LOL I love the way you dissed the guy who littered the stream bank. You don't usually inject much humor in your videos, so that was a fun little interlude. Good video. I won't ever buy this reel, but it's still interesting to watch and learn.
All you said according to reel brakes I do agree. The brake doesn‘t have to be superstrong, instead it should start smooth in any circumstance. I‘m a bit surprised that you normally don‘t use braid. My main setup is braid with fluoro leader. I only use fluoro as main line in very few conditions (extremely clear water with low to no current). Nice vid Hobie, as always. Thanks for entertaining me!
I like to have the added cushion of mono when fishing streams. Lets the fish take the lure in easier and also reduces fish ripping hooks out of their mouths during the fight.
@@HobieWanKenobi yes, that‘s reasonable. On the other hand, if you fish e.g a micro jig or something on the bottom I prefer the significantly increased sensitivity given by braid. With small jerk-, crank- or twitch baits a more stretchy line has its benefits!
I am glad to see you like the reel and you had one of the most well say about the reel properties. I sent you email to show you the reel seat and also knobs I am purchasing for it. BTW I love the sound of drag and that was huge plus for me to purchase this reel. And at the end I cant say enough thank for very nice review about conquest like you did for other reels. Please let me know if you have seen the pictures I emailed you.
I just got one and love the feel....some questions: 1. What do you do to keep this reel in top shape? The schematic is all in Japanese, but it makes me nervous taking it apart to clean out the insides. 2. Do you think the avail spool is a worthwhile upgrade? What does it actually do for the reel?
1. Keep the reel clean and dry. If the reel needs to be cleaned, taking it apart isn't too bad. You can always send it to a reel service person. 2. Only if you are casting very light lures. Casting 4gr trout minnows will have minimal difference
@@HobieWanKenobi thank you. I got mine used so it would probably make sense to bring it to a reel person. For lures between 2.2 grams to 4 grams do you think the avail delivers meaningful benefits? (That’s where the bulk of my fishing is at present).
So I pulled the trigger on the avail spool and I agree that it's not necessary for the JDM minnows. I figure if I can cast a 1/64 trout magnet even better than I can without split shots right now I'll take it. The heaviest lure I throw is already no more than a 1/8. I think most JDM minnows I have are that or lighter. I believe stock calcutta lightest recommended weight is 2g so I like to think my new window would be 1g to 1/8 ish? Whatcha think? Weight window sound about right?
Gekkabijin vs conquest out of the box? I'm still on the fence about the gekkabijin. That avail spool is definitely not needed. Ima have to double check my bearings now. I may change them. I'm sitting on 4 hedgehog airbfs bearings I thought about selling.
I would take the Conquest because I dona lot of stream fishing. If open water, I would take the Gekkabijin. I would do the Gekkabijin AIR TW and Roro AX24 spool for the most ideal BFS reel for me.
Hobie; another great video. I just purchased this reel and I have a question: Does the reel come with only one extra tiny brake in a bag or did I lose a couple. I just noticed I recieved 1 in a tiny bag. Thank's
What bearings are you going to upgrade to , my calcutta conquest bfs has kattobi air ceramic bearings in it , I'm not overly impressed with the feel and noise , new to bfs all advice is appreciated 😀
I am going to use Roro Hybrid Ceramic Micro Bearings. They are louder than stock, just like the Hedgehog but, help with casting. Won't be a huge benefit to me because I am casting 3gr or heaver
Hello buddy. I was wondering because I see you casting through the stream and not against it. Is this the proper way to do it or it's your way of doing it?
