Have not heard of this (BFS) until now. I really appreciate that you bring up these new concepts and introduce many of us to stuff we've never heard of before. Really interesting. Plus, I totally appreciate your fondness for spinning gear. I've used spinning gear my whole life and have only learned bait casting later in life. Excellent topic, excellently presented.
I’m late to the party on this one, but I think you are totally right about this not being super viable for tournaments. I just look at it as a new challenge and fun way to fish local ponds and small local lakes.
A 1000 size reel, L or ML trout type rod, 4-6 lb flouro leader to 8-10 lb braid is my "go to" for smaller baits, anyday over BFS. Flouro to braid eliminates line twist which is the #1 problem with spinning combos. Very interesting topic....thanks for posting and keep up the great work!
Glad to hear a pro give some love to spinning gear instead of referring to the rigs as "Magic Fairy Rods." Matt, I would love to here you talk about tackle storage. I wonder if pro's put a couple boxes together for specific lakes and seasons or it's boxes of specific baits or what?
Another great video!! I think the spinning gear is more the northern way to fish versus the southern ways to fish. I grew up in IN, IL, & now living in OH. We use spinning rods it seems to be a way of life.
Thank you for the video, great content! I agree, as a bank angler, that the BFS system is more suited for us. However, I do feel that the BFS system is more aimed toward the "enjoyment" or "playing" the fish, rather than a tournament technique. Personally, I would rather have a fish make multiple runs as I try to land them, than to throw a large glide bait, horse the fish to the boat and boat flip them in. Isn't that why we all appreciate smallmouth fishing a little more than largemouth?, that fighting tenacity?
Yeah but you can fight a fish out with a spinning rod and it be just as fun…and also more effective and efficient doing so, plus if you’d rather play out a 2 pounder on your bfs compared to getting a glide bait crushed by a mondo(cause reality is a little bfs set up will never come close to catching average size as a glide) then you’re in a world of your own
You shouldn't be "playing" the fish if you care about the integrity of the sport and the safety of our fisheries. Fighting fish to exhaustion leads to more injured and more dead fish. Pull them in, unhook them and release them as quickly as possibly
@@iceman5117 as a avid bfs fisherman. what i hate most about the community is alot of people share this thought process. theres absolutely no reason to extend a fight just for sakes of a "better fight". bring them in as fast as your tackle allows. i been criticized in the past for me hauling fish in and giving them no chance to fight. they say its not bfs when it actually is. the whole purpose of bfs was to fish heavy cover with light line and being able to fight just as hard/aggressive as you would with 20lb line.
Bank angler here. I bring one spinning rod and a BFS baitcster rod to my sessions. I still cast flukes on the spinning rod and some of the lighter lures. BFS baitcaster is just a funktion for me to improve the overall casting distance that is really valuble when fishing from the bank.
Nice video. I did not know this technique had a name. The past three years I have done this for a Ned Rig. I found the lightest reel available with Spiralite rod (spiral wrap). There was a learning curve and it helped to reduce the amount of line on the reel.
Matt I think I lost my PB yesterday on my new BFS gear. I was unprepared how I immediately felt outgunned. I forced the issue and twisted my hook. I’ll watch your video later, when I’m less sour. Haha. Thanks bud.
Just use a spinning rod…bfs is more marketing than functional I see the appeal to fighting fish and casting a light lure but a spinning set up does both better
Shimano curado BFS paired with a 7 FT 1 Phoenix Feather light action. Berkeley 4 lb Nano braid with a 6lb fluorocarbon leader. Drop shots, Ned rig, moxie jigs and the Rapala tiny series line of lures. Living here in Western New York and fishing Erie Lake for Smallmouth you wouldn't believe the fun you can have with this combo
I think that if you practice with your spinning rod and reel, you can be very accurate with it. I have a limited budget and my rods and reels have to serve multiple purposes and my spinning and ultra light set ups work pretty well.
I bought a BFS reel / rod to learn to throw baitcasters. The shallow spools backlash less and less expensive to re-spool with line. They are also fun to fight white bass with.
