About BFS

[Dannicus]

For those of you new to BFS (bait finesse system) fishing, it started in Japan in the early 2000s. Japanese anglers were searching for ways to cast light (think 1/64 oz) lures on baitcaster rods and reels for ultra finicky and pressured fish. Why a baitcaster instead of spinning gear? Because baitcasters offer a lower profile and level of pinpoint control that is difficult to achieve with spinning combos. Also baitcasters combat line twist and associated wind knots which are frequently problematic with spinning reels, and because you are palming the small reel, there is arguably more sensitivity as well.

Shimano and Diawa lead the early charge, creating ultralight shallow spool reels with brake systems that allow anglers to use light line and still achieve spinning-like casting distances while maintaining the benefits of baitcasting gear. Skip forward 20 years and BFS popularity has spread around the world. Not just for trout and panfish, but for Bass and other larger species as well. With many other rod and reel manufactures entering the arena, it has become increasingly more affordable to get started too.

I first started BFS fishing 10 years ago, and it completely reinvigorated the sport for me. I have since sold all of my higher end spinning gear, because frankly, this is so much more fun, and I can do everything I did on spinning gear anyway. If you think it's just for small fish, think again. My PB to date on a BFS setup is a 7.8 bass, and my goal is to get into double digits.

It reminds me of catching massive double digit trout on a fly rod growing up in Colorado. Playing and fighting fish on a light casting rod is amazing. If you've never done it, I highly recommend it. It has become by far my favorite way to fish.