews Xfinity is gonna be the best budget combo you can find. I’ve caught everything from bream to alligator gar on it AND I caught mine on clearance for $13! Bought 4 of them and gave one to my brother and it’s his favorite rig. I got the green one.
With all the gear I have now, the Ugly Stik conventional combo would be what I would buy at the moment. Plus I really wanna learn how to use a conventional rod. I do love throwing my bait caster so I couldn't imagine it being so different.
Like you aesthetics is something I like as well. I did really like that "4th of July" combo. I'm digging the baby blue and orange as well and was pleased you did well with it.
I would agree the Okuma is the best all around combo in the three you picked but I still think the walmart Shakespeare $10 combo is the best given budget of spincast I've had mine for almost 8 years and have caught many fish with it amazing video as always I can't wait for the next one
Hey, Lojo.. Catfish rod vs catfish rod, uglystick vs the 12footer how does it cast.. like how far and smooth.. I kinda want to try a spool but I'm wondering about the drag of a spool vs the openness of a spinning reel. .. ?
What a GREAT video Lojo. Not only did you buy the Okuma Fuel Spin that I was looking at the other day at Dick's myself, but couldn't quite afford it. But you picked the Okuma as the best all around reel out of the 3 that you bought. Thank you very much for sharing.
Always love the budget fishing gear as I can't afford more than $100 myself for everything right now. I've always been a fan of ugly sticks for the price and rugged nature as I love bank fishing for multiple species. Glad you aren't afraid to speak up no matter what anyone else says.
I just started fishing and you have inspired me so much and taught me so much about fishing thanks Lojo🙏❤️ btw the bait caster looks awesome and so do the others thanks for doing these budget videos to show more of the reality of fishing🎣❤️
Subscriber for last 2 years. Love your videos man! Great energy and enthusiasm! Can't wait for you videos! I would absolutely pick the Lews myself! Even with it's faults. Dig the colors.
I get the Okuma "Fuel" combo. The colors gave it away. For those who don't know is that's the Gulf Oil Co. colors. Ford even had some GT40s in that color. As far as the Quantum is concerned, that design (Kenetic PT) has been around for at least 12 years.
I like the blue spinning combo or the camo ugly stick and i love you content one of my favorite fishing channels keep up the hatd eork and congrats on the merch drop
36:41 American hero’s have a tendency to do that. Mine did it so many times, and it also had multiple drag slips when fighting big fish. Basically it’s a bait caster that you have to use as a spinner when there’s a fish on, otherwise you won’t really catch anything
I have an 11 month old, so in the beginning when you were speaking for the crying baby that had me cracking up. This is a video I've been looking for. Budget baitcasters and fishing equipment is where I'm at in life 😆. Thanks for another one brother 😎🤙
Always love what you do man. My favorite right now because I’m newer to bait casters and can’t afford the expensive ones is my Cabelas Abu Garcia black max combo
The Lews American Hero was the first combo I ever bought. Never had any casting issues like Lojo did. Love it!! Except mine's LH retrieve. People who use RH retrieve baitcasters need medical assistance...
43:44 the spinning combo with that that blue and orange it reminds me of an old 80s Richard Petty race car got that petty blue with the orange white beautiful combo
Some people are diehard spinning rod and reel they can do a grate job for the budget and not back lash just the occasional wind knot and a good medium fast action rod and reel combo can slay bass and still catch a brim if you choose to
I like the spinning reel. In the part of Alabama that I live in it would be perfect because the river offers up everything from bluegill/ crappie all the way up to catfish/drum.
I'd take any you've tested. I see that you're going with the POV type videos and I love that idea. Gotta be more friendly to the poles in the stores lol.
Never tried a Lew's baitcaster combo, be cool for try . And I know Okuma makes a good product (so no complaints if my luck somehow became positive). Both for bass & light inshore ( those 2 I have tried myself) up to bigger saltwater rigs.thanks for the video, cool comparison video
The Lew’s American Hero combo was my first baitcaster combo a few years ago. I had the camo version at a 6’10 MH. Broke the rod in my car door, but still have the reel. Caught my PB 10lb + Bass on it.👍🏽 it was 79.99 when I got it back then.