Matt, you are very right in the approaches you made, you also must consider that many of us do not have the ability that you have with spinning gear and that is where the BFS comes to play an important role. 8 months ago I bought a Curado BFS with an ultra light rod and the experience is incredible, I have caught 8 pound Peacocks with a 6 pound test line and it is a real challenge. The drag on the Curado is amazing. An application that I use a lot is top water with small poppers or mini ploppers that I don't feel as comfortable with a spinning gear. Really like it for light lures specially when the fish are finicky and not attracted to regular size lures. ( Typically Peacocks and Larguies in gin clear water )
yep I understand that and im sure thats a reason why i dont see how its much different than spinning gear. thanks for pointing that out! Stick with what works the best for you
I appreciate the heck out of this. I grew up skipping worms on spinning gear and will always prefer it. It's nice to see a pro who leans spinning like I do. 7" power worm, chartreuse, 1996, skipping docks, the good old days Matt.
@@MattStefanFishing actually this comment gave me an idea for an on the water video fish a technique you haven’t fished a long time…one for me was a short leader dropshot was a weapon for me up shallow haven’t fished that in years now…
Boom you nailed it with the drag issue. You couldn't pay me to fish with light line on a baitcaster. 10-12 lb is the lightest line I'm confident with. Anything lighter is strictly spinning.
I completely agree with you Matt and compliment you how you stated your opinion on bfs. I always use spinning tackle until 5 yrs ago. Now bait casting is my preferred method even the techniques where most say use spinning. My comfort level changed using bait casting over spinning because my bass boat isn’t as big and I’m generally sitting in a high pedestal seat on upper deck and resting the back of my hand on my thighs during the retrieve thus reducing the stress on my shoulder that I get when I use spinning being I have to hold spinning reel up off my thighs. Standing spinning reel has room being my arms hang down no stress. Thus the one reason I use bfs is comfort to fish baits 1/16-1/8oz.
We have delicious tasting flounder here in NZ, that until recently, had rarely been caught on a rod and reel. They have very small mouths that require specialist gear to catch. I saw a RU-vid video of a guy in NZ that has done just that. (AlbertFishOn). I was so impressed with how he does it, I've imported a rod similar to his and can't wait for it to get here to try it out. It could be the start of a whole new experience for what is an untapped, and limitless resource for this kind of fishing.
as a spokesman for "old dudes" that still bass fish and are "bass geeks". .... you nailed it dude... they are fun to play with... but a new angler would do themselves a much bigger service just taking the time to get comfortable with a fairy wand... keep the bfs stuff for certain situations.. own it all!!!
Right tool, right time. I probably throw spinning gear a lot more often than most Florida bass anglers, and I firmly believe that there are times when spinning is the proper tool for the job. I think the popularity of BFS is largely the result of the industry adapting the gear to cater to baitcasting bass anglers who don't want to learn spinning - or don't want to be seen holding a "fairy wand" - rather than the notion that BFS is superior to spinning for most finesse applications. That's fine; to each their own. You said it: "comfort" - I think anglers should do and use what they have confidence in. I think whether BFS or spinning is superior in any given situation is more the result of skill level than equipment. It's not the arrow, it's the archer. Great point about spinning reel drag being superior; I fish a lot of fairly open water where it's fun to "go light". Thanks Matt!
Spinners do have that butter smooth drag for sure … creek stalking around the Philadelphia area, I definitely need my spinning gear. I just can’t hit certain spots with my caster. However, I think the BFS whole movement is awesome. All for it
I bought the Shimano corrado version of the BFS and I bought it for very specific reasons. I'm not comfortable using a spinning rod when it come to tiny moving baits like a spy bait. That's basically what I bought it for. Tiny cranks, spy baits, shad raps ect. Still haven't come in yet so I haven't actually got to use it but I'm excited for it
Good open discussion, Matt! I would only suggest that an angler should fish what he or she is most comfortable with. On a side note, I would add that most BFS systems I have seen are rods and reels that I can't monetarily afford. Having said that, I probably couldn't afford the Spinning gear that you fish either. lol! I have fun anyway.
Great video. I picked up a BFS system only to learn something new as a bank angler. Very comfortable with spinning for finesse, hoping to learn something new.
