For those who dont know what BFS is. Baitfinesse orginated in japan for highly pressured bass in clear water lakes and in and around cover. The BFS concept was developed by pro bass angler yukihiro sawamura in 2011 the main advantage of BFS is it gives the angler the ability to fish light weight baits jigs and soft plastics (normally that would be fished on finesse bass spinning gear)with baitcasting reels with high gear ratios and 6-12 Lb fluorocarbon lines with the rod still haveing the backbone to keep bass from going in to cover japanese BFS rods are really just bass rods with light tips to help cast,skip and pitch the light weight baits in or around cover.
Baitcasting with high gear ratio? Lots of misinformation on that around. Spinning is almost always faster line uptake for similar sized.. More inches per turn 8 plus ratio Baitcasting will have less inches per turn than a 5 Or 6 something spinning.
@kosmophon while it is possible it can it almost always does not. Look up inches per turn that is all that matters for how fast your retrieve is. I'll tell you a secret. A spools size is a factor. A baitcasters generally tiny circumference turning 8 times does not pick up as much line as a much, much larger diameter even small size (say 2000 series) spinning. Inches per turn Hard facts Look it up
@kosmophon and here ya go A 8.5:1 Shimano curado 200 which hold the same amount of line (50lb/120yards braid) as a stradic 4000 6.4:1 The 8.5:1 curado does 36 inches per turn The stradic does 40 Thats 4 inches more line every crank That is faster Edit sorry 6.2 to 1 stradic not 6.4
@@L0st-n0found Hard fact: I used to fish the fastest spinning reels for trout. Casting upstream and retrieved. I switched to BCs with 7 or 8:1 gear ratio. They are quicker! Hard fact from actual practice.
I can imagine that with practice, the bfs will allow you to put the bait in more precise locations when casting, but I love my spinning setups. And there’s still no better sound in my opinion than a fish pulling the drag on a spinning reel. In the end, whatever gets you out on (or in) the water.
I’ve had a blast this year river fishing with my bfs setup. Even broke it out on my last boat trip to the lake and caught bluegills and small largemouths till my fingers hurt. I couldn’t help but smile all day lol
I'm a lefty and have always considered myself lucky that most reels have a right handed retrieve. I think a lot of people underestimate the control you get with your dominant hand on the angle and height of the retrieve. Oldschool logic was you needed the strength from a dominant hand but, realistically, you just need the hand-eye coordination and dexterity to spin in a circle. Either hand can do that pretty well with practice.
My vote, SPINNING GEAR. I reluctantly picked up baitcasters for big bass techniques just a few years ago, after DECADES using spinning gear for bass, walleye, steelhead, panfish...EVERYTHING.
I agree, and I think people like to add the politics into fishing. At the end of the day, we all just trying to have fun. However you catch fish whether it be on spinning or casting shouldnt matter.
Awesome video! I really enjoyed watching you guys out there doing your thing. Some nice catches as well. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this. Both set-ups were nice. As always, #AggressivelyAverageAnglers rocks!!!
For me, after doing all 3, here’s my “podium of fun” for tiny lures: 1- BFS 2- Fly fishing (small rods like 3wt) 3- Spinning Even in third place, spinnning is still a lot of fun! But the casting and control of short cast (roll cast) and drifting makes the fly rod better in my opinion (but fighting is not so good as you don’t really have a drag, you just pull them “in”). Then come the BFS with the best of both worlds: precision, compact casting (no room around you) and a blast during the fight! I still do all 3 of them, but barely spinning and a lot less fly fishing since I got my BFS combo! BTW, for creek/small river fishing, you MUST get yourself some tiny wake baits. More choices in JDM.. Awesome bait!
I'm the kinda guy who has used push buttons, spinners, bait casters and cane poles. I've never once wondered to myself if any one system was superior. But I do have an irrational dislike for fly rods solely because the reel is in the wrong spot 😂
@@DustyNonya 😂 Fun fact: you don’t even need a reel for fly fishing in small river/creek. The fly reel is 99% only a place to store your fly line. Only with big fish that do long runs (carp, salmon, salt water fish) you really need a reel with drag… Always wander why fly fisherman spend so much money on fly reel 🙄).
I feel if people want to get into BFS set ups why not? I have a med-light rod paired with a 2500 reel. I'm able to throw light baits. Love the matchig shirts!
Lol. I live close to you guys and Ethan and I can't for the life of me figure out which river you are wading. I love wet wading and I wish knew more spots close to Grand Rapids where I can get in! Awesome vid guys
I started out with ultralight spinning set up but enjoy the challenge of bfs and ultralight bfs. I think different set ups have their place with me. Also if you can list the brands and info on the lines, reels, and other tackle in your description that would be awesome. It helps to follow up on for buying or research.
We’ve done a few unboxings on the gear, but its the Cashion icon BFS rod and Kastking Kestrel BFS reel. Spinning setup was an Okuma Psycho stick and brand new Okuma ISX reel
I have mostly spinning rods and 2 baitcasters. Both have their advantages and best uses. But I prefer an ultralight Ugly Stik with a 2000 size Penn reel for creeks and for catching little stuff. But I've caught big snook in the surf on that rig, and cobia offshore. I wouldn't recommend fishin' for cobia with it but snook at the beach are lots of fun. And after that experience I úse light tackle in freshwater.
You guys are great. I converted from Spinning to BFS about 1.5 years ago and have caught way more fish on BFS than on Spinning reels. To be honest I throw many more styles of baits with BFS. My favorite is throwing a BFS jerk bait. It is great for bass and trout.
Flies(yes flyfishing flies), Eurotackle, Leland lures, or any other finesse bait, it doesn't matter I'm down this BFS rabbit hole deep because of your channel. I find myself buying more and more BFS combos/ gear, and I can only blame this channel. Edit: I suggest you try Profishiency Flash UL casting rod. Its fairly cheap under $50
I've felt that frustration. Freezing, wet, haven't caught much all day, then.. FINALLY! ... and then.... and poof she was gone! ...the heck with this! I'm going home!
