An Introduction to the Bait Finesse System (BFS) and Recommended Tackle (continued)

BFS Pros: Many of the traditional bass casting techniques can be used in the same manner as “normal” sized baitcasting reels when using BFS tackle. This allows that muscle memory to translate into finesse fishing. Pitching a Ned Rig around docks or laydowns with a BFS setup feels very similar to doing the same with 1/2oz jig with trailer on a MH rod.

One benefit of BFS is that the nature of the line flowing off a baitcasting spool allows for less twisting of the line. This is especially important when using fluorocarbon or monofilament lines. Wind knots are also less prevalent when using baitcasting gear.

 Fast gear ratios are common for BFS reels to fish target areas with increased efficiency

The level of accuracy and control achieved with BFS gear is hard to argue with. Also being able to transition from casting to reeling is faster as well. Instantly being able to retrieve when the lure hits the water instead of closing the bail of a spinning reel allows for faster reaction to a quick hitting fish. If you have ever fished for trout in rivers or near cover for bass, you know just how fast you can get hit the moment the lure hit the water.

BFS Cons: All of those positive attributes of using BFS tackle does not come without its drawbacks. Although experience and skill can mitigate a lot of the downsides of choosing BFS gear over spinning gear, there are constants that cannot be avoided.

Occupational hazard for the BFS angler

Casting distance is often reduced with BFS gear. With the use of brakes to prevent backlashes, this force takes away from the momentum that the lure has in the air during the cast. Conversely, a spinning reel has a fixed spool and the line feeds off the spool without risk of backlashing. This adds to a stress-free and distance unimpeded by braking.

The “price-to-play” is without a doubt higher with BFS gear than with spinning reels. Although BFS reels are becoming more common and BFS reels have evolved quite a bit, a department store 1000 sized spinning reel will cast further than BFS reels in most situations.

While enthusiast BFS reels are a major investment more affordable reels designed specifically for this technique, like the recently introduced Shimano Curado BFS, are much more accessible

BFS Line/Lures: Although the line and lures do not know if there are being use on a spinning reel or a BFS reel (unless it is live bait), many anglers getting into BFS believe there is a definitive divide with tackle for spinning and BFS.

Line: With BFS fishing, all of those tackle details we debate about in bass fishing are even more so divided in BFS fishing. The mono/fluorocarbon/braid attributes are even more prevalent in BFS fishing. The stretch, or lack thereof, makes a huge difference when pairing fishing line with a BFS rod. There is less margin for error than with a typical bass baitcasting setup. This large variable is also a way you can leverage the properties of the line to get a rod to fish faster or slower to meet your intent of the setup.

I prefer monofilament for BFS stream fishing. Much like crankbait fishing for bass, the added stretch provides a cushion when trout are darting after minnow style lures, especially in current. This allows the fish to grab the lure more positively and also reduces the chances of the fish shaking loose next to the net on short line. The easy handling and price of monofilament makes it a good choice of anglers learning to use BFS tackle.

VARIVAS Super Trout Advance Sight Edition monofilament allows anglers to easily track lures during the cast

Fluorocarbon is used for most of my BFS lake fishing for bass and bluegill. The increased abrasion resistance, sensitivity and, less stretch are the primary reasons to use fluorocarbon. The biggest advantage with BFS gear is that you get reduced line twist compared to spinning reels.

Fluorocarbon may take a little more attention than monofilament or braided line due to its stiff nature but, once you can consistently cast lighter lures, BFS really stars to shine while using fluorocarbon.
Braided line offers a lot of great benefits when using BFS gear. The line is easy to cast and is not damaged from backlashes. Using braid is a great way to “increase the power” of your rod due to the lack of stretch. Those same properties can cause however, can cause you to lose fish due to the lack of cushion on the hookset or on short line. Many of this can be mitigated by using softer hooksets, looser drag and/or a softer rod.

Companies such as VARIVAS make line specialized for BFS fishing such as the Super Trout Advance Baitfinesse x4 PE line. This braided line was designed stiffer to reduce wind knots and to increase manageability with BFS reels. Also featured is a hi-viz alternating green and yellow color to aid in tracking your lure though the air, which can be tough when stream fishing. Other Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) fishing line companies also have BFS targeted line but, your favorite line you use with spinning gear can more than likely translate to use on a BFS reel just fine.