I’ve been watching a ton of BFS videos recently, and I think the only reason I might get one is to throw small hard baits for crappie and other panfish. Great video Matt!
Hi, apologies for joining late. I prefer a baitcaster particularly for techniques like jerkbaits and texas rigs where you tend to have lots of slack line. With a spinning reel it usually results in loops on the spool that turn into a mess. When fishing a lure that keeps the line taught not so much of an issue. One last perk to a baitcaster is not having to get a bail lined up to cast. All in all i enjoy spinning and casting gear. I simply adapt to the conditions and presentations.
Timely video. I've only used baitcast equipment but need to start using a spinning or BFS setup to cast weightless and light lures. I've been trying to decide which way to go. I find spinning reels awkward to use because of line twist and the fact that they are so different to operate and cast. Mono line seems be a less than ideal on spinning equipment, but I am hesitant to start using braid to leader.
Matt, great video and breakdown on BFS. The only advantage I can think of that wasn't mentioned would be line twist from a spinning reel. Line twist is why I prefer an inline reel for ice fishing. That being said, I have spinning gear, not BFS. It sounds cool, but also like a solution looking for a problem when balanced on the whole.
And I agree with what you said in this video. I used BFS simply for fun fishing. It is great to go around to the local streams and ponds for multi-species trout crappie and bass. That being said it is not my go-to setup for when I'm actually going out for a day of fishing
I put together a BFS rig for casting light beetle spins in and around cypress trees chasing crappie. I have better accuracy with the BFS over spinning. But I use spinning gear in more open water fishing. It’s a very niche thing for me. Don’t think I would use the the BFS to even target bass. Overall, it’s a good option to have in the tool box.
As always, excellent and well thought out points…. I like a BFS mainly for small jerkbaits like pointers, and small cranks like light Shad raps…. Spinning for most other finesse. PS: congrats on the Mudhole Pro Team sponsorship !
If you switch your spinning reel handle over to the left handed side, you can “feather” your line and flip the bail with your index finger. Just like with your thumb on a baitcaster. Plus, you fight the fish with your dominate arm. Also, most bfs reels have clickers on their drags.
Bfs is good at keeping less line twist than spinning. I do have both. I feel that I have more control with spinning. I was raised using spinning tackle. I like BFS when using small crankbaits. When just casting and reeling it in alot. Not really hitting targets as you would with a worm or a jig. Jerkbaits I always use spinning. Topwaters , Bfs. Cause no give if a fish hits it with bale open. It's just a feels right I guess on what I use.
I do totally agree with your idea, The boat anglers really they dont need it. But I am telling you, Anytime I wasn't able to catch bass specially in small ponds, when I change to my 1/16 or 1/8 jighead with 2" swimbait, I immediately catch some bass. thanks for being reasonable and fair and straight to the point.
Great video, Matt. I agree that for the average bass angler, they won't see much difference between a spinning combo and a BFS system. As you'd mentioned, I think the biggest benefit to BFS is the ability to present the bait quietly without much splash and disturbance. However, when it comes to making low-flying roll casts from both sides (left and right), I believe the baitcaster may offer a little more control than a spinning setup. Also, many of the big reel manufacturers are now adding drag clickers to their reels (JDM Abu's, Shimano Curado BFS, Daiwa Zillion SV, Lew's BB1 Pro, etc.). I look forward to trying it out this season.
I'm running a Dobyns Sierra BFS rod with the KastKing Zephyr reel right now. I will likely get the Curado BFS at some point. It is amazing with ned rigs, weightless wacky rigs, small inline spinners, small spoons. It is fantastic.
Matt you make some really good points here. I have spinning and BFS setups, but I gravitate to BFS because I have become proficient with baitcasting systems and am better with them than with spinning tackle. I find that learning and mastering one system is better than being mediocre at two systems. I finesse mostly from late fall to early spring and I don't want to have to relearn everything for that time period. BFS makes me more efficient.
