Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

How small is your rod and how light is your line? It's not about the size of your tackle, but how you work it. Come share your Ultralight and Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing success here!
User avatar
GOOD YEAR 71
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 553
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2014 5:07 pm
Location: NorCal

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by GOOD YEAR 71 » Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:31 pm

clemsondds wrote:
Fri Feb 03, 2023 5:17 am
Ok...need your guys thoughts and advice. Seems like lots of people have been talking over the last few years about how great BFS is and how they replaced most if not all of their spinning tackle with it. But then in various forums, I see that most are still referring to spinning gear as what they use for most finesse techniques. So before I go out and buy all the bfs gear...I thought I would just get your thoughts. Can anyone who has switched to (or has switched back from) BFS, share how they feel about it? Is it worth buying the equipment and trying it out? Obviously, I'm not looking for anyone to make up my mind for me...just looking for honest experience and advice. Thanks
Wise of you to inquire. In my opinion, there is nothing any bfs setup can do that a comparable quality spinning setup can't. I created a few bfs setups out of curiosity, nice setups, very nice, but they're no better than any of my comparable quality spinner assemblies and that's all there is to it. Though spinner accuracy is more complicated, feathering not an exact science. And crosswind, in particular, causes spinners legit concern. That written, outside of crosswind, there is no chance on this planet any bfs setup can outcast a comparable quality properly setup spinner. I've tried. And I find it odd how for whatever reason some are willing to drop big bucks in bfs, treat spinners as an afterthought, then state how one is 'better' or more 'fun'. Ridiculous. Top end spinners are butter, anybody who tries them sticks with them. Personally, I'll never spend another cent on 'bfs' which nearest I can figure was simply an open market created out of thin air. This is just my opinion, do not mean to offend anyone.
PEACE

Dalleinf
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 1460
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2014 1:12 pm
Location: Denmark

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by Dalleinf » Sat Feb 04, 2023 4:48 pm

I love it.

I find it more fun, but I also find it more practical and useful when fishing small streams with lots of vegetation, which is most of my fishing. Spinners and their bail arms constantly catch vegetation and get it messed up underneath the line - nuisance. And then there is crosswinds with spinners, which is an issue on most of my trips. I get better accuracy with bfs.
So, small streams - bfs wins big time imo.

Still, when fishing from a boat or an open coastal shoreline, spinners win every time (except maybe in the fun departmemt).

clemsondds
Senior Angler
Senior Angler
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2021 1:43 pm

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by clemsondds » Sat Feb 04, 2023 9:38 pm

Thanks everyone! I guess I’ll give it a try! Got a daiwa gekkabijin and a Phoenix feather light on their way with a few micro baits. I’ll give it a fair try. Thank you all for your honest opinions!

User avatar
slipperybob
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 1312
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:42 am
Location: Lil'Can

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by slipperybob » Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:00 pm

For ice fishing, total game changer. =D>
slip bobbing is the laziest way to fish

clemsondds
Senior Angler
Senior Angler
Posts: 149
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2021 1:43 pm

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by clemsondds » Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:36 am

bronzefly wrote:
Fri Feb 03, 2023 11:54 am
clemsondds wrote:
Fri Feb 03, 2023 8:22 am
Gary...You are not helping my excuses in my head for getting the 842c lol. You are right though. Have you had a chance to try the steez 6'8 Light Finesse? Would that work or is that still not enough bfs?
Oh by all means, get yourself the 842, it's a great rod, just not a BFS rod!

Yes, I have the new Steez AGS 6'8" Light "Finesse Game Special" casting edition. It has the "megatop" solid carbon tip and an extra fast action. I really love it with finesse oriented single hook baits like ned rigs, 1/8 oz hair jigs, and it does a really nice job with drop shots. It doesn't have my favorite action for small treble hook baits, but easily handles baits in the 1/4 oz range. It's closer to a BFS rod than the NRX 842c for sure!
I did see that steez light in my local shop yesterday and man I bet that thing is awesome! I was very tempted but let’s see how this initial setup goes. And I thought I had the monkey under control…thanks guys…

tincanary
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 302
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:34 pm
Location: SE Michigan

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by tincanary » Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:46 am

clemsondds wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:36 am
I did see that steez light in my local shop yesterday and man I bet that thing is awesome! I was very tempted but let’s see how this initial setup goes. And I thought I had the monkey under control…thanks guys…
I'm sorry to say, there is no controlling the bait monkey when it comes to BFS.