Spent most of my life using UL spinning gear. Moved to the Midwest recently and found BFS while here. Running the Kestral on an Old 18 Buoyancy 7’ UL rod. Phenomenal combination, & light as a feather.
Absolute banger of a video you guys always love watching you two get together to fish definitely need to find a fishing partner like what you have always so much fun to watch. Ps. To be honest i use both bfs and ul spinning and enjoy them both i will say there is something about bfs thats alot more fun than spinning but all in all my two cents are just do what your love and enjoy ever seacond of it weather its bfs, spinning, casting, using musky rod for bass fishing just go for it and enjoy nature Pps. Jeff, i need to know what cany bar that was you had .... for ummm... research purposes
Rod and reel manufacturers need to find new ways to catch fisherman. This new "style" of baitcast fishing isn't any better or worse than the other trends of the past. I think it's nice to see lighter setup baitcasting being offered now, since there was a gap existing in that space for a long time. Does it offer any real benefits over spinning ultralight/light, meh, not really, but if you are a tackle junky, go right ahead and embrace it, especially if you personally don't like spinning style.
Both nice setups! But lean towards the spinning while in river and carrying minimal gear. Hate to have a birds nest halfway down the river! On other hand waiting for BFS reel to come back in stock! Can always carry extra spool🤣🤣
Gear ratio is irrelevant when you compare a spinning reel to a casting reel. A 7.4:1 baitcaster picks up 31 inches of line per turn of the handle. A 6.2:2 size 2500 picks up 34.5 inches of line per turn if the handle. Despite having a lower gear ratio the spinning rod is picking up line faster. An 8.2:1 speed casting reel picks up 35” of line where as a 6.2:1 3000 sized spinning reel picks up 36”. In both cases the spinning reel is a faster retrieve. All in all they are probably equal when you account for not having to flip the bail on the casting reel.
So I’m curious, when fishing a Ned rig in a river can you use a ball head over the mushroom head? Ball heads are a lot cheaper to buy and I loose all my expensive Ned heads on rocks and logs
we have a creek/small river where i live that's very similar to the one you're fishing. i have been using bfs there for years. it's definitely the way to go 90% of the time.
I have caught lots of fish on spinning gear vs baitcaster.. now here is a great thing to try go back out (when you are warm again) and swap gear, combos and lures and then see who catches more. if its the rod combo and lures or the operator? ive done this with my buddies and its a toss up but fun to do.
ive been enjoying bfs over spinning this year. Rocking an upgraded zephyr with a pure lure 5ft telescopic UL rod. I like to stick around 1/8 and 1/16 but im dipping into that 32 more here and there. Lowest I could cast easily was 1/64. Don't have any 1/80 oz jigs to try sadly lol. but I can bet my zephyr can handle it
EXACTLY. Can make so many more casts not playing around with a bail. I get it, some people backlash, but if you get good at a baitcaster then it’s just way more efficient.
@@BanksOpenKayakFishing Forsure man. I went from a spinning outfit to BFS and it's (1) Less fatigue (2) More efficient (3) More cast output (4) Better cast angles (5) Opposite hand castable and (6) Fun. Overall I catch more fish than my spinning outfit and I will only go back to spinning for offshore drop shotting. There's no comparison, BFS is simply more superior.
Whatever BFS may not such a big deal. Because of the light spools available in bait caster. You can use light line 4lb test and a light lure and cast as you would any bait. 😂😅😊
The only people that go hating on BFS are the cheapskates and the stubborn. "How dare they make Ultra-light fishing so complicated, hurr-durr??!!" But seriously, different fishing techniques apply for different applications. BFS was invented in Japan for the need to cast both accurately and continously into small creek eddies and crevices where the trout are hanging about. They don't even use 7ft rods as where they usually fish often there's no room; so they rely more on like 5ft or even 4 ft rods. It's no wonder when brought out to other situations like open water wet wading some other techniques apply just as well. I myself put in the effort to get a Calcutta Conquest BFS reel, a $500 reel to fish for peacock bass wet wading. Awesome reel that can easily cast 2g lures out easy right out of the box. Just do what you enjoy, why make things so complicated?
Pro BFS here: Why? -more line pick up per crank (e.g. trout fishing casting upstream) - better for precise accurate casts - you can stop a bad cast immediately with your thumb - slow down the spool with thumb for a subtle presentation - no line twist - more cranking power of a BC for heavy cover fishing - more fun to cast = more fun fishing
I have the Lews custom lite ss and I love it. I can cast a 1/8 oz micro chatterbait seems like a mile and it does not sound like that when I cast it it’s quiet
Not looking for a fight, but I think BFS is really just for experienced fishermen that are looking for a challenge. To throw the same lures you can use much cheaper spinning gear at 500 or 1000 size and achieve the same results. No need to worry about backlash too. Spinning is just more friendly to newbies. However, if you have disposable income and just want to buy that shiny new reel that everyone is hype about (I can relate), then go for it man. Especially if the hobby is becoming stale and you want to find something new to master.
Are you guys fishing the Huron? You both sound like a couple of Michigan boys and I'd love to tag along. Great video. I'm a small fortune deep into BFS and have a number of rods and reels, mostly JDM stuff plus some raced out Ambassadeurs.
What does BFS mean? I use a reel that looks the same but it's called a level wind or a baitcaster here in Canada. I'm using the Abu Garcia Black Max lefty
It stands for Bait Finesse System. Its a light power rod paired with a reel with a super shallow, ultralight spool and very light line. It's the same style reel as your Abu, but it's specially configured to allow it to cast light baits.