Matt i bought a zephyr bfs 2 yrs ago and the curado bfs with a lews ML last year and its definitely my favorite jerk bait setup i cant put it down and i fish up to 1/2 oz no prob on it but it cast the 40yrds to the spool. I fish all my power stuff when i go out also but fighting a fish with a clicker is heavenly
I agree with the drags on spinning reels being better. Great comment. I can understand where it would be fun and possibly advantageous for BFS, but I surely don’t see a need for it. I know of a guy from Minnesota who has wrist injuries and needed to fish casting gear in bfs. That is the only place I see it being “needed”.
Never heard of it until now, I've been throwing a 3/16 oz owner finesse ball jig head paired with z man TRD for years on a bait caster & 7-6 rod14 lb line, that's finesse as I go with that, but I'm going to implement more spinning gear this year for lighter presentations! Agree with you Matt!
For me, the key BFS scenario is shallow highly pressured situations. If I’m fishing a drop shot around docks, I’m going BFS because I can land the bait very softly. All my drop shot fishing in 10’ or less is BFS. Also, I’ve always had more control and sensitivity with a bait caster, but I know lots of people (most) choose a spinning rod for those applications.
Im sure BFS has its place, tried it and I agree with you Matt, give me my spinning reels and I am proficient with that technic and use it to what I think is my advantage, good topic
Matt, Could you do a video on how often you change your fishing line? I know, as a pro, its probably before every event. But what about the average guy? How often should you change mono, braid, and leader for both types of reels?
Thanks for sharing your point of view on BFS. I like spinning gear for light presentations, but I feel baitcasting give me a more accurate sensitivity for bottom contact. About the smoothness of the drag I think the spinning reels are a step behind the casting ones. Everyone has it's own preference
Spinning reel drag is a step behind baitcaster drag? I don't think anyone has ever said that till now lol. To each their own and if it works for you then cool, but I'm gonna go ahead and say you are not going to find many people who agree with you on this one.
I like my Sissy stick lol I catch just as many on my 6'8 Extra fast St Croix then I do any of my other rods. I also prefer my Spinning rod for Jerkbaits. I just caught a 5.7lb Winter largie on 10lb line on my Spinner the other day. Good vid Matt 👍
I never heard of this before, but with all that is going on on youtube, it doesn't surprise me. There are lots of bank anglers and pond fisherman, and with the price they are seeing to actually get out on the water, it's another level to add to their game. It should not be much of a surprise to them, that it is not part of your tournament strategy, however I used my baitcast outfit when dropshoting smallmouth on Lake Erie using 10lb leader. I felt I had much more control when landing fish in 3-7 ft waves, without compromising any over a spinning rod.
I started playing around with true BFS tackle in the past year. I definitely don't think it can fully replace spinning tackle, but I think it brings one major advantage that wasn't mentioned in the video. Another commmeter already mentioned it, but where BFS shines to me is when I want to use straight flourocarbon. Of course straight flouro can be used on spinning reels, but it's significantly less of a hassle to use it on casting reels because there's much less line twist.
I’m mostly interested in it because I love throwing jerkbaits but for some reason, I’ve never gotten comfortable using spinning gear for the smaller versions like the Pointer 78 and Trick Darter. I’m really hoping this will let me throw those smaller versions on a baitcaster. For stuff like dropshots, tubes, small swimbaits etc, I definitely plan to stick with spinning gear for all the reasons you said.
