Thread: BFS (bait finesse system), anyone use them?

Originally Posted by gillchaser999

I’ve played with a couple of BFS outfits .
IMO , It’s not Ultralight , it’s closer to light action fishing .
I have the KastKing BFS reel , I had to go with 6# line to keep it the line from getting between the spool and frame .
I’ve taken a Daiwa Lexa 100 reel and backed the spool with large diameter braid , then spooled with 6# P-line and achieved the same results .
Depends on what one calls BFS .
For me , where a baitcaster performs best is with a spinnerbait or crankbait . I’m able to cast down to 1/16 jig spinners , if the wind isn’t a problem. Of course the wind has always been an issue with me with any baitcasters . And yes the magnetic brakes can be adjusted to cut down on backlashes, but it reduces distance .
I’ve also played with an old Ambassador reel with similar results without a magnetic brake .
I caught more LM bass than I did gills .
It was fun to play with , but when I want hassle free casting of tiny baits , you can’t beat a nice Ultralight spinning outfit.

There’s your answer right there. I respect the fans but couldn’t take the aggravation. Just my personal opinion.
Bob

I think we all agree. As I posted earlier there is a difference between UL and BFS. I rarely cast 1/32 oz or less but when I do it's with a spinning outfit. But for anything heavier I almost always prefer my BFS rigs. Of course, I grew up with baitcasters so I'm not intimidated by them. Yesterday I was casting a 1/16 oz rapala countdown on my KK/vintage All Star combo in a pretty good wind and was throwing that lure further than my ULs will cast, much more accurately and with no hint of a backlash. I use 10lb braid with a 6 lb leader. I've caught several nice crappie with that as well as 3lb smallmouth and 2.5 lb brown trout. Hope to catch larger than that this year. For me, it's more fun. As I posted earlier YMMV.

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It’s an interesting concept, but I think I’m with Bob. I have lots of rabbit holes that I disappear into and don’t need another. You all know I like making my own jigs and pour lead and so on, but I’m not getting into making my own plastics for the same reason. In fresh water I seldom use more than 6lb and usually grab 5 ul rods and go play. BFS is something I will no doubt give a shot one day but I’m gonna wait a minute before I get my shovel and begin another rabbit hole.

Not really trying to convince anyone to start something new. Just answering a post from the OP.

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I hear you, iken. Not for everybody. One thing I will say from my really bad bait cast rig as a kid, I absolutely loved the pistol grip and that I do miss but it has been too many years to count. I liked the precision feel of that style handle.
Bob

I understand also. In past years I’ve had several BC reels. When the Shimano Bantam 101 was new, I had a 5’2” lightning rod with a hypalon pistol grip. It was for standing in the nose of the boat and underhand cast under boat house doors. Great fun after the line twitched. Still have an older curado, wonder if it could be converted?

Ffw, this Japanese anglers channels been a source of inspiration for me over the years in the BFS department. He was the reason I went ahead a got the expensive Shimano Conquest BFS so hopefully my casting of light lures will improve (maybe if I have his fishing environment it would help...Lol), but it proves I need a skillset it could take years to hone in. This gent does it in style with ease and left-handed as well. Oh and his reels looked like a tricked out 2500c version and his rod....well lets just say Ajing/mebaru stiffness has no place here!
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Originally Posted by dougpew

BFS (bait finesse system), anyone use them? reading reviews and watching YouTube videos, they look like a downsized bait caster. Brands to stay away from and brands to lean towards? Real world reviews?

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what is your budget? What lure and weight do you try to achieve?
you can go with cheap Chinese BFS reels less than 100 bucks, but most I see will start to look for upgrade not long after. The top dog like now would be Daiwa alphas air tw 350 bucks. You can have Shimano Curado BFS cheaper at 200 but that reel will need some thumb education and might take a little bit longer to dial in.
I used to be baitcaster only type guys but change to spinning set for ease of casting 1/32 jig head and fun flight with ultra light rod. I still use baitcaster from time to time only when slab are around and I don’t care for number. Most of my set built to handle 2-3lb bass and would feel over power with crappie or bluegill.
2020 may 21 ultralight Fishing for crappie with daiwa alphas air - YouTube