@@helotaxi ah ok. That's the magnetic clutch system in play. The adjustment on the side of the body without the crank? Well here's my opinion on fishing with anything. The name of the game is to hook and land a fish that you intend to get. Innovation is what even led to a reel in the first place. Or to lures, crankbaits ect. And then new concepts arise from chasing new ways to do it. I say we embrace things and see where it takes us
I have been BFS fishing for 8+ years and I still feel it’s definitely a niche and unnecessary tool for fishing but for me I love it and don’t own or fish any spinning gear what so ever. I don’t have to justify why I use it or that’s it’s better, I just enjoy fishing with baitcasters.
BFS is definitely better than freakin spinning! The haters are either cheapskates (without realizing cheap bfs gear is out there), can’t use a baitcaster, or haven’t given it a fair shot. I think it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing pros using bfs gear in tournaments. It is simply faster than playing with the bail all day and in competition more casts is a clear advantage.
You'll never see it in the pros. Its a bank angling fad. Absolutely no reason for a pro to fish BFS. If it was going to happen, it would've by now. Just like Googan. Huge hype but not one pro uses em consistently. A fad.
That's because we turned the spool tension way down to cast lighter. The kestrel is overbraked. Easy to cast 1/8 oz, really hard to cast 1/32 - 1/16 oz.
There are alot of budget bfs rods and reels out there.most of the cheaper bfs are better suited for throwing 1/16oz spinnerbaits, chatterbait and jigs for bass.Good luck in your search for a combo
People who think BFS is stupid never takes the time to understand it, plan topical ignorance, it’s funny how can you hate something that you don’t even understand lol😂
BFS is a solution to a problem not everyone has. A fetish for baitcasters , spare cash and a desire to cast ultra light baits on only baitcasters. It satisfies a fun/pleasure not a technical need. Although to be fair all sport fishing does this, we could always use dynamite to catch fish.If people are happy using fixed spools or open faced reels for light baits under say 1/4 oz then no need for BFS. These reels will technically do everything as well or better than baitcasters. BFS originated in Japan. I've not been there so not sure but suspect fishermen in Japan are on average cash rich , time poor and don't have easy access to many waters with lots of big fish. So if they long to catch fish on a baitcaster then BFS makes sense. Personally I love baitcasters , so get this, but if people just want to catch fish there are better technical options. Like so many things some in the industry will jump on this as a way to sell even more expensive gear.
You guys are WAY more adventurous than I As I NEVER EVER anymore go fishing in shorts Learned REAL fast from to many BAD experiences with poison ivy/oak biting and stinging insects hooks and sunburn that pants are at least for me a fishing absolutely must have You do not know the depths of misery till your absolutely slaughtering the smallmouth (caught over 40 that day) on a lake Michigan brake wall (did have a head net long sleeves and gloves but wearing shorts) and are absolutely besieged by swarms of biting flys or stumble across a ground hive of bald faced hornets while wearing shorts
BFS simply put exists so that people who enjoy using baitcasting reels can use lightweight lures. I’d prefer to never use a spinning reel, I love palming a baitcaster and using my thumb to control my cast. So anyone saying you can just use a spinning reel doesn’t know how to use a baitcaster or never used a baitcaster or has no preference.
Bait Finesse System (also known as BFS/bait finesse/bait finesse fishing/bait finesse style) is a finesse style of fishing originating from Japan. BFS utilizes specialized baitcasting reels and casting rods to allow the angler to cast ultralight lures that would normally only be used with spinning reels and rods.
As an avid Crappie fisherman I think it's a scam, my 100 dollar combo can outcast any BFS setup on the market. Baitcasters will just never have the superior castability of spinning reels for lighter lures 1/8th and below.
@@noobpyrotech9991 I got an 8 foot BnM "the difference" with an Abu Garcia Max Z in 2000 size, shits a Crappie Sniper, yet I don't really like how finicky the drag is on that reel I would of opted for a Pfleuger but I was tryna save money and the Max Z just paired really nice with it, it's got a great retrieve for jigging.
@@Gstar5150 I got a Plfuger president 20 size in the base model and the XT. The XT was lighter of course but the base model was way smoother. The only down side to the president is the small deep spool. I think longer casting distance would work on a bigger shallower spool, and also it might lessen memory coils.
@@noobpyrotech9991 yeah bigger spool helps with casting distance, I also have a combo with a 500 size and it doesn't cast nearly as far as my 2000 size, but it's an awesome combo for targeting bluegills since it forces me to cast closer to shore. The biggest problems with small spools is braid it comes off the spool in a tighter spiral so it makes a lot easier to get windknots if your not careful.
@@Gstar5150 Yeah I have the problem too. I got a 500 size Piscifun Venom. It is an awesome little reel, but best used for short casting in streams or ponds. I like the 500 and 1000 size reels but think some companies are starting to catch on with the shallow spools with bigger diameter. I am looking at the KastKing Kestrel 1000 size spinning reel. The specs look awesome, it looks lighter than my 500 size reel. Another thing about the shallow spools is no need for mono backing. I recently attempted to cast out and got a good distance but my line got caught on my backing to main line knot.
@@aaanglers , okay, thank you. Just recently found your channel & enjoying it!👊 It seemed you liked the Kastking but it was making a strange noise on the cast & seemed like maybe you weren’t getting enough distance? I saw a review by “the reel test” on the Lew’s s/p & how it can double as a bfs reel. I bought one & figured if I didn’t like it for bfs, I could always skip & pitch with it but it casts very lite lures!
Just wondering do y’all think the Zephyr is a good reel or at least decent reel to see if BFS is right for someone new to these types of casting reels.
@@aaanglers I actually ordered the Zephyr. But like anything it won’t be my last BFS reel. For now to start with as well I bought the Shimano Sensilight 7 foot Light action rod with a fast tip. I think the whole combo was around the $125ish range.