I usually cast toward upstream. Fish are looking upstream because it is easier for them and also food drifts down from upstream. Fish can see it coming and attack. There are sometimes I cast downstream but, usually in deeper rivers or dancing a lure in pools
I love my Conquest bfs. Even my og shallow special still holds up well after several years of (ab)use. Whats awesome about the 17 conquest though...you fished it in a small creek just fine, but put it on a different rod, spool up some different line, and its completely capable of doing some heavier work and not feeling over powered. Last Saturday i decided to go musky fishing with it. I've been experimenting with some different line in cold weather when i have some free time. I spooled it with 8lb Berkley xl and put it on an expride 164l. Tied on a light wire leader and a husky jerk. (the smallest 3 hook model) A nice drive, short walk, and an erratic retrieve later I was panicking because my lip gripper and my pliers were in the car 60 feet up the bank! lol. After a 5-10 min fight i got him tired enough to wrap my line around a log, run to my car and back to land him. 40+ inch bfs musky! Which brings me to another perk. Yes the retrieve ratio is slow BUT. That slow ratio allows for some cranking power. I was able to keep the musky away from boulders and some brush. The drag is smooth enough i trust it to give while im pressuring big fish! I use this same setup for bfs jig n trailer and weedless presentations for river small mouth in cover! I bought a dawia presso rnd same time as the shallow special conquest years ago. the Presso is way worse for wear than the conquest. If i changed the handle and knobs, the shallow special would be good as new with some routine maintenance. These rnd reels are tanks! intresting fyi. the 17 conquest while a bigger overall reel the palm side is smaller than than the shallow special.
@@HobieWanKenobi i have the the 2 .8 mm avail spool on the 17 conquest to allow more capacity. I searched and searched for the deeper spool for the shallow special but couldn't find one. I'd use it more if it could hold more line. I have other reels thst go lower better but it would still be awesome for exactly the use case I'm using the 17 for except it can hokd enough line. Specially larger diameter
Really depends on how light you need to cast. Bearings are usually good on stock Shimano and Daiwa reels. Roro bearings will make a decent upgrade without breaking the bank.
@@HobieWanKenobi gotcha gotcha, next question. When are you gonna make another FGLass rod to sale ? Really like that flip cast capability for your glass set up.
got one but did not tried, still too cold in Norway. i think do i need Gekkabijin Air TW PE for setup till 5 grams or enought just with calcutta bfs or wait new aldebaran bfs
The Gekkabijin is really nice. It is also saltwater safe. 5gr would be great for the Gekkabijin. I haven't used the new Aldebaran BFS but, I will be doing a review of that reel as well.
Both are fine. I prefer the Conquest BFS for stream fishing. The Gekkabijin was too restricted for casting in stream/short casting. It does very well with long casting. The Roro AX24 spool in the Gekkabijin would be my ideal reel for all compact lures in streams.
I've always considered the Gekkabijin to be the salt water version of the Alpha air? So don't really see the point putting a Roro spool into it. To me it defeats the purpose of the reel.
That's the plan! The Conquest BFS is a lot of money and I want to make sure people have good information before spending their hard earned money on a reel
What is your preferred line with the conquest bfs reel for stream fishing? For instance in your video what lb varivas 4 strand are you using..i am trying to set up for Colorado next yr. Can one get spare spools fot this reel. I have 15 lb pp on it now for lakes.
Wait until you cast the 2021 calcutta conquest 101hg compared to this calcutta bfs.It is not a bfs reel,but it does improvised the overall feel and imperfection of the calcutta bfs (mainly on geary feeling,line winder structure and overall compactness).
@@HobieWanKenobi Yes,it is smaller, feel smaller when palming, and smoother winding feeling.Very minute axial movement on drive gear shaft and correction on levelwind(bigger pipe with bigger wormshaft)and,shorter guide slide base if compared to cq bfs.For my cq bfs,i need to regrease about 1 or 2 outing and still fiddling with some grease to minimised it(geary feeling on main gear and pinion).
Yea but unless you change the spool, I do t think it could cast really small lures. And yea my bfs has a geary feel that requires grease every couple outings. If I was gonna buy a reel like the conquest 101, I would much rather have the Diawa ryoga 2018 with cross hatch cut gears. I wish they made a bfs version of that reel. I’ve never felt a reel feel that smooth. It’s like reeling air. Unbelievable
Biggest difference is the spool and brakes. The BFS has a shallow light spool for casting lighter lures. The 101 has deeper spool and different braking system.
Interesting, i only use braid for bfs it feels like the knot is messing with casts when going though guides, but i could be wrong and its all my head. Rod is nice too! what blank are you using?
Awee sweet I can’t wait I got into bfs fishing because were I live there is more salt than fresh and I love fresh water fishing and you’re videos are amazing and educational and it helps me to teach myself on how to be a better fisherman
All of the Calcutta reels are smooth I have the gold 250 G.T.B. if you look up on the internet they stop making it I wish it was 350 G.T.B. it's not the same as the other Calcutta reels.
