Just the video I needed. The differences between all these rods seem so small but, hard to tell what exactly they are because people review one rod and not the others so, nothing is a direct comparison. This video helped a lot. Thanks
I bought the 7'1" Phenix paired with the Shimano Curado and absolutely love it. I have caught up to a 3lb smallmouth on it and those power dives are a riot on this rod. 6lb fluoro and i must say I use this more than my other rods. I haven't really docked fish with it and it is amazing how many varieties of fish you catch by using small crankbaits. One morning smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass, silver bass, walleye, pike, perch and bluegill. I agree the sensitivity is crazy on this rod!! Appreciate the videos!
I am equally impressed at the rod's versatility as well. Its great to be able to grab one setup and fish for anything from bluegill to walleye without missing a beat.
I’ve been using an Abu Garcia Veritas 6’10 ML for years now. It’s probably not considered to be a true BFS rod but its done very well for me with both bass and trout. It’s rated to throw down to 1/8oz but I’m still able to cast 1/16oz jig heads fairly accurately when I have to.
People nowadays are so UL BFS or die. BFS started more powerful than what mainstream BFS anglers consider BFS now. I really like those ML and L+ powered rods for legit finesse fishing.
@@HobieWanKenobi agreed, most people wouldn’t have given it a second thought not long ago. Sorry my rods and reels weren’t specifically marketed in North America for “BFS” applications.
Let me tell ya one rod no one talks about but should is the legit design wild side rods. I have the wild side 6'4L bfs rod and its my favorite rod in the "L" power arena. Very sensitive has a beautiful bend stiff yet very flexible the whole rod will bend to play the fish and I just love fishing it. Super high quality, I got two more in different models with a couple more in mind for the future imo purely a work of art. Thanks for the video hobie-wan
@@HobieWanKenobiyea I also have the 6'4xh big bait special finesse rod and the 69mh frog rod and that frog rod with a moderate slow taper is still plenty sensitive and has the brass to also fish Texas rigs and weedless what nots. IMO probably the most versatile MH rod on the market. Each different model in the wild side line up has its own individual custom features which are optimized for specific techniques and different weight ranges. I'm so glad I stumbled upon those rods...as you know jdm sites provide a friendly price plus shipping but tackle warehouse carries quite a few legit design rods although they don't carry the 6'4L bait finesse rod. Thanks hobie
@@HobieWanKenobione thing, there are other rods that will throw a true 1/16oz lure better than that 6'4L wild side rod it's rated down to 1/16oz and will throw it but it really shines from like 2.5g to 12.
1/16oz total weight is quite small if factoring in the weight of the jig/hook and plastic. It's tough to find a rod that can truly cast its lower range without forcing the rod.
I have the 6'9" Phenix Classic BFS. I got specifically to target Panfish and it feels like a much more expensive rod in hand. I suggest checking out the Jenko Double Double BFS rod if you can find one. It's also good for Panfish, which is what I use my BFS gear for.
@@HobieWanKenobi yes, very interesting rod. The taper is flexible, the tip is very sensitive and under strain it's deep parabolic. This rod handles small and large fish equally well. P s. Sorry for my English🙂
@@HobieWanKenobi next my megabass rod will be Triza Aello f0-63xtz. I think it has a little more power than my Yamaga blanks. We don't have bass in our area, so perch, pike and zander - our main fish species. And blue current is too gentle for pike when it comes for 4lb+
I’m using the classic curado BFS 6’3 UL 2 piece fast action kestrel rod. I’ve been targeting bass crappie and perch on 1/16th Oz jig with swim baits and 1in cranks man what a blast 💥
I recently picked up the Phenix 6’9 for my new Conquest BFS and love it for small swimbaits and other small plastics on jigs. I also have Major Craft Benkei UL and L rods I fish my old Aldebaran 16’s on and they are solid BFS rods.
You forgot one important fact. The Cashion rod is built in Sanford NC, USA made rod, which is a big deal to a lot of people. The others, well made in China as all ways.