I just can't see any advantage to bfs other than they look cool. Spinning is cheaper, cast way further, just as accurate and the drag system is far superior. + no bird nests
This proves nothing ,,,,u work bfs:s strength which is pin point nearby accuracy with light lures .... u'll trash a spinning reel just about every time. Distance is NOT the only thing ,,,,, fish bfs in its element ,,,, short rods> light reels . small baits in small creeks, small streams, tight bodies of water..... with the proper SYSTEM ...... Do this in a wooded 50 ft or narrower stream/creek .... thats where bfs will crush
All i seen proven was Jeff find a pattern that worked well and out fished Paul 😂. Maybe that proved Jeff is a better fisherman 😂 jk Paul Seriously though bo hate on what you guys want to do but bfs reels are a scam. People have been buikding 50, 70 and 80 size reels to throw light lures for decades now and doing cheaper than most bfs reels cost that you still need to upgrade some lol.
Problem is you have to play with the bail all day and deal with line twist. I get that someone on a budget might not like it, but it’s very fun, efficient, and effective. You can get definitely budget bfs gear if you know where to look.
@@BanksOpenKayakFishing if you're dealing with line twist. 1 you're using cheap line 2 switch to braid 3 you're not flipping the bail by hand lol. And no bfs gets pricey quick especially when the cheapest I've found is 80$ then ot needs a larger handle 25 to 50$, needs a bearing upgrade and for that reel its a minimum 30$ so that's already 135$ without taxes or line. Then to get a decent bfs rod it's starts over 100$ so you're looking 250$ 300$ to have a ok setup. That's the price the good bfs reels start at is around 200 to 250$ and btw they come with apec3 stainless bearings so yet again need a upgrade, don't like 90mm handles there's another upgrade. Lol by the time you do all that you could have built twice the reel from a shimano 70 size reel. And you can stay finesse fishing for less than 100$ with spinning. Bfs is not a necessity. One day maybe someone will make a true budget bfs but I doubt it due to its a small community and don't sell well as of now lol. No hate though do what makes ya happy is my stand on things.
@@BanksOpenKayakFishing you need to watch some old school spinning reel commercials or fishing commercials where the started the "automatic bail flip with one crank of the handle" lol yea I've been around fishing a long time now. 80s and 90s commercials started that and people still do it today not realizing it's causing line twist unless they have braid on that reel.
For 50$ or less you can buy a usable spinning combo. That ain't possible for bfs. With some experience and money to spare, investing in a bfs combo is a good way to have fun on light gear
@@Loc-wh7vn So basically you're saying bfs is not more expensive than spinning or regular casting. Go up to 200 or 300 reel- value for quality bfs will still be more expensive. 1 quality bfs combo is enough for me
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
the best part of this video was being super matchy matchy buddies
Every time
For those who dont know what BFS is. Baitfinesse orginated in japan for highly pressured bass in clear water lakes and in and around cover. The BFS concept was developed by pro bass angler yukihiro sawamura in 2011 the main advantage of BFS is it gives the angler the ability to fish light weight baits jigs and soft plastics (normally that would be fished on finesse bass spinning gear)with baitcasting reels with high gear ratios and 6-12 Lb fluorocarbon lines with the rod still haveing the backbone to keep bass from going in to cover japanese BFS rods are really just bass rods with light tips to help cast,skip and pitch the light weight baits in or around cover.
Baitcasting with high gear ratio? Lots of misinformation on that around.
Spinning is almost always faster line uptake for similar sized.. More inches per turn
8 plus ratio Baitcasting will have less inches per turn than a 5 Or 6 something spinning.
@@L0st-n0found You are just soooo wrong!! Of course a 8:1 BC has much more line pick up per turn.
@kosmophon while it is possible it can it almost always does not. Look up inches per turn that is all that matters for how fast your retrieve is.
I'll tell you a secret. A spools size is a factor. A baitcasters generally tiny circumference turning 8 times does not pick up as much line as a much, much larger diameter even small size (say 2000 series) spinning.
Inches per turn
Hard facts
Look it up
@kosmophon and here ya go
A 8.5:1 Shimano curado 200 which hold the same amount of line (50lb/120yards braid) as a stradic 4000 6.4:1
The 8.5:1 curado does 36 inches per turn
The stradic does 40
Thats 4 inches more line every crank
That is faster
Edit sorry 6.2 to 1 stradic not 6.4
@@L0st-n0found Hard fact: I used to fish the fastest spinning reels for trout. Casting upstream and retrieved. I switched to BCs with 7 or 8:1 gear ratio. They are quicker! Hard fact from actual practice.
Great video. Keep the BFS haters Hating! 🎣💪
I can imagine that with practice, the bfs will allow you to put the bait in more precise locations when casting, but I love my spinning setups. And there’s still no better sound in my opinion than a fish pulling the drag on a spinning reel. In the end, whatever gets you out on (or in) the water.
The KastKing Kestral BFS has a click drag so you do get the sound when a fish takes drag.
The zephyr does as well , 75 bucks
i dont see how it would help get in better spots, spinning is the only reel that needs to exsit
I’ve had a blast this year river fishing with my bfs setup. Even broke it out on my last boat trip to the lake and caught bluegills and small largemouths till my fingers hurt. I couldn’t help but smile all day lol
Apparently I’m not the only right handed fisherman that throws a left handed baitcaster.
Nice
We are not alone
Only way to do it right is with a left hand retrieve
It just makes sense.
I'm a lefty and have always considered myself lucky that most reels have a right handed retrieve.
I think a lot of people underestimate the control you get with your dominant hand on the angle and height of the retrieve.
Oldschool logic was you needed the strength from a dominant hand but, realistically, you just need the hand-eye coordination and dexterity to spin in a circle. Either hand can do that pretty well with practice.
Nope you're not alone
My vote, SPINNING GEAR. I reluctantly picked up baitcasters for big bass techniques just a few years ago, after DECADES using spinning gear for bass, walleye, steelhead, panfish...EVERYTHING.