Would have liked to see the Okuma baitcaster as well just to compare. Maybe do a 2nd video buying the opposite of what you bought from that store, so spinning reel from the first and last store and baitcaster from the middle one
I’ve always wanted to know if the Lews American Hero would be a good combo for kayak fishing. I want a budget option so I don’t have to use my more expensive setups. I just worry about longevity of the budget combos.
Great video, those are the type of combos I usually buy so it was interesting hearing your take on each. I would probably go with the Lews baitcaster just because I don't currently have a baitcaster. Plus, I'm a tinkerer... er so I would enjoy messing with it to get the button to work smoothly.
I have the American Hero and she gets the job done. The button fails out about 1 out of 50 casts. Not sure why Lew's hasn't gotten that fixed. Other than that its a great budget combo. Id love to give the Fuel Spin a go!
That really surprises me with the lews i have had quite a few and haven't had any issues like that but with the okuma makes me wonder how the bait caster would have been
I got a question for you LoJo.. I have been fishing for 35 years here in in the great state of Mn. every reel I have ever owned is an open-face bail caster.. what is the easiest bait caster reel to teach an old dog with? on a budget.
Love the videos. Love you and all the guys. You just definitely got me into fishing this year and now like the bass I’m hooked. Love to learn to use the lews bait caster to help better myself in fishing
Just got my son the orange xfinity spinning combo for Christmas. He also has a white and orange xfinity baitcasting combo, not bad for an 8yr old lol. I'd like to try that American Hero combo, it's a sharp looking setup. Too bad there's no Academy near me.
The orange Lews Xfinity combo in both spinning and baitcasting has been the best budget fishing combo I’ve ever found. Got mine on sale for $25 and i still use it to this day
Caught my pb bass and catfish on the xfinity casting combo. They are awesome.
My favorite combo , I take it everywhere I go
I got one a couple of years ago. Best setup I've had in 20yrs.
Hey Lojo, I’m twelve years old and I have only ever caught four fish in my life. I would really appreciate that Okuma combo and it would make a big step up in my fishing journey. I hope to one day be a big fisherman just like you. Anyway, thanks for the consideration and I hope that you see this comment.
same im 12 i caught a 8 pounder bass this summer its my pb stay safe out there catch big fish
thanks man god bless 🙏
That Okuma with the "Gulf" (hence the name: "Fuel Spin") color scheme is 🔥!
They are all great hard to choose
I made that same comment before seeing yours.
That Ugly stick combo is sweet.
I have that ugly stick it one of my favorite carp and catfish especially when you hook into a 5lbs or bigger fish. You can just drag it in but when a fish really kicks off and runs that combo handles it. Hope to see you snag an 8lbs cat on it. Remember this comment when you do!
I was really hoping you would have tried that H20 house brand combo's with the baits. We don't have Academy stores here in Michigan. Wish they'd build a store up here.
I have that baitcaster combo. Works great have caught a 4 lb bass with it.
😂🤣😂 Looked away for a moment, missed the catch and thought that tiny bass was a lure for a minute 🤣
I'm 61, and remember when baitcasters weren't really widely available to the average fisherman; everyone in my neck of the woods used spinning gear.
As all of my friends adopted them, I stuck to my spinning gear. But that Lew's combo is screaming hot.
For the bait caster, mine did the same thing. But after i used it for a while, it kinda got broken in. Might be one of those reels, Might just have to break it in a bit.
I started off with a Lews Mach Smash for my first baitcaster, loved it and still use the reel to this day. I agree 100% on that spinning combo, looks great and seemed to function well.
The Piscifun Serpent 7”6 H-XF rod paired with the Piscifun Carbon XCS reel. My all time favorite, sliding in at less than $100. Unbelievably light, casts a mile, and has the power to haul monsters out of heavy cover.
My last budget combo was for some friends who came to ocean fish with me. The reel blew up and they actually sent the other combo to the bottom of the sea laying it on the rail. Anyhow, love the stuff LOJO, keep up the good work!