I love your videos man. Approachable solid information, no fluff. I have been living in your vid library prepping for a Trout trip to Colorado. Thank you!
I appreciate the kind words. I will have some more trout content coming soon too. I been kinda behind on videos being busy with a few other fishing projects and just life 😂.
I completely get it! Finding time to fish is hard enough. If you have time someday you oughta do one on when/why you choose braid to leader for trout fishing. I fish braid/leader for bass, trying to think of reasons to stick with that for trout:)
I have an “Old 18 Suppressor” 7ft ultralight bfs rod and they also make a light version for bfs or finesse applications. It’s really good for tiny jigs and small JDM hard baits! As always you have great gear reviews and videos!
@@HobieWanKenobi would love to see a review of it! I love these travel rods for being able to fish anywhere without carrying a conspicuous one piece rod. Even got the dragoon for the other end of the spectrum, and it's a monster!
Great Video!!! I am really curious about the ML (~1/8-1/2oz) range of casting rods and what reels to pair with them. This range seems to be the bridge between the BFS and standard bait casting gear. I already have a ML spinning setup, but would like an ML baitcasting set up. There are a number of BFS rods AND standard baitcasting rods offered in this range (1/8-1/2oz). What exactly is the difference? The only thing I can think of (other than marketing) is that the BFS rods often have micro guides. At what line size and lure weight does a BFS specific rod and reel make sense, and why? If one is in the grey area of line and lure weight/size, what factors should sway you towards a BFS and non-BFS rod/reel. I live in the Chesapeake Bay area and do a mixture of inshore and freshwater fishing, so I need a versatile ML casting setup. Any thoughts about rod and reel selection for a ML casting setup? Thanks so much for the great content!
I think recent additions to BFS is a lot of marketing. There are quite a few ML rods out there that arent BFS rods that do quite well for finesse fishing. BFS reels definitely will help take advantage of the ML rid for all it can. Line capacity is is biggest factor with BFS reels. If the reel can hold enough line and you are casting 3/8oz and below, BFS reels will help. Most inshore anglers use braid anyway so, factor that into the line capacity for a BFS reel. Most BFS reels hold 50m of 8lb mono for your reference. There are saltwater BFS reels such as the Shimano SLX BFS and the Daiwa Gekabijin AIR TW. Cashion has an inshore BFS rod I havent used.
Nice comparison….I would choose the Phenix if I was currently on the market for a BFS rod. The less power the more BFS in my opinion. Nothing for heavy cover for sure but when fishing heavy cover maybe an at least ml powered rod would be better anyways. Would the phenix be capable casting e.g. a Ryuki Spearhead minnow (50s/50f or smaller)?
Awesome video! Thanks for clarifying the difference between those 3 rods. I have the 6’10” Cashion on order. I inshore saltwater fish mainly and some bass. What’s your take on the TSU Fox Hunting long cast rod?
Thanks for all the reviews. I have already all the rods except the Cashion. I hope to get a cashion soon. What reel are you using on the Phoenix? Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this video! Exactly what I needed since I smashed the tip of my old Phenix Maxim. Curious, how do you think the Daiwa Blazon compares? I'm looking for a 2 (or more) piece rod for easier travel.
Hey Hobie-wan. Love your channel. I actually have all three of these rods and agree with your comments. However, I’m looking for an ultralight bfs rod in two piece format. I have a Phenix Feather 7’1”L two piece that I use for heavier lures and larger fish when I need to carry a more compact rod. That works good for bass, large panfish, etc, but would like a two piece for lighter lures perhaps down to 1/32 or at least 1/16 oz. Any ideas? I realize you are very concerned with sensitivity and might not want to bother with a two piece. Just wondering if you might have much experience with two piece bfs rods. Thanks again for all your informative videos.
The Jackson Kawasemi Rhapsody 411UL is a 2 piece that has a fairly stout backbone. Would be a decent panfish rod if you don't mind a rod that short. That rod has been awesome for some bigger fish I come across in the rivers.