I agree, and I think people like to add the politics into fishing. At the end of the day, we all just trying to have fun. However you catch fish whether it be on spinning or casting shouldnt matter.
@@DoinWhatIDo are baitcasters political?
@katietrotter9374 not at all.
Awesome video! I really enjoyed watching you guys out there doing your thing. Some nice catches as well. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this. Both set-ups were nice. As always, #AggressivelyAverageAnglers rocks!!!
For me, after doing all 3, here’s my “podium of fun” for tiny lures:
1- BFS
2- Fly fishing (small rods like 3wt)
3- Spinning
Even in third place, spinnning is still a lot of fun! But the casting and control of short cast (roll cast) and drifting makes the fly rod better in my opinion (but fighting is not so good as you don’t really have a drag, you just pull them “in”). Then come the BFS with the best of both worlds: precision, compact casting (no room around you) and a blast during the fight! I still do all 3 of them, but barely spinning and a lot less fly fishing since I got my BFS combo!
BTW, for creek/small river fishing, you MUST get yourself some tiny wake baits. More choices in JDM.. Awesome bait!
I'm the kinda guy who has used push buttons, spinners, bait casters and cane poles.
I've never once wondered to myself if any one system was superior. But I do have an irrational dislike for fly rods solely because the reel is in the wrong spot 😂
@@DustyNonya 😂 Fun fact: you don’t even need a reel for fly fishing in small river/creek. The fly reel is 99% only a place to store your fly line. Only with big fish that do long runs (carp, salmon, salt water fish) you really need a reel with drag… Always wander why fly fisherman spend so much money on fly reel 🙄).
I feel if people want to get into BFS set ups why not? I have a med-light rod paired with a 2500 reel. I'm able to throw light baits. Love the matchig shirts!
Lol. I live close to you guys and Ethan and I can't for the life of me figure out which river you are wading. I love wet wading and I wish knew more spots close to Grand Rapids where I can get in!
Awesome vid guys
I started out with ultralight spinning set up but enjoy the challenge of bfs and ultralight bfs. I think different set ups have their place with me. Also if you can list the brands and info on the lines, reels, and other tackle in your description that would be awesome. It helps to follow up on for buying or research.
We’ve done a few unboxings on the gear, but its the Cashion icon BFS rod and Kastking Kestrel BFS reel. Spinning setup was an Okuma Psycho stick and brand new Okuma ISX reel
I have mostly spinning rods and 2 baitcasters. Both have their advantages and best uses. But I prefer an ultralight Ugly Stik with a 2000 size Penn reel for creeks and for catching little stuff. But I've caught big snook in the surf on that rig, and cobia offshore. I wouldn't recommend fishin' for cobia with it but snook at the beach are lots of fun. And after that experience I úse light tackle in freshwater.
Both of those setups you have are nice. And I use a 3000 Daiwa Ballistic for my drop shot reel. And that's perfect so don't think it's too big.
You guys are great. I converted from Spinning to BFS about 1.5 years ago and have caught way more fish on BFS than on Spinning reels. To be honest I throw many more styles of baits with BFS. My favorite is throwing a BFS jerk bait. It is great for bass and trout.
Flies(yes flyfishing flies), Eurotackle, Leland lures, or any other finesse bait, it doesn't matter I'm down this BFS rabbit hole deep because of your channel. I find myself buying more and more BFS combos/ gear, and I can only blame this channel.
Edit: I suggest you try Profishiency Flash UL casting rod. Its fairly cheap under $50
You can cast a fly??
Yup, with the right reel
Greetings from NZ. Thanks for the video, researching BFS. Not really a thing here
Most real moment… “I’ll see you at the truck!”
👋🏼
I've felt that frustration. Freezing, wet, haven't caught much all day, then.. FINALLY! ... and then.... and poof she was gone! ...the heck with this! I'm going home!
Just ordered my first BFS setup! Gonna use it mostly for crappie but I’d love to get a stud largemouth on it as well
🙌
Spent most of my life using UL spinning gear. Moved to the Midwest recently and found BFS while here. Running the Kestral on an Old 18 Buoyancy 7’ UL rod. Phenomenal combination, & light as a feather.
Absolute banger of a video you guys always love watching you two get together to fish definitely need to find a fishing partner like what you have always so much fun to watch.
Ps. To be honest i use both bfs and ul spinning and enjoy them both i will say there is something about bfs thats alot more fun than spinning but all in all my two cents are just do what your love and enjoy ever seacond of it weather its bfs, spinning, casting, using musky rod for bass fishing just go for it and enjoy nature
Pps. Jeff, i need to know what cany bar that was you had .... for ummm... research purposes
Lol, it was a protein bar, met rx cookies and cream
@@aaanglers and add to cart and done lol
Rod and reel manufacturers need to find new ways to catch fisherman. This new "style" of baitcast fishing isn't any better or worse than the other trends of the past. I think it's nice to see lighter setup baitcasting being offered now, since there was a gap existing in that space for a long time. Does it offer any real benefits over spinning ultralight/light, meh, not really, but if you are a tackle junky, go right ahead and embrace it, especially if you personally don't like spinning style.
🤘🏼
People using baitcasters make more cast per hour on the water then spin casters.
Awesome video, thanks guys!
My spinning reel is a Mitchell that was given to my mother in the '60's. Doesn't cast very far, but I love itm
Both nice setups! But lean towards the spinning while in river and carrying minimal gear. Hate to have a birds nest halfway down the river! On other hand waiting for BFS reel to come back in stock! Can always carry extra spool🤣🤣
Bfs birds nests are super easy to undo surprisingly
@@aaanglers just waiting for di_it_ka to get a reel back instock👍,
@@aaanglers its because of the shallow spool..