I have the Okuma baitcasting combo.
Its my topwater setup and its extremely solid once dialed in.
I take it with me every time I go fishing.
Okuma has received a lot of praise for making quality reels the last few years. That would be my choice as they are hard to find anywhere but online where I live. Enjoy the videos Lojo keep the content coming.
I have that same Lews but in camp. It is one of my favorite bait casters. My top pick is usually Pfleuger. They work so well and don’t break the bank.
Lew's American Hero, I had this bait caster combo for roughly 3 weeks when my son accidently broke the rod tip about 5 inches. For the time I did have it, it held up pretty well with no issues.
I can’t believe how well that Okuma performed… I would grade it exactly like you. I like colors as well!
Love the Okuma spinning combo. Thanks for all the videos, love all the info and entertainment.
The H2O premier medium moderate cranking rod has been a knockout for me! Plus it’s the moderate action rode for the price anywhere
I really like the blue and orange rod and reel. Like you said, the asthetics look great.
I'd have to agree that you made three excellent choices in the budget combos as far as both aesthetics and functionality goes. If I were buying, I would have purchased the Lew's bait casting. That's the size and functionality combo I'm lacking right now. Something to throw some slightly smaller crank baits, spinner baits, jerk baits, top waters and soft weightless stick baits, but it will also handle some weighted Texas rigs, if needed. It reminds me of an upgraded version of my first rod and reel venture into bait casting. From the issues you were having, I'd have to return it for another just to see if the reel was a lemon. I really liked the Okuma combo, but I don't have a need for that as I have that covered, as one might expect. Great video and good comparison video.
The Shakespeare ambassador is amazing I love it. I have it and been having it for a year now. No problems with it. One of my favorite catfish combos.
I am digging the spinning combo you got. Those colors are sweet looking. Seems like a steal for that price. Awesome choice.
I actually do have the Okuma Fuel Spin combo and I'm absolutely happy with it. Versatile with techniques, reel is pretty smooth. It definitely serves and purpose in my arsenal and I always bring it with me every trip. Great choice to try this one Lojo!
I'm with you on the Okuma open face reel and I'm a big bait caster fan. I just can't stand a bait caster whereas the button gets stuck. But don't get me wrong open face has always been my go to I first started fishing with an open face but when I started fishing with a bait caster I just fell in love with it.
I'm actually glad you decided to keep that catfishing combo. I love uglytik rods and have at least 1 for every type of fishing can't wait for the next spillway video with it. I also have that lews reel you bought and had the same issue with the button but I can tell when it's going to do it before hand now so I reset before I cast.
Really missed when the whole squad was together doing challenges, it’s really sad seeing everyone falling apart
That Lews Xfinity is gonna be the best budget combo you can find. I’ve caught everything from bream to alligator gar on it AND I caught mine on clearance for $13! Bought 4 of them and gave one to my brother and it’s his favorite rig. I got the green one.
With all the gear I have now, the Ugly Stik conventional combo would be what I would buy at the moment. Plus I really wanna learn how to use a conventional rod. I do love throwing my bait caster so I couldn't imagine it being so different.
Definitely the okuma. The color scheme is bananas. Wicked jealous you have a huge backyard pond. 👍🏽
I like the catfish combo , but the spinning reel combos are the most versatile you can catch pan fish all the way up to some big catfish on them.
Like you aesthetics is something I like as well. I did really like that "4th of July" combo. I'm digging the baby blue and orange as well and was pleased you did well with it.
I would agree the Okuma is the best all around combo in the three you picked but I still think the walmart Shakespeare $10 combo is the best given budget of spincast I've had mine for almost 8 years and have caught many fish with it amazing video as always I can't wait for the next one
Hey, Lojo..
Catfish rod vs catfish rod, uglystick vs the 12footer how does it cast.. like how far and smooth.. I kinda want to try a spool but I'm wondering about the drag of a spool vs the openness of a spinning reel.
.. ?
What a GREAT video Lojo. Not only did you buy the Okuma Fuel Spin that I was looking at the other day at Dick's myself, but couldn't quite afford it. But you picked the Okuma as the best all around reel out of the 3 that you bought. Thank you very much for sharing.