It does sound like fun, but isnt that the same bait and line you'd use on a spinning rod? I dont care what im catching 5 lb smallmouth on...i just want to be catching 5 lb smallmouth
@@MattStefanFishing I would rather have a casting rod in my hand than a spinning. I’m the opposite. I feel like I can make more casts and make accurate cast. I can make a silent approach with my lure, and it’s a blast for me. My bfs setup is a Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse paired with a Curado BFS. I love this setup because I am a kayak angler. Thanks for the video and debate Matt! U rock dude
I think people should give spinning gear a full chance before deciding moving to BFS. I've was planning on going to do some inshore fishing last year but never did. But i did pick back up my love for spinning gear using inshore fishing techniques. 10 to 20Ib braid to which ever size leader up to 20ib mono is a game changer to cover more water when bank fishing at a pond, lake canal, rivers and catching fish where you can't present a lure with baitcaster due to distance. Because if you try to sling that slide with a baitcaster most likely end up in backlash. Even got a couple of 7ft medium heavy spinning rods from Lew's to flip and pitch lighter baits with 20ib braid such as weightless senkos or craw style baits where it's a hassle with a baitcaster where you may have to buy super expensive reel that is meant for that. Want to get into BFS but still deciding what to buy for my money's worth
Thanks Matt anyone who is not comfortable with a spinning reel has not been fishing very long .That is the only gear we had back then .I think the remarks such as sissy stick or fairy wand really bothers these people so they don't want to get caught with one in their hand I love my spinning gear I use it 90 percent of the time.Right there with you on your spinning gear beliefs. thanks again Matt
It’s kinda funny growing up. I threw a Texas Rigged worm with a 1/16 oz a lot with #8 mono on my casting rods. Then on my UL rod I would use 1/32 oz with a Texas Rigged worm along with small crappie Spinnerbaits that were between 1/32 / - 1/16 oz. Along with small tiny crappie crankbaits and tiny Rapala Minnows
I really appreciate this video. It's the only one I've found that isn't just trying to sell me a 600 dollar reel. I kind of get the impression the BFS system is mainly for folks with cash burning a hole in their pocket. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not where I'm at.
You probably get tired of me, but age has some benefits. If it's light I go with spinning. You let the cats out of the bag again. I've got a box of micro baits, had it for maybe 8yrs. If I'm flipping, pitching or chunking heavier crank, is going on the bait caster. My spinning gear run from ultra light to medium heavy. It's a tool as are my baits. 2/3 of my rods are spinning not counting fly rods. Baits, have you ever tried a rocket shad by strike king. It's a small spinner bait. Or a crank called itsy-bitsy, yes it does catch gills & crappy & bass to.
It would be nice to be shown what a bfs is while talking about it for those of us who have never heard of this at all in the first place instead of having to go look for it somewhere else. It will keep you viewers and such in the longer run.
Great Channel 👍 So based on the comments you're getting on this subject it's easy to tell that there is not a lot of bfs experience talking. The reason to use bfs reels is not so you can cast light lures further (which you most definitely can), as much as it is dealing with line twist and loops. Nothing is more frustrating than than fishing a tournament and having your spinning reel cough up 10 yards of line and end up into the only 130% strength knot known to man. I to grew up on spinning gear, but I'll tell you I don't care who you are, you're not out casting a tuned bfs reel with 1/32-1/16 oz lures with spinning equipment. Also most bfs reels have drag clickers which are soon to be stock on most baitcasters. Plus there is the fun factor, serious tournament anglers are not bfs fishing. It's a fun niche.
Very good comment. I will always have a BFS set up with me. It absolutely shines in shallow water site fishing when I need a very small presentation that will not spook the fish when the lure hits the water. I can cast the BFS much more accurately and further when throwing something that has a 1/16 total lure weight. Fishing with BFS has made me a better fisherman. Its shown me most line, reels, and rods are oversized for most fishing.
The reason I am interested in bfs is I fish from a kayak for crappie a Lot and I want to try it for casting to them. And I don't really cast spinning gear as accurately.
I definitely prefer a baitcaster. I'm usually the only guy out around here fishing smallies, tossing neko and wacky rigs on a baitcaster. I still don't like them enough to sink the money in to a BFS system though. If I didn't already have a dedicated ned and ultra light finesse jig spinning setup I might, but it just seems like money I could better spend elsewhere now.
What is the little lure you have sitting on a quarter at the introduction of your video? It is a good looking lure. I have recently explored BFS. I fish from a bass boat. All my lakes are highly pressured from tournaments and tons of pleasure boating. Most of my bass are small spotted bass. I have enjoyed using my BFS system to cast 1/8-1/4 oz crank baits. I also have several nice spinning reel outfits. For me, when it comes to accurately casting tiny lures per hour, I average more casts per hour with the BFS rig. But, I don’t know if BFS is the answer for a Pro angler winning a 5 fish bag bass tournament. Maybe BFS could be a tool for co-anglers to get their limit quick.