@@Loc-wh7vn I’m good there but my river has a lot of over hangs and sometimes yep I snag one!🤣🤣
Gear ratio is irrelevant when you compare a spinning reel to a casting reel. A 7.4:1 baitcaster picks up 31 inches of line per turn of the handle. A 6.2:2 size 2500 picks up 34.5 inches of line per turn if the handle. Despite having a lower gear ratio the spinning rod is picking up line faster. An 8.2:1 speed casting reel picks up 35” of line where as a 6.2:1 3000 sized spinning reel picks up 36”. In both cases the spinning reel is a faster retrieve. All in all they are probably equal when you account for not having to flip the bail on the casting reel.
My tiny old Silstar 2130 is tiny and balances like a dream on my lightest rod. Going to try the combo out just now. have so many micro baits.
So I’m curious, when fishing a Ned rig in a river can you use a ball head over the mushroom head? Ball heads are a lot cheaper to buy and I loose all my expensive Ned heads on rocks and logs
Both work, we use what we have!
we have a creek/small river where i live that's very similar to the one you're fishing. i have been using bfs there for years. it's definitely the way to go 90% of the time.
Man to walk down a river would be amazing living in florida is rough trying that.
I take my ultralight out to every creek trip, I rarely use anything other than a Nako 1/32 - 3/32 ball jig and either micro craw or micro sticks
🤙
I have caught lots of fish on spinning gear vs baitcaster.. now here is a great thing to try go back out (when you are warm again) and swap gear, combos and lures and then see who catches more. if its the rod combo and lures or the operator? ive done this with my buddies and its a toss up but fun to do.
Ahhh this makes me wanna get on the river so bad . Needs to be march asap ! I’m in Indiana so dealing with some conditions as y’all .
"ill see you at the truck"😂 felt that
Oof
How about you 2 do this again but switch setups to take into account your individual fishing skills etc.
Fun video.
I love doing the bfs thing on my baitcasters, but its frustrating sometimes with backlashes ect. But thats on me.
ive been enjoying bfs over spinning this year. Rocking an upgraded zephyr with a pure lure 5ft telescopic UL rod. I like to stick around 1/8 and 1/16 but im dipping into that 32 more here and there. Lowest I could cast easily was 1/64. Don't have any 1/80 oz jigs to try sadly lol. but I can bet my zephyr can handle it
BFS is so much more efficient than spinning. I mean, how many times does a spinning guy have to close his bail with his other hand EVERY THROW, lol.
Be sure to screenshot all these haters. Get your receipts. The BFS train is here to stay.
Fair play
EXACTLY. Can make so many more casts not playing around with a bail. I get it, some people backlash, but if you get good at a baitcaster then it’s just way more efficient.
@@BanksOpenKayakFishing Forsure man. I went from a spinning outfit to BFS and it's (1) Less fatigue (2) More efficient (3) More cast output (4) Better cast angles (5) Opposite hand castable and (6) Fun. Overall I catch more fish than my spinning outfit and I will only go back to spinning for offshore drop shotting. There's no comparison, BFS is simply more superior.
@@coleus for you... it's great we have choices.
Whatever BFS may not such a big deal. Because of the light spools available in bait caster.
You can use light line 4lb test and a light lure and cast as you would any bait. 😂😅😊
Not a hater. Just someone without premium taste.
The only people that go hating on BFS are the cheapskates and the stubborn. "How dare they make Ultra-light fishing so complicated, hurr-durr??!!"
But seriously, different fishing techniques apply for different applications. BFS was invented in Japan for the need to cast both accurately and continously into small creek eddies and crevices where the trout are hanging about. They don't even use 7ft rods as where they usually fish often there's no room; so they rely more on like 5ft or even 4 ft rods.
It's no wonder when brought out to other situations like open water wet wading some other techniques apply just as well. I myself put in the effort to get a Calcutta Conquest BFS reel, a $500 reel to fish for peacock bass wet wading. Awesome reel that can easily cast 2g lures out easy right out of the box. Just do what you enjoy, why make things so complicated?
Huge BFS advantage is the ease of stopping a wild cast in it’s tracks by putting your thumb on the spool.
Can do the same with a spinning reel and you're off hand.
Pro BFS here: Why?
-more line pick up per crank (e.g. trout fishing casting upstream)
- better for precise accurate casts
- you can stop a bad cast immediately with your thumb
- slow down the spool with thumb for a subtle presentation
- no line twist
- more cranking power of a BC for heavy cover fishing
- more fun to cast = more fun fishing
I have the Lews custom lite ss and I love it. I can cast a 1/8 oz micro chatterbait seems like a mile and it does not sound like that when I cast it it’s quiet
Great video guys I love bfs it’s awesome 🤙🤙🤙
Awesome video guys
Are you guys happy with Cashion rods? Been wanting an all American made rod but wondered about the sensitivity
I have a few St. Croix rods and I love them.
It’s an awesome rod!
@ egomaniac I have St. Croix rods, love them. Cashion, I don't own one, but all I hear is good things. Cajun Rods are American made, and I love mine.
Not looking for a fight, but I think BFS is really just for experienced fishermen that are looking for a challenge. To throw the same lures you can use much cheaper spinning gear at 500 or 1000 size and achieve the same results. No need to worry about backlash too. Spinning is just more friendly to newbies. However, if you have disposable income and just want to buy that shiny new reel that everyone is hype about (I can relate), then go for it man. Especially if the hobby is becoming stale and you want to find something new to master.
What rod is the spinning rod?
Okuma Psycho Stick
Boop the snoot? I’ll have to remember that. Fishing buddies are the best.
Fun episode
Are you guys fishing the Huron? You both sound like a couple of Michigan boys and I'd love to tag along. Great video. I'm a small fortune deep into BFS and have a number of rods and reels, mostly JDM stuff plus some raced out Ambassadeurs.
Yup 🤙
@@aaanglers in not far away, Wyandotte here. Let's throw some bait 👍
Bfs haters dont exist. Just jealous trolls
Yes!