Image

dragon1
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 10513
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:23 am
Location: Murfreesboro TN

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by dragon1 » Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:07 pm

tincanary wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:46 am
clemsondds wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 7:36 am
I did see that steez light in my local shop yesterday and man I bet that thing is awesome! I was very tempted but let’s see how this initial setup goes. And I thought I had the monkey under control…thanks guys…
I'm sorry to say, there is no controlling the bait monkey when it comes to BFS.

Image
Incredible, the entire fleet...that modded/tuned Ringa SSS just gets me all kinds of "BOING".
"It is like a finger pointing away to the Moon...don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all of that heavenly glory."

tincanary
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 302
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:34 pm
Location: SE Michigan

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by tincanary » Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:39 pm

dragon1 wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:07 pm
Incredible, the entire fleet...that modded/tuned Ringa SSS just gets me all kinds of "BOING".
Thanks! It's an awesome reel and makes me wonder why Daiwa never made a creek oriented Millionaire seeing how popular the CT seems to be. I just had more parts delivered the other day, now my ratchet anti-reverse 2500C has an offset frame and a 70mm Haneda Craft handle. I've been on a buying spree of small Ambassadeur parts so I'll have a healthy stash to build more or fix mine if something breaks. Just the pinion yokes for them now go for $20+. A few years ago when they were still made it was a $3 part. I'm currently sitting on a few frames, pinion yokes, press arms, gear sets, and 3 sets of new old stock 2500C IAR side plates. These are the reels I'll either take to the grave or pass along to the kids. Everything else is for sale for the right price.

Image

dragon1
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 10513
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:23 am
Location: Murfreesboro TN

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by dragon1 » Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:19 pm

tincanary wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:39 pm
dragon1 wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 8:07 pm
Incredible, the entire fleet...that modded/tuned Ringa SSS just gets me all kinds of "BOING".
Thanks! It's an awesome reel and makes me wonder why Daiwa never made a creek oriented Millionaire seeing how popular the CT seems to be. I just had more parts delivered the other day, now my ratchet anti-reverse 2500C has an offset frame and a 70mm Haneda Craft handle. I've been on a buying spree of small Ambassadeur parts so I'll have a healthy stash to build more or fix mine if something breaks. Just the pinion yokes for them now go for $20+. A few years ago when they were still made it was a $3 part. I'm currently sitting on a few frames, pinion yokes, press arms, gear sets, and 3 sets of new old stock 2500C IAR side plates. These are the reels I'll either take to the grave or pass along to the kids. Everything else is for sale for the right price.

Image
Wow, insane! $20 for a pinion yoke is high-falutin'! That 70mm Haneda Craft handle looks to be a gorgeous piece.
"It is like a finger pointing away to the Moon...don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all of that heavenly glory."

passion4perch
Newbie Angler
Newbie Angler
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Jul 19, 2022 4:12 am

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by passion4perch » Mon Feb 06, 2023 1:06 am

I'm by no means hardcore with BFS but i do throw small finesse baits with a baitcaster as well as spinning gear.
For me personally i use spinning gear for the stuff with low weights and rod facing up generally. I also find it easier to do really slow presentations with spinning gear and still keeping good contact.

tincanary
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 302
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:34 pm
Location: SE Michigan