I heard something that stood out. A 1/8 oz chatter is not BFS. Thats simply light tackle. That brings me to what I think is the most misunderstood thing of BFS. 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, isnt BFS. Typically a 1/8 chatter bait will have a total weight of somewhere around 1/4 or 3/8. Something that has a total lure weight of 1/32, 1/16, and on the upper end at 1/8 total weight, is BFS. As to the ML rod comment. I fish the upper TX coast. That puts me on inshore fish like reds and specks to big bass on Conroe, Rayburn, and many other lakes. A ML rod is more power than most any fisherman needs to land most fish. Very few of us need to horse a fish into the boat as quickly as possible in a tournament setting. BFS can get expensive. There are less expensive ways into bfs and it is coming down in price the more popular it becomes.
It’s hard to make a strong case for using a bfs in a tournament situation. That said it’s one of the most fun outfits to cast and fight small fish on. Would like to see more light and medium light 6-6’6” casting rods on the market to cast and skip 5-7 gram plugs and poppers around tight cover because I feel more accurate with casting over spinning.
I'd love to know if BFS will cast further than comparable spinning gear? If so, just a little father, or considerably farther? Same lure, line, and rod action. For fishing open super clear water, casting distance is a big plus. If BFS casts further, it might be worth trying. I'm very comfortable casting and skipping with spinning gear now and am fighting the urge to try BFS until I'm convinced it out casts spinning with light line and small baits.
Hey Matt. I have a question about your Northern California lake breakdowns. Have you fished the lakes that you broke down? Do you plan on doing anything with the delta? I know the delta is a much different animal with it being a tidal system. Also, which place is your favorite to fish in Northern California?
I have not actually fished the lakes myself but I got some help from my buddy Luke Clausen for them combined with my own knowledge and experience to create them. Ive gotten really good feedback on them already. ONe guy told me on the shasta map I identified his 3 favorite spots. haha. The delta is on my list to do as well.
I live right on the Ohio River I mean from my porch I can throw a rock into the river and I know there are tons of small mouth bass but the current is really strong and it’s probably over 300 yards wide where I’m at but there are big creeks that feed into the river close to me should I be fishing the creeks? I mean do they go into the creeks or stay in the main river
This is a new term to me, I had to Google it and then a search on TW. Looks to me like more of a marketing concept than a new fishing technique. Lightweight 50 size reels with shallow spools have been around for a long time. I still use a Daiwa TD-X HDSF that’s 20 years old…also a couple of 50 size Chronarchs and Curados. There has always been light and medium light baitcasting rods, so I don’t see what’s new. 🤷🏼♂️
I think it's a matter of what your trying to accomplish and where you live sometimes.im always around big bass(Cali) and at this point in my fishing careers im always targeting big fish .Rather catch two 5 plus, then 10 two or less .I have used bfs on trips to Colorado river and did land a 8lber on 6 lb fluoro .Thing is,with a big fish I always "thumb drag" anyways so I guess it doesn't really matter the drag system . I also can't seem to not get line twist on spinning reels unless I run a short fluoro leader to braid,so I don't want to be throwing small swim baits and cranks on them with the knot crashing the guides all day .
Thanks for the info I'm commenting before the end so if you cover it sorry but what rod is best for a bfs ? Medium heavy moderate, medium moderate, or another just curious
You don't need bait finesse if you use Daiwa SV reels. I use sv tw tatulas, zillions, sv tw coastal with the 150 size spools. The diawa sv will throw up to 1/8 oz great if you use lighter line. I can throw neds on them, drop shots, power shots, etc. Using heavier 20 lb line I use 1/4 oz all the time and it still throws just great. There is no better baitcaster than the daiwa sv. the spool is super light and smooth and the daiwa brakes are in a class of their own. you dont have to ever adjust spool tension. you set it wherwe theres no or very little play and then use the amazing brakes to control everything. you can switch from 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz and not have to adjust spool tension, just turn the brakes up a notch or two. The reels are better than shimano dc, they are better than any lews, 13 fishing, abu, anything with traditional magnetic or centrifugal brakes, daiwa brakes are a class of their own. But id rather use spinning rod for most finesse things, you have much better control. I have one spinning rod set up for heavier techniques, because theres some times when you need spinning gear for non finesse techniques.