I want a 2 rod bfs bass setup - one for bottom baits and one for treble hook baits. Im thinking 6'10 Cashion for bottom and the classic Phenix for trebles. Thoughts?
Hobie-wan I love your videos man and you may have sold me on the Phoenix classic rod...although I don't exactly need another rod lol😂 I could use a small jig rod throwing like eurotackle soft plastics and stuff for trout and crappie in lakes and ponds. I've been using the jenko double down bfs rod and I like the rod but it's a bit wippy. What rod in your opinion would be the best rod to fish those small plastics in lake/pond settings. I'm talking sensitivity casting and overall a pleasure to fish....I might just get the 5'10UL legit design wild side rod lol.
Whatever lures you want 😂. The lures don't know if it's a spinning or BFS rod. The rod is designed for moving baits but, can handle single hook baits as well
@@HobieWanKenobi That's great to know because out of the 3 it's lowest lure rating is 3/32 and the other 2 are 1/16. Thank you for making this Video and getting back to me. It was a big help! 👍🏼
I’m a simple man. @hobie-wan kenobi posts, I click and watch. 😂 Quick question: I’m using the Sierra 701 and Curado BFS with 8lb braid to a 7lb flouro leader. I’m having trouble with the leader knot catching on the last couple guides. Any knot suggestions?
Best knot would be the FG. But for bfs use I would go full fluoro or mono and down to 5 or 4 lb. Simple for a simple man… That’s just my personal advice 😊😊
I usually run straight FC. The FG knot as mentioned above is the smallest. I run 7lb FC most times and it does great for bass and panfish. Could go smaller if mostly going after panfish or trout.
You feel like the Cashion can handle down to 5g or so? I'm in the mkt for a new rod and it has a lot of what I'm looking for. Just want to make sure it will cast as low as I need it to
Hi, what rod would you use for casting and reeling 1/8 - 1/4 oz. Crappie jigs a crappie spinners keeping in mind crappie have paper mouths. Great video's you do. Thank
@@HobieWanKenobi Rod is 3 oz even, Length:6 ’9″ Lure weight:1/8-3/8 Line weight:6-10 Power:Medium/Moderate. I’m sure with a proper BFS reel, sub 1/8 oz lures wouldn’t be unrealistic
@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks for the info. I only shore fish down in Florida when I am over from the UK. Buying the Triza range so I can travel with them without having to keep 2 sperate sets of tackle in each country. Really looking forward to your on the water review.
Yes but you have it Dobyns Sierra Series Micro Casting .A heavy line rod series. The SUF are Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting Rods. Just had me confused, thanks @@HobieWanKenobi
Surprisingly you don't review the Shimano 64LB BFS rod on your channel, plus you can't say that you only cover gears that is made in America, because some of your stuff/gears is mostly JDM too
These 3 rods are available in the USA, that and price range is why I compared them. I have a few JDM BFS Bass rods but, haven't got around to reviewing them yet. I also have to be mindful that I have WAY too many BFS rods as it is. Every review takes me getting another rod.
@@HobieWanKenobi I just want to see what’s your thoughts and opinions on that Zodias, but yes the bfs rabbit hole can get pretty deep if you go crazy 😝
@@HobieWanKenobi will it’s way better the than the so-call 72ML + BFS model 😂 that rod is nothing near a true bfs rod, although it’s a pretty good jerk bait rod though 😂
It's really tough to get that "it factor" rod without having it in hand. I been burned more times I can count gambling on buying a rod from the Internet.
It's because many people hype up casting tiny lures with BFS. It's a method of BFS fishing. Using finesse bass lures requiring a more stout finesse rod is another method. Just need to find a rod to fit your needs instead of falling into the hype
True, I only bfs in small creeks and streams where no bass exists therfore don't have worry about the rod being to soft. I mainly use jdm rods that have lighter bend than the rods made in the states for BFS fishing.