Can you tell me what backpacks youre wearing?
Fish Pond Thunderhead
@@aaanglers thank you so much. Just getting into BFS. Great video. Sweet bags.
What does BFS mean? I use a reel that looks the same but it's called a level wind or a baitcaster here in Canada. I'm using the Abu Garcia Black Max lefty
It stands for Bait Finesse System. Its a light power rod paired with a reel with a super shallow, ultralight spool and very light line. It's the same style reel as your Abu, but it's specially configured to allow it to cast light baits.
@@helotaxi ah ok. That's the magnetic clutch system in play. The adjustment on the side of the body without the crank?
Well here's my opinion on fishing with anything. The name of the game is to hook and land a fish that you intend to get. Innovation is what even led to a reel in the first place. Or to lures, crankbaits ect. And then new concepts arise from chasing new ways to do it. I say we embrace things and see where it takes us
I have been BFS fishing for 8+ years and I still feel it’s definitely a niche and unnecessary tool for fishing but for me I love it and don’t own or fish any spinning gear what so ever. I don’t have to justify why I use it or that’s it’s better, I just enjoy fishing with baitcasters.
So, the spin cast, casts farther?
I mean, pretty much
BFS is definitely better than freakin spinning! The haters are either cheapskates (without realizing cheap bfs gear is out there), can’t use a baitcaster, or haven’t given it a fair shot. I think it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing pros using bfs gear in tournaments. It is simply faster than playing with the bail all day and in competition more casts is a clear advantage.
You'll never see it in the pros. Its a bank angling fad. Absolutely no reason for a pro to fish BFS. If it was going to happen, it would've by now.
Just like Googan. Huge hype but not one pro uses em consistently. A fad.
Left hand crank baitcaster- I can watch this video in peace
My Zephyr with roro bearings seems so much quieter than that Kestrel. LOVE BFS fishing though!
That's because we turned the spool tension way down to cast lighter. The kestrel is overbraked. Easy to cast 1/8 oz, really hard to cast 1/32 - 1/16 oz.
I have 2 BFS setups and take them on every trip now.
I would like to try BFS. But the price is what keeps for trying it.
There are alot of budget bfs rods and reels out there.most of the cheaper bfs are better suited for throwing 1/16oz spinnerbaits, chatterbait and jigs for bass.Good luck in your search for a combo
People who think BFS is stupid never takes the time to understand it, plan topical ignorance, it’s funny how can you hate something that you don’t even understand lol😂
BFS is a solution to a problem not everyone has. A fetish for baitcasters , spare cash and a desire to cast ultra light baits on only baitcasters. It satisfies a fun/pleasure not a technical need. Although to be fair all sport fishing does this, we could always use dynamite to catch fish.If people are happy using fixed spools or open faced reels for light baits under say 1/4 oz then no need for BFS. These reels will technically do everything as well or better than baitcasters. BFS originated in Japan. I've not been there so not sure but suspect fishermen in Japan are on average cash rich , time poor and don't have easy access to many waters with lots of big fish. So if they long to catch fish on a baitcaster then BFS makes sense. Personally I love baitcasters , so get this, but if people just want to catch fish there are better technical options. Like so many things some in the industry will jump on this as a way to sell even more expensive gear.
You guys are WAY more adventurous than I
As I NEVER EVER anymore go fishing in shorts
Learned REAL fast from to many BAD experiences with poison ivy/oak biting and stinging insects hooks and sunburn that pants are at least for me a fishing absolutely must have
You do not know the depths of misery till your absolutely slaughtering the smallmouth (caught over 40 that day) on a lake Michigan brake wall (did have a head net long sleeves and gloves but wearing shorts) and are absolutely besieged by swarms of biting flys or stumble across a ground hive of bald faced hornets while wearing shorts
Nice quote man
BFS simply put exists so that people who enjoy using baitcasting reels can use lightweight lures. I’d prefer to never use a spinning reel, I love palming a baitcaster and using my thumb to control my cast. So anyone saying you can just use a spinning reel doesn’t know how to use a baitcaster or never used a baitcaster or has no preference.
I won't use less than 2500 or 3000 those are the 2 I use perfect , longer cast. By the way Hello from owosso Michigan. If You know Where that's at ???
Yup! Been to Owosso plenty of times!
Were you both fishing straight braid or did you have leaders tied? My old eyes aren’t great so I couldn’t tell.
Always got a leader on!
What is BFS?
Bait Finesse System (also known as BFS/bait finesse/bait finesse fishing/bait finesse style) is a finesse style of fishing originating from Japan. BFS utilizes specialized baitcasting reels and casting rods to allow the angler to cast ultralight lures that would normally only be used with spinning reels and rods.
Nailed it
As an avid Crappie fisherman I think it's a scam, my 100 dollar combo can outcast any BFS setup on the market. Baitcasters will just never have the superior castability of spinning reels for lighter lures 1/8th and below.
What is the spinning set up you got?
@@noobpyrotech9991 I got an 8 foot BnM "the difference" with an Abu Garcia Max Z in 2000 size, shits a Crappie Sniper, yet I don't really like how finicky the drag is on that reel I would of opted for a Pfleuger but I was tryna save money and the Max Z just paired really nice with it, it's got a great retrieve for jigging.
@@Gstar5150 I got a Plfuger president 20 size in the base model and the XT. The XT was lighter of course but the base model was way smoother. The only down side to the president is the small deep spool. I think longer casting distance would work on a bigger shallower spool, and also it might lessen memory coils.
@@noobpyrotech9991 yeah bigger spool helps with casting distance, I also have a combo with a 500 size and it doesn't cast nearly as far as my 2000 size, but it's an awesome combo for targeting bluegills since it forces me to cast closer to shore. The biggest problems with small spools is braid it comes off the spool in a tighter spiral so it makes a lot easier to get windknots if your not careful.
