Recommendation needed for BFS set up

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

I am currently using a G. Loomis E6X Casting Rod 6'8" Med Hvy 803C JWR with a Lew’s Team Pro Speed Spool (system is spooled with 20 pound braid with 8 pound mono leader).

I am looking to throw lighter lures than this combo is currently capable of. I am struggling to get a 1/8oz popper further than 15 yards and for weightless plastics I would like to go even lighter than this. 


What kind of BFS set ups are you guys using or can recommend? 

Budget is around 400-500 USD.

Thanks all!

[Further North]

It would blow your budget, but I went with an Abu Garcia LTX and a St. Criox Avid X.  It does great at exactly what you are trying to do.

 

The whole rig - reel, line and rod - weight only 10.4 ounces.  I've got fly rods that weigh more...

 

There are plenty other good choices out that that will just as well, a lot will come down to preference.

[Angry John]

st croix avid ML 69 xf casting rod with daiwa alphas sv.  Your in the 430 ish neighborhood depending on tax sales and shipping.

[buzzed bait]

major craft makes some excellent BFS rods that are reasonably priced, i'd check them out.  as for the reel, i'd look for a 50 series shimano and maybe an aftermarket yumeya spool or a daiwa sv reel.

[fishwizzard]

You can find older Alphas reels on ebay for sub-$200, add some bearings, DIY Spool, and maybe new drag washers, and end up with a very nice reel for not a ton of money.  The prices on Pixys is really low as well, I have seen a few right around $100.  

 

I will second the Major Craft rod recommendations, they have a ton of options, just keep an eye on the actions, they have a lot of Regular/Moderate action rods in their lineup.  I have a Phenix Recon 2 6'8" L/F that I use.  I like it a lot (other then the reel seat), but I have not held their newer offerings.  

[kickerfish1]

Buy used. Take a look at a Pixy variant, Alphas SV or Air or various Daiwa or Shimano reels  that can accept or already have a smaller BFS spool.

 

The Phoenix Recon ML and Light rods are good budge choices as are Majorcraft rods. 

[Raul]

GLoomis CR721 IMX + Chronarch 50 + YoZuri Hybrid 6 lb test.

 

[freelancer27]

Thanks guys!

So, to summarize: it is better to buy a used dedicated BFS reel like the Pixy rather than upgrading one of my reels with a BSF spool. 

[Raul]

3 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

Thanks guys!

So, to summarize: it is better to buy a used dedicated BFS reel like the Pixy rather than upgrading one of my reels with a BSF spool. 

You can upgrade to a SV spool if you have the right Daiwa reel, for example, I purchased a shallow SV spool for any of my TDZs and .... man it did the job, with the SV spool they are a ton better than a Pixy ( coming from a guy that owns 3 Pixies ).

[freelancer27]

3 minutes ago, Raul said:

You can upgrade to a SV spool if you have the right Daiwa reel, for example, I purchased a shallow SV spool for any of my TDZs and .... man it did the job, with the SV spool they are a ton better than a Pixy ( coming from a guy that owns 3 Pixies ).

WHich spool are you using? 

I am also playing with the idea to get something reel nice like a Conquest BFS. Is it possible to use a deeper spool for the conquest in case I would like to use the reel for something else?

[new2BC4bass]

58 minutes ago, buzzed bait said:

major craft makes some excellent BFS rods that are reasonably priced, i'd check them out.  as for the reel, i'd look for a 50 series shimano and maybe an aftermarket yumeya spool or a daiwa sv reel.

I've read the Yumeya in a 50 Shimano is the cat's meow.  Wouldn't mind trying one in my 51E. 

 

OP, you can also shop used.  Pixy prices have come down quite a bit.  Just make sure it is functioning properly before buying.  I got one at a good price, but couldn't even spool line on it.  It is now the second most expensive reel I own....after replacing missing parts and getting tuned and upgraded.  I don't regret spending the money though.  Sweet reel now.  Several posts were made while mine sat waiting for me to get back to it so this has already been mentioned.

 

I'd look for a rod rated down to 1/16 oz.  I have two such rods.  A 7' ML BPS Crankin' Stick and a 6'9" Falcon Expert Light.  Neither of which are available today.  Some guys can cast a 1/8 oz. lure on a MH rod with no problem.  I ain't one of them.

 

The Japanese market would be a