@@HobieWanKenobi I just hadn't seen those carbon handles anywhere else, but I hadn't seen any of their blanks in that color so I was totally blown away.
@@HobieWanKenobi yes even the large sea fishing ones have it that way. Atleast all mine have. Before I took the mechanism out and replaced with a solid bar (easier to wrap your thumb round for beachcasting) plus you get extra distance without the line guide.
@@HobieWanKenobi yo brother. random question. but i feel like you are the few that are qualified to answer it honestly. how does the old megabass IS spool compare to todays bfs standards? my buddy has one and wants to get into bfs fishing. hes not sure if he should buy a new reel or just run the IS spool?
@@IronMikeyT Could always run the IS spool and see how it does. It's a decent spool that is worth trying if he already has one. Buying one these days may not be worth it with companies like Roro making great spools at a lower price. If he doesn't like it, someone would snatch the IS spool up just for a collection
LOL I love the way you dissed the guy who littered the stream bank. You don't usually inject much humor in your videos, so that was a fun little interlude. Good video. I won't ever buy this reel, but it's still interesting to watch and learn.
Yeah. My humor can tend to offend people sometimes so, I try to refrain during filming. It was pretty funny of all things it was a Surpreme sticker.
one of my favourite channel on youtube ❤️
Thank you. It means a lot
All you said according to reel brakes I do agree. The brake doesn‘t have to be superstrong, instead it should start smooth in any circumstance. I‘m a bit surprised that you normally don‘t use braid. My main setup is braid with fluoro leader. I only use fluoro as main line in very few conditions (extremely clear water with low to no current). Nice vid Hobie, as always. Thanks for entertaining me!
I like to have the added cushion of mono when fishing streams. Lets the fish take the lure in easier and also reduces fish ripping hooks out of their mouths during the fight.
@@HobieWanKenobi yes, that‘s reasonable. On the other hand, if you fish e.g a micro jig or something on the bottom I prefer the significantly increased sensitivity given by braid. With small jerk-, crank- or twitch baits a more stretchy line has its benefits!
@@arnemueller2112 Very true. I am most fishing moving lures in streams with this reel
love the colors on that set up
Me too! The rod can be a little too moderate in taper at times
I am glad to see you like the reel and you had one of the most well say about the reel properties. I sent you email to show you the reel seat and also knobs I am purchasing for it. BTW I love the sound of drag and that was huge plus for me to purchase this reel. And at the end I cant say enough thank for very nice review about conquest like you did for other reels. Please let me know if you have seen the pictures I emailed you.
I will check my email. Thanks for the kind words
This reel definitely wins in style points for me. May look at getting one eventually
The Conquest BFS does look very nice. 10/10 for style.
Recently I caught a big brook trout while bass fishing the last day of fishing season it was a great end of the season surprise 💯
Thats pretty sweet. That must have been a big brook trout.
I just got one and love the feel....some questions:
1. What do you do to keep this reel in top shape? The schematic is all in Japanese, but it makes me nervous taking it apart to clean out the insides.
2. Do you think the avail spool is a worthwhile upgrade? What does it actually do for the reel?
1. Keep the reel clean and dry. If the reel needs to be cleaned, taking it apart isn't too bad. You can always send it to a reel service person.
2. Only if you are casting very light lures. Casting 4gr trout minnows will have minimal difference
@@HobieWanKenobi thank you. I got mine used so it would probably make sense to bring it to a reel person.
For lures between 2.2 grams to 4 grams do you think the avail delivers meaningful benefits? (That’s where the bulk of my fishing is at present).
@@AT-eq8kc Not too much. Unless you are casting short range in streams
@@HobieWanKenobi THANK YOU
So I pulled the trigger on the avail spool and I agree that it's not necessary for the JDM minnows. I figure if I can cast a 1/64 trout magnet even better than I can without split shots right now I'll take it. The heaviest lure I throw is already no more than a 1/8. I think most JDM minnows I have are that or lighter. I believe stock calcutta lightest recommended weight is 2g so I like to think my new window would be 1g to 1/8 ish? Whatcha think? Weight window sound about right?
The rod will have a major role in casting 1gr. The Avail spool is great in my Aldebaran BFS.