I would love that Okuma combo. Would be perfect for the upcoming trout season.
Always love the budget fishing gear as I can't afford more than $100 myself for everything right now. I've always been a fan of ugly sticks for the price and rugged nature as I love bank fishing for multiple species. Glad you aren't afraid to speak up no matter what anyone else says.
I also bank fish on a budget. Check out my comment on my preferred budget combo. You’ll see it.
I have the same problem with my lews kvd reel. Button randomly flips back up and it sounds like my rod is going to snap 😂 love that okuma set up!
I just started fishing and you have inspired me so much and taught me so much about fishing thanks Lojo🙏❤️ btw the bait caster looks awesome and so do the others thanks for doing these budget videos to show more of the reality of fishing🎣❤️
I love your videos I have learned so much more about fishing from your videos from the fishing poles to what baits to use
Lol, when I was a little kid, my dad’s hero was Jimmy Houston. Y’all are my Jimmy Houston!!!
Always a good video when lojo is in it. Awesome content as always. Love a budget fishing video
I would’ve gone with the Real Tree combo! I never heard of Real Tree making fishing rod combos, so I’d be excited to try it out!!
The blue and orange is awesome I thought as well!!! Awesome video!! I love it!! Would love to try it here in the waters!
Agree. I use okuma. Value for money is spot on. Steps equal prizes. Do it NOW....😂😅😊
Subscriber for last 2 years. Love your videos man! Great energy and enthusiasm! Can't wait for you videos! I would absolutely pick the Lews myself! Even with it's faults. Dig the colors.
I love the big cat combo. That’s one i haven’t branched into yet. I normally use my bass gear! Keep up the awesome content.
I get the Okuma "Fuel" combo. The colors gave it away. For those who don't know is that's the Gulf Oil Co. colors. Ford even had some GT40s in that color. As far as the Quantum is concerned, that design (Kenetic PT) has been around for at least 12 years.
Great content! The Okuma was looking great!
Really great comparison video and as a new Bass fisherman either of those reels would really assist my fishing keep up the great work
Those reels are exactly what I could use as a middle schooler on such a small budget
The ugly stick combo is really good I have one myself caught plenty of catfish and even took it to the beach and caught huge bull reds on it
Your videos get me extra motivated to go fishing and I like all those rod combos
The conventional camouflage catfish combo is cool too 😊
I would love to have any of those combos for my son. He is really getting into fishing and only has kids poles at the moment. He would be so so happy.
Big Lew’s guy here. I’ve never heard of the American hero being terrible but it could be. Definitely enjoyed the video dude. 🤘🏼
The Lews combo is great! I'd definitely pick that one out of all of them
I like the blue spinning combo or the camo ugly stick and i love you content one of my favorite fishing channels keep up the hatd eork and congrats on the merch drop
36:41 American hero’s have a tendency to do that. Mine did it so many times, and it also had multiple drag slips when fighting big fish. Basically it’s a bait caster that you have to use as a spinner when there’s a fish on, otherwise you won’t really catch anything
I have an 11 month old, so in the beginning when you were speaking for the crying baby that had me cracking up. This is a video I've been looking for. Budget baitcasters and fishing equipment is where I'm at in life 😆. Thanks for another one brother 😎🤙
imo the shimano sienna is the way to go for a budget reel, they do also sell it as a combo, its cheap but not junk and will last for quite a while.
I really like the colors on the spinning combo. All about the looks
I definitely love the looks of the okuma combo and seems pretty versatile also.
Always love what you do man. My favorite right now because I’m newer to bait casters and can’t afford the expensive ones is my Cabelas Abu Garcia black max combo
The Lews American Hero was the first combo I ever bought. Never had any casting issues like Lojo did. Love it!! Except mine's LH retrieve. People who use RH retrieve baitcasters need medical assistance...
43:44 the spinning combo with that that blue and orange it reminds me of an old 80s Richard Petty race car got that petty blue with the orange white beautiful combo
First ever baitcaster was that exact lews combo, gave it to a buddy and shes still crankin em in!