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by tincanary » Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:47 am

dragon1 wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:19 pm
Wow, insane! $20 for a pinion yoke is high-falutin'! That 70mm Haneda Craft handle looks to be a gorgeous piece.
Yeah it's nutty now, supply and demand. Abu no longer makes parts for reels produced prior to 1997, their focus is on the Revo since it's their cash cow. If you've noticed, Sweden no longer puts anything out aside from the various 5000 and 6000 rehashes. The 4000 size is even gone from regular production. I got many of my parts from buying beater reels locally, I snag them when I see them. Lots of footwork involved as I like to hit garage sales and estate sales. It's a bummer because Sweden was at the top of the game until Pure Fishing assumed complete control of the company back in 2000.

dragon1
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 10513
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:23 am
Location: Murfreesboro TN

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by dragon1 » Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:53 am

tincanary wrote:
Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:47 am
dragon1 wrote:
Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:19 pm
Wow, insane! $20 for a pinion yoke is high-falutin'! That 70mm Haneda Craft handle looks to be a gorgeous piece.
Yeah it's nutty now, supply and demand. Abu no longer makes parts for reels produced prior to 1997, their focus is on the Revo since it's their cash cow. If you've noticed, Sweden no longer puts anything out aside from the various 5000 and 6000 rehashes. The 4000 size is even gone from regular production. I got many of my parts from buying beater reels locally, I snag them when I see them. Lots of footwork involved as I like to hit garage sales and estate sales. It's a bummer because Sweden was at the top of the game until Pure Fishing assumed complete control of the company back in 2000.
Swedish engineering and manufacturing freedom (read as viability), have long been altered by Political decisions, to include Abu (and many other legendary Swedish brands), having their profit margins cannibalized, in order to fund Socialist ideology through forced capitalistic (sourced) taxation policies.

Nothing that you aren't fully and likely more astutely aware of, especially with every order of $20 pinion yokes.
"It is like a finger pointing away to the Moon...don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all of that heavenly glory."

tincanary
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 302
Joined: Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:34 pm
Location: SE Michigan

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by tincanary » Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:02 am

dragon1 wrote:
Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:53 am
Swedish engineering and manufacturing freedom (read as viability), have long been altered by Political decisions, to include Abu (and many other legendary Swedish brands), having their profit margins cannibalized, in order to fund Socialist ideology through forced capitalistic (sourced) taxation policies.

Nothing that you aren't fully and likely more astutely aware of, especially with every order of $20 pinion yokes.
Yup. Len Borgstrom merged the company with Garcia back in '81 due to the excessive Swedish taxes which were causing them to operate at a loss in the later 70s and nearly bankrupted the company. This let the company take advantage of our more business friendly tax environment since it "relocated" ABU here to the states.

dragon1
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 10513
Joined: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:23 am
Location: Murfreesboro TN

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by dragon1 » Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:09 am

tincanary wrote:
Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:02 am
dragon1 wrote:
Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:53 am
Swedish engineering and manufacturing freedom (read as viability), have long been altered by Political decisions, to include Abu (and many other legendary Swedish brands), having their profit margins cannibalized, in order to fund Socialist ideology through forced capitalistic (sourced) taxation policies.

Nothing that you aren't fully and likely more astutely aware of, especially with every order of $20 pinion yokes.
Yup. Len Borgstrom merged the company with Garcia back in '81 due to the excessive Swedish taxes which were causing them to operate at a loss in the later 70s and nearly bankrupted the company. This let the company take advantage of our more business friendly tax environment since it "relocated" ABU here to the states.
And the dominoes continued to fall, tipping towards emerging Asian countries for OEM and production.
"It is like a finger pointing away to the Moon...don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all of that heavenly glory."

Smalleyez
Platinum Angler
Platinum Angler
Posts: 1046
Joined: Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:34 am
Location: WI's west coast

Re: Honest opinions...is BFS really worth trying?

Post by Smalleyez » Mon Feb 06, 2023 6:05 am

BFS is a bit like riding a Harley. Modern bikes trounce a Harley in every single measurable. But for some it’s the unmeasurables that matter most.
Last edited by Smalleyez on Mon Feb 06, 2023 7:42 am, edited 2 times in total.
RRR (Round Reels Rule!)

Post Reply