Bfs bait caster recommendation
Bfs bait caster recommendation
Ok guy looking to start bfs with bait caster. What would be a good recommendation for reel under $400. Forgiving(not extremely choked off in cast) smooth, low profile. I’ve being using Daiwa sv reels all my life. Looking to throw baits 1/8 to 1/2 oz.
thanks in advance
thanks in advance
Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
Most daiwa sv spools can already cast that range of lures with the right rod. I like the 30mm ct spool reels for "power bfs" or if you have a 34mm spool daiwa and can find a zpi m spool they are rockets. There's also a lot of rays and other spool options available for daiwa reels that can make for a great power bfs reel.
- Hobie-Wan Kenobi
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Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
I agree with the SV reels being capable of those weights. The shallower spools like the CT SV spools and the Alphas SV TW 800s would be good choices.
IG @hobie_wan_kenobi_fishing
Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
Aside from what others have already said (because if you are like me, when I have a budget set aside for fishing gear, odds are I'll use it), there are a few options. BFS reels use magnetic breaks (even on Shimano reels) so both the Shimano and Daiwa BFS reels cast smooth and effortless. The reels below all have a form of dynamic breaking system (higher break profile at beginning and tapering off). Despite the small cons to the reels below have, I would recommend any of them. I don't know about the super low end reels because I just leaped head first into BFS.
More expensive reels:
More expensive reels:
- Gekka Bijin - (I own two)
- clicking drag
- "designed" for PE line
- slightly lower line capacity compared to Aldebaran
- buttery smooth retrieve
- Aldebaran BFS - (I've only casted)
- clicking drag
- buttery smooth retrieve
- Alphas Air TW - (I own one)
- no clicking drag
- Curado BFS - (I did own one)
- clicking drag
- retrieve felt a slightly grindy when a fish was on (maybe due to not having micro module gearing that higher end Shimano reels have)
Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
I would get the 22 Aldebaran, I have the 18 version and the newer on is supposed to be a lot better, at 285 on digitaka it’s a good deal, I also have the Curado bfs but it feels geary, my 18 alde is much smoother
Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
I think 22 is better only sub 1/8 oz. Couldn't find video right now, but I think 18 casts heavier than 1/8 oz longer. But difference is not significant.
For original question (Power Finesse reel, which casts good 1/8 oz) I don't have nothing to add.
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Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
Get the Geb. Should be around $100 less than your budget from Digitaka or a similar shop in Japan. I have tons of reels from various eras and this was a home run out of the box by Daiwa.
Re: Bfs bait caster recommendation
With those lure weight ranges, I wouldn't recommend an actual BFS reel, especially if 1/8oz weights are in the extreme end of your lower lure ratings. Your Daiwa SVs should be doable.
But if you're just more considering the lightness in your setup, look at the '18 Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 or 30, weighting less than 5oz for a baitcaster. You should be able to source them for about $300 if you look around. But with you maybe throwing 1/2oz lures, that will make your setup tip heavy. In that case, just go with the '22 Shimano Metanium Shallow Edition. It's similarly priced, but it's newer, and is probably the most versatile reel out right now, especially if you want to switch in and out of upper-end BFS lures back to traditional 1/2oz lures.
However, for your purpose, I'd recommend trying out the new '22 Shimano SLX DC XT. You could find them for around $200 right now depending on where you look. It has a little less line capacity compared to traditional spools (which is a good thing when throwing finessier applications). Plus with that DC system, it'll help reduce overruns and all the headaches that comes when casting lighter lures. That should be forgiving enough! Hope this helps.
But if you're just more considering the lightness in your setup, look at the '18 Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 or 30, weighting less than 5oz for a baitcaster. You should be able to source them for about $300 if you look around. But with you maybe throwing 1/2oz lures, that will make your setup tip heavy. In that case, just go with the '22 Shimano Metanium Shallow Edition. It's similarly priced, but it's newer, and is probably the most versatile reel out right now, especially if you want to switch in and out of upper-end BFS lures back to traditional 1/2oz lures.
However, for your purpose, I'd recommend trying out the new '22 Shimano SLX DC XT. You could find them for around $200 right now depending on where you look. It has a little less line capacity compared to traditional spools (which is a good thing when throwing finessier applications). Plus with that DC system, it'll help reduce overruns and all the headaches that comes when casting lighter lures. That should be forgiving enough! Hope this helps.