Love the video. That Okuma reel would be a nice all-around user to have!
Great video! Had higher hopes for the Lew’s combo but it was the type of content I like to see!
The blue and orange reel is my 2 favorite colors and since it’s a spinning reel my favorite reel style to do finesse fishing with
Love the budget fishing videos. For a new fisherman like myself I've learned a lot from you so thank you for that
Always looking for a new combo! Love how you do these reviews! Awesome content!
Some people are diehard spinning rod and reel they can do a grate job for the budget and not back lash just the occasional wind knot and a good medium fast action rod and reel combo can slay bass and still catch a brim if you choose to
Let's freaking go lojo. You picked the one I would've picked. Awesome video man!!!!
Great content as always, love the color scheme on Okuma and of course being a Navy veteran love the name of the Lews ( American Hero)
I like the spinning reel. In the part of Alabama that I live in it would be perfect because the river offers up everything from bluegill/ crappie all the way up to catfish/drum.
I'd take any you've tested. I see that you're going with the POV type videos and I love that idea. Gotta be more friendly to the poles in the stores lol.
Never tried a Lew's baitcaster combo, be cool for try . And I know Okuma makes a good product (so no complaints if my luck somehow became positive). Both for bass & light inshore ( those 2 I have tried myself) up to bigger saltwater rigs.thanks for the video, cool comparison video
Thanks for another good show. I world go with the big game rug and reel.
I loved the Okuma . But I really love fishing and watch your videos.
Loved this video, helps beginners get to see them in action vs reading reviews!
The Lew’s American Hero combo was my first baitcaster combo a few years ago. I had the camo version at a 6’10 MH. Broke the rod in my car door, but still have the reel. Caught my PB 10lb + Bass on it.👍🏽 it was 79.99 when I got it back then.
I liked that Ugly stick combo. would love to see how it does on even bigger fish.
Would have liked to see the Okuma baitcaster as well just to compare. Maybe do a 2nd video buying the opposite of what you bought from that store, so spinning reel from the first and last store and baitcaster from the middle one
Nice!!love the backyard pond videos🎣🎣
Baitcaster for sure such a nice clean slick combo but catfish combo is solid too
I’ve always wanted to know if the Lews American Hero would be a good combo for kayak fishing. I want a budget option so I don’t have to use my more expensive setups. I just worry about longevity of the budget combos.
I been looking at that Okuma for the colors myself lol.. great video as always
Great video. I like the Okuma. It would be the best for what I fish for.😊
Been enjoying the content LoJo keep it up really like the updated pond layout
Great video, those are the type of combos I usually buy so it was interesting hearing your take on each. I would probably go with the Lews baitcaster just because I don't currently have a baitcaster. Plus, I'm a tinkerer... er so I would enjoy messing with it to get the button to work smoothly.
Yes Sir, Awesome video Lojo and that looked perty budget friendly my friend 💯💯🇺🇲🇺🇲
I might have to pick up a couple of those combos. I like to go out and fish for everything.
I have the American Hero and she gets the job done. The button fails out about 1 out of 50 casts. Not sure why Lew's hasn't gotten that fixed. Other than that its a great budget combo. Id love to give the Fuel Spin a go!
That really surprises me with the lews i have had quite a few and haven't had any issues like that but with the okuma makes me wonder how the bait caster would have been
Awesome video as usual!! Thanks Lojo!!
I got a question for you LoJo.. I have been fishing for 35 years here in in the great state of Mn. every reel I have ever owned is an open-face bail caster.. what is the easiest bait caster reel to teach an old dog with? on a budget.
Love the videos. Love you and all the guys. You just definitely got me into fishing this year and now like the bass I’m hooked. Love to learn to use the lews bait caster to help better myself in fishing
Love the budget videos, I can relate to trying to get the most bang for buck. Great content keep it up.
Just got my son the orange xfinity spinning combo for Christmas. He also has a white and orange xfinity baitcasting combo, not bad for an 8yr old lol. I'd like to try that American Hero combo, it's a sharp looking setup. Too bad there's no Academy near me.