Gekkabijin vs conquest out of the box? I'm still on the fence about the gekkabijin. That avail spool is definitely not needed. Ima have to double check my bearings now. I may change them. I'm sitting on 4 hedgehog airbfs bearings I thought about selling.
I would take the Conquest because I dona lot of stream fishing. If open water, I would take the Gekkabijin. I would do the Gekkabijin AIR TW and Roro AX24 spool for the most ideal BFS reel for me.
@@HobieWanKenobi thank you I almost grab that gekkabijin
I saw Digitaka has both in stock
I like the dig on the dude bro.
I am probably setting myself up as a target for a TH-cam Prankster.
What kind of bearings are you thinking about u going to put on that reel Ceramic bearings are they the best
I have some hybrid ceramic Roro bearings in mine really right now
Hobie; another great video. I just purchased this reel and I have a question: Does the reel come with only one extra tiny brake in a bag or did I lose a couple. I just noticed I recieved 1 in a tiny bag. Thank's
Now that I think of it, maybe mine only came with one too. It should come with 2 (one for each brake set.
@@HobieWanKenobi Oh NO! I hope I don't need it.
Love the rod……..understand you made it……do you sell them? Or where did you buy the components and what are they…….thanx, great bfs video.
I am making them, Spring release
Thanx……..let me know when you have them in stock and the price…….thx again for your quick response!
What bearings are you going to upgrade to , my calcutta conquest bfs has kattobi air ceramic bearings in it , I'm not overly impressed with the feel and noise , new to bfs all advice is appreciated 😀
I am going to use Roro Hybrid Ceramic Micro Bearings. They are louder than stock, just like the Hedgehog but, help with casting. Won't be a huge benefit to me because I am casting 3gr or heaver
Nice videos sir. I learn a lot. What kind of rod are you using here?
It is a custom rod I built. I will be doing a small release for some to sell
Hodie are the gears in the Conquest BFS brass ?
Yes. Brass micro module gears
Hello buddy.
I was wondering because I see you casting through the stream and not against it. Is this the proper way to do it or it's your way of doing it?
I usually cast toward upstream. Fish are looking upstream because it is easier for them and also food drifts down from upstream. Fish can see it coming and attack. There are sometimes I cast downstream but, usually in deeper rivers or dancing a lure in pools
@@HobieWanKenobi dang, I was doing it wrong all this time. Thanks for the heads up. Waiting for spring season to put some time on the water.
@@backtonatureitis Good luck when you head out!!!
LMAO at the supreme sticker.
I thought it was funny too. That was in the moment too. Like...who has a Supreme sticker on a riverside.
i love this rod
Instant like!!!
Thank you. That is great to hear from a long time subscriber like yourself.
I love my Conquest bfs. Even my og shallow special still holds up well after several years of (ab)use.
Whats awesome about the 17 conquest though...you fished it in a small creek just fine, but put it on a different rod, spool up some different line, and its completely capable of doing some heavier work and not feeling over powered.
Last Saturday i decided to go musky fishing with it. I've been experimenting with some different line in cold weather when i have some free time. I spooled it with 8lb Berkley xl and put it on an expride 164l. Tied on a light wire leader and a husky jerk. (the smallest 3 hook model) A nice drive, short walk, and an erratic retrieve later I was panicking because my lip gripper and my pliers were in the car 60 feet up the bank! lol. After a 5-10 min fight i got him tired enough to wrap my line around a log, run to my car and back to land him. 40+ inch bfs musky!
Which brings me to another perk. Yes the retrieve ratio is slow BUT. That slow ratio allows for some cranking power. I was able to keep the musky away from boulders and some brush. The drag is smooth enough i trust it to give while im pressuring big fish!
I use this same setup for bfs jig n trailer and weedless presentations for river small mouth in cover!
I bought a dawia presso rnd same time as the shallow special conquest years ago. the Presso is way worse for wear than the conquest. If i changed the handle and knobs, the shallow special would be good as new with some routine maintenance. These rnd reels are tanks!
intresting fyi. the 17 conquest while a bigger overall reel the palm side is smaller than than the shallow special.
That's quite the catch on BFS gear!!! The Conquest BFS wouldn't have issues beside line capacity with big fish.