@@Gstar5150 Yeah I have the problem too. I got a 500 size Piscifun Venom. It is an awesome little reel, but best used for short casting in streams or ponds. I like the 500 and 1000 size reels but think some companies are starting to catch on with the shallow spools with bigger diameter. I am looking at the KastKing Kestrel 1000 size spinning reel. The specs look awesome, it looks lighter than my 500 size reel. Another thing about the shallow spools is no need for mono backing. I recently attempted to cast out and got a good distance but my line got caught on my backing to main line knot.
Just wish maybe you’d tried the Shimano Curado bfs. 👊🎣
We have a Curado BFS and have used in other BFS vids. Huge fan
@@aaanglers , okay, thank you. Just recently found your channel & enjoying it!👊 It seemed you liked the Kastking but it was making a strange noise on the cast & seemed like maybe you weren’t getting enough distance? I saw a review by “the reel test” on the Lew’s s/p & how it can double as a bfs reel. I bought one & figured if I didn’t like it for bfs, I could always skip & pitch with it but it casts very lite lures!
@@billtharp9140 The reel is over braked, so the sound is from loosening the spool in order to cast lighter rigs.
It would have been better if you switched rods at the dam, then you would have a better feel if you were just having a better day.
I kept asking Paul to switch, but he’s stubborn lol
I like both
Just wondering do y’all think the Zephyr is a good reel or at least decent reel to see if BFS is right for someone new to these types of casting reels.
If you want to try something and get true bfs action, try the tsurinoya dark wolf reel
@@aaanglers that’s my next step down the rabbit hole. I just want to see if BFS is right for me. But thank you for your time to reply.
It’s around $80 which is close to the cost of the kastking zephyr. Not a bad place to start
@@aaanglers I actually ordered the Zephyr. But like anything it won’t be my last BFS reel. For now to start with as well I bought the Shimano Sensilight 7 foot Light action rod with a fast tip. I think the whole combo was around the $125ish range.
Can't go wrong with this reel
How about both 😎🤙🏽
That’s our vote
I luv bfs because I hate spinning combs. 👊🎣
Why the heckin do you go and spend some of your hard earned money on things you enjoy? 😡 ridiculous.
Lol
is fishing a scam?
Great question
Of course 😂
I just can't see any advantage to bfs other than they look cool.
Spinning is cheaper, cast way further, just as accurate and the drag system is far superior. + no bird nests
Any one know wht bfs rod is that
Cashion Icon BFS
I hate bait casters in general even though I have 12 of them. High end spinning reels are just more fun in every way
Why have 12 if you hate them? Dont knock the BFS until you try it. I was a hater until i tried it😂
Big Fuggin Spinner!
This proves nothing ,,,,u work bfs:s strength which is pin point nearby accuracy with light lures .... u'll trash a spinning reel just about every time. Distance is NOT the only thing ,,,,,
fish bfs in its element ,,,, short rods> light reels . small baits in small creeks, small streams, tight bodies of water..... with the proper SYSTEM ...... Do this in a wooded 50 ft or narrower stream/creek .... thats where bfs will crush
Scam? Try casting 1/16oz on a conventional baitcaster.
Exactly
@John-jy2qr to each his own.
So why do you use a baitcaster at all?
New my man BFS is older than you think lol
It is, but only now gaining steam in the US market is all we mean
@@aaanglers Gotcha
There's something special about a high end spinning combo, but BFS and casting in general has been so much better
All i seen proven was Jeff find a pattern that worked well and out fished Paul 😂. Maybe that proved Jeff is a better fisherman 😂 jk Paul
Seriously though bo hate on what you guys want to do but bfs reels are a scam. People have been buikding 50, 70 and 80 size reels to throw light lures for decades now and doing cheaper than most bfs reels cost that you still need to upgrade some lol.
Fair points!
Problem is you have to play with the bail all day and deal with line twist. I get that someone on a budget might not like it, but it’s very fun, efficient, and effective. You can get definitely budget bfs gear if you know where to look.
@@BanksOpenKayakFishing if you're dealing with line twist. 1 you're using cheap line 2 switch to braid 3 you're not flipping the bail by hand lol. And no bfs gets pricey quick especially when the cheapest I've found is 80$ then ot needs a larger handle 25 to 50$, needs a bearing upgrade and for that reel its a minimum 30$ so that's already 135$ without taxes or line. Then to get a decent bfs rod it's starts over 100$ so you're looking 250$ 300$ to have a ok setup. That's the price the good bfs reels start at is around 200 to 250$ and btw they come with apec3 stainless bearings so yet again need a upgrade, don't like 90mm handles there's another upgrade. Lol by the time you do all that you could have built twice the reel from a shimano 70 size reel. And you can stay finesse fishing for less than 100$ with spinning. Bfs is not a necessity. One day maybe someone will make a true budget bfs but I doubt it due to its a small community and don't sell well as of now lol. No hate though do what makes ya happy is my stand on things.
@@blind_eye_fishing you are supposed to flip the bail by hand. You are right though, it all depends on the individual.
@@BanksOpenKayakFishing you need to watch some old school spinning reel commercials or fishing commercials where the started the "automatic bail flip with one crank of the handle" lol yea I've been around fishing a long time now. 80s and 90s commercials started that and people still do it today not realizing it's causing line twist unless they have braid on that reel.
BFS! BFS!
For 50$ or less you can buy a usable spinning combo. That ain't possible for bfs. With some experience and money to spare, investing in a bfs combo is a good way to have fun on light gear
@@Loc-wh7vn So basically you're saying bfs is not more expensive than spinning or regular casting. Go up to 200 or 300 reel- value for quality bfs will still be more expensive. 1 quality bfs combo is enough for me
@@Loc-wh7vn R-e-a-d s-l-o-w? Practice makes perfect
@@Loc-wh7vn T-h-a-n-k-s. That size gives a decent fight on bfs