BFS system for Crappie

[Brag]

Does anyone use BFS (baitcast finesse system) for Crappie? I've heard a lot about it on the bass and trout fronts and decided to get one because I've always enjoyed fishing with very light or ultralight tackle, not to mention that I do enjoy fishing baitcasting gear better than spinning gear at times (I probably spend 80% of my bass fishing time fishing spinning gear, but there are certain techniques where baitcasting is FAR more precise and efficient).

I didn't get a "good" setup because those are ridiculously expensive and I mean through the roof expensive, but I got a Shimano Sensilite 7' L power, fast action rod ($50 I think) and an inexpensive reel (can't recall the name of the reel, something Japanese and I think it was $70 or $80). The outfit passes the "feels test" for sure. Super light, well-balanced, handles light line (I have 6 pound braid on it) and casts a 1/16 ounce jig further than any of my spinning outfits.

I've only fished the rod for an hour or so and have only caught a couple of fish with it, but I'm super impressed so far and think it's going to be just the ticket for open-water Crappie or for fishing brushpiles with small jigs. I've only used a 1/16 ounce Road Runner with it so far, but I guarantee it will handle a 1/24 ounce jig well and think it might handle one down to 1/32 ounce easily enough, but we'll see, I'll give it a try this week when I get the chance.

I live on a lake that's polluted with Spotted bass, so 1/10 ounce Ned rigs and 1/8 ounce swimbaits are pretty regular fare, so the rod will be used for bass too, but I'm more excited about the possibility of fishing for big open-water Crappie with it and wonder if anyone else has any thoughts or experience with a BFS system.

[Slab]

Wow cool, "casts a 1/16 ounce jig further than any of my spinning outfits" with 6lb braid, hard to believe. To me 6lb braid is hair thin and casts a country mile on my spinning gear. Can you show us a pic of what setup?

[Brag]

Wow cool, "casts a 1/16 ounce jig further than any of my spinning outfits" with 6lb braid, hard to believe. To me 6lb braid is hair thin and casts a country mile on my spinning gear. Can you show us a pic of what setup?

Yep.

[Ketchn]

interesting set up for crappie , not sure about the casting part is me , but if the shoe fits wear it well ....
being right handed drives me nuts trying to switch hands to reel though because I would be dangling a jig in my right hand and can't get used to bait castering set ups very well , used several just not my speed .

[Brag]

interesting set up for crappie , not sure about the casting part is me , but if the shoe fits wear it well ....
being right handed drives me nuts trying to switch hands to reel though because I would be dangling a jig in my right hand and can't get used to bait castering set ups very well , used several just not my speed .

I've been fishing baitcasters so long that I just routinely trade hands AS the lure is hitting the water and don't see any drawback at all.

[Ketchn]

I've been fishing baitcasters so long that I just routinely trade hands AS the lure is hitting the water and don't see any drawback at all.

its a sensitivity thing with me and my right hand being way better at ketchn fish than my left hand , I can use baitcasters pretty well , but never do when I am after crappie , they often bite really lightly and would likely be overlooked and or miss a hookset with my left hand. just not quite as quick as my right hand is my left hand ,,,,

[grizwilson]

interesting set up for crappie , not sure about the casting part is me , but if the shoe fits wear it well ....
being right handed drives me nuts trying to switch hands to reel though because I would be dangling a jig in my right hand and can't get used to bait castering set ups very well , used several just not my speed .

They do make and sell left handed baitcasters, I have been transitioning to those, more used to spinning rigs and it is more efficient. That said, it should be against the law for me to own a baitcaster.

[Grainraiser]

I have thought about getting a BFS setup because I think they are cool. I think I would like them because I would be a much more accurate caster with a baitcaster. I am not accurate at all casting with a spinning setup. I can pitch or shot a bait pretty good but I can't cast at distance with a spinning setup.

[CrappiePappy]

I believe our member "Just_Bass", out in California, uses a baitcast setup for casting for Crappie. He's posted pics & videos about his equipment. But, I think he uses high end Japanese stuff & the reel is "modified" with a special spool arbor thingy and such.

Video of him casting tube jig ... https://www.crappie.com/crappie/main...5457-am-sorry/

Also found this about his equipment .... One of his baitcast reels is a Shimano Aldebaran Mg7 with a Shimano Yumeya shallow spool add-on.

[gillchaser999]

I got caught up in the hype about BFS fishing .
I’ve wasted several hundred on experimenting with BFS .
Just recently tried it again when I accidentally ordered an UL casting rod , thinking I was getting a spinner rod .
My conclusion was , BFS was not much different than using baitcasters back when I was a bass fisherman.
They work good for certain applications, cranking crankbaits and types of spinners .
But the wind was always an issue with me , especially with light lures.
And when I tried any line that was under 6# test , it would find its way behind the spool .
Different strokes for different folks .
I’ve got a couple Zebco Omega Pro spin casting reels I’ll be using on my casting rods .
95% of the time I’ll stick with my “open Face” reels .