@@HobieWanKenobi i have the the 2
.8 mm avail spool on the 17 conquest to allow more capacity.
I searched and searched for the deeper spool for the shallow special but couldn't find one. I'd use it more if it could hold more line. I have other reels thst go lower better but it would still be awesome for exactly the use case I'm using the 17 for except it can hokd enough line. Specially larger diameter
I have the 1.5mm for my Aldebaran BFS. Great spool
Hi, where you can get a landing net like you have in the movie
baitfinesseempire.com/product/handy-pak-ghost-series-insta-net/
Do you recommend upgrading the bearings ? Or the spool ?
Really depends on how light you need to cast. Bearings are usually good on stock Shimano and Daiwa reels. Roro bearings will make a decent upgrade without breaking the bank.
@@HobieWanKenobi gotcha gotcha, next question. When are you gonna make another FGLass rod to sale ? Really like that flip cast capability for your glass set up.
@@ricomartinez1770 Most likely
got one but did not tried, still too cold in Norway. i think do i need Gekkabijin Air TW PE for setup till 5 grams or enought just with calcutta bfs or wait new aldebaran bfs
The Gekkabijin is really nice. It is also saltwater safe. 5gr would be great for the Gekkabijin. I haven't used the new Aldebaran BFS but, I will be doing a review of that reel as well.
@@HobieWanKenobi Thank You for your reply , will wait your review ))
Thank you!!!
Hi. Which reel is best for small compact lures, Shimano Calcutta bfs or daiwa Gekkabijin? Thanks.
Both are fine. I prefer the Conquest BFS for stream fishing. The Gekkabijin was too restricted for casting in stream/short casting. It does very well with long casting. The Roro AX24 spool in the Gekkabijin would be my ideal reel for all compact lures in streams.
@@AstroSpice Pretty nice summary
I've always considered the Gekkabijin to be the salt water version of the Alpha air? So don't really see the point putting a Roro spool into it. To me it defeats the purpose of the reel.
@@davidmoult4920 The spools are very different. The Gekkabijin is also more refined and has a drag clicker
Awesome video if you don't mind me asking what rod is that?
It is a rod I have been working on. Stream fiberglass rod. Coming available in spring
@@HobieWanKenobi it's very nice I figured it was fiberglass I love the color !
@@flintlockDave Thanks. Me too
Yo Hobie Wan, will u pls buy the 23 model and fish them side by side with this 17 model for us this spring? Tnx bro. Dig ur vids big time!
That's the plan! The Conquest BFS is a lot of money and I want to make sure people have good information before spending their hard earned money on a reel
How long of a fluorocarbon leader do you use and what kind of a knot ?
I usually use about a 3.5ft leader. Alberto knot most times.
@@HobieWanKenobi thank you .
Great vid ,, what rod is this ??
It's a custom rod I built. More info cing soon about them
What is your preferred line with the conquest bfs reel for stream fishing?
For instance in your video what lb varivas 4 strand are you using..i am trying to set up for Colorado next yr. Can one get spare spools fot this reel. I have 15 lb pp on it now for lakes.
It's VARIVAS Baitfinesse x4 PE 0.6goh (about 10lb). You may be able to find spare spools, definitely possible but, difficult.
@@HobieWanKenobi so helpful and so gratefukbfor your support..thank you
@@HobieWanKenobi where can i fin the trout super advanced Varivas pe 4x that you recommend?
There are a few places. Digitaka is a pretty inexpensive place to get VARIVAS line.
@@HobieWanKenobi most are out of stock ..patience has a perfect path
Looking forward to the maintenance video.
Hahaha...I will explain in my next video
Wait until you cast the 2021 calcutta conquest 101hg compared to this calcutta bfs.It is not a bfs reel,but it does improvised the overall feel and imperfection of the calcutta bfs (mainly on geary feeling,line winder structure and overall compactness).
I have heard the new Conquest is very small and feels nice.
@@HobieWanKenobi Yes,it is smaller, feel smaller when palming, and smoother winding feeling.Very minute axial movement on drive gear shaft and correction on levelwind(bigger pipe with bigger wormshaft)and,shorter guide slide base if compared to cq bfs.For my cq bfs,i need to regrease about 1 or 2 outing and still fiddling with some grease to minimised it(geary feeling on main gear and pinion).
Yea but unless you change the spool, I do t think it could cast really small lures. And yea my bfs has a geary feel that requires grease every couple outings. If I was gonna buy a reel like the conquest 101, I would much rather have the Diawa ryoga 2018 with cross hatch cut gears. I wish they made a bfs version of that reel. I’ve never felt a reel feel that smooth. It’s like reeling air. Unbelievable
what is the difference between the BFS and 101 ?
Biggest difference is the spool and brakes. The BFS has a shallow light spool for casting lighter lures. The 101 has deeper spool and different braking system.
@@HobieWanKenobi got it thanks for the answer brother
very nice reel
Thank you. I just did some modifications to it. That video is going to be released soon.
@@HobieWanKenobi ok sir,we see soon hope u always sucses.👍👍👍
What rod? Custom glass? Thanks
It is a custom glass rod I built.
What knot do you tie for joining the leader?
Alberto knot
@@HobieWanKenobi thanks! What is your general length, pound test of the braid, and fluoro leader
@@kestrelfishing3558 I usually use about 3-4ft of 4lb leader
@@HobieWanKenobi awesome thanks!
Hello! I love what you do, keep up the good work.
i have bfs 2017 and avail spool.
help to choose a glass blank, value for money.
baits up to 4 grams
I do not have a huge repository of glass blanks. I will pass that information along once I find one.
Interesting, i only use braid for bfs it feels like the knot is messing with casts when going though guides, but i could be wrong and its all my head.
Rod is nice too! what blank are you using?
I don't feel the knot affects the cast for these lures. With micro jigs, it could.
What rod are you using?
It is a custom rod I built. I am going to be doing a small release of some once I get the components in.
Awee sweet I can’t wait I got into bfs fishing because were I live there is more salt than fresh and I love fresh water fishing and you’re videos are amazing and educational and it helps me to teach myself on how to be a better fisherman
@@gavinlaubach3698 Awesome to hear!!!
Your pal should be use a monopod or get a Lumix for video stabilization
This was an impromptu trip. It was also pretty cold. I got a tripod and also could have stabilized via editing.
All of the Calcutta reels are smooth I have the gold 250 G.T.B. if you look up on the internet they stop making it I wish it was 350 G.T.B. it's not the same as the other Calcutta reels.
In the path of change, some good things are left behind.
Come to Malaysia try fishing toman..
That sounds like a lot of fun. Malaysia would be a great place to visit
Before I even start the video: IS THAT A FUCKIN' NORTH FORK ROD??
It's a custom rod I built. I am building up a few of them.
@@HobieWanKenobi I just hadn't seen those carbon handles anywhere else, but I hadn't seen any of their blanks in that color so I was totally blown away.
@@HobieWanKenobi what bank is good for those baits? Thanks
All shimano round reels, have the same line guide set up.
I had a Conquest 100 but, never noticed it. it is a great way to do it. Less dirt and grime getting into the worm gear.
@@HobieWanKenobi yes even the large sea fishing ones have it that way. Atleast all mine have. Before I took the mechanism out and replaced with a solid bar (easier to wrap your thumb round for beachcasting) plus you get extra distance without the line guide.
Great video's you do by the way mate. I thoroughly enjoy them, as they can all be related to the trout lure scene over here in the UK.
I have taken the line guide off a previous BFS reel. Made a difference casting.
I would like to fish for trout in the UK. Seems like fun
lol googan baits going ham
Drinking Prime and rizzing up girls in the drive thru
@@HobieWanKenobi drinking prime and throwing trout magnets lol
@@HobieWanKenobi yo brother. random question. but i feel like you are the few that are qualified to answer it honestly.
how does the old megabass IS spool compare to todays bfs standards? my buddy has one and wants to get into bfs fishing. hes not sure if he should buy a new reel or just run the IS spool?
@@IronMikeyT Could always run the IS spool and see how it does. It's a decent spool that is worth trying if he already has one. Buying one these days may not be worth it with companies like Roro making great spools at a lower price. If he doesn't like it, someone would snatch the IS spool up just for a collection
@@HobieWanKenobi will do brother. yeah i will tell him to try it out first before he makes any decisions. thanks for the help.
Kastking valiant eagle 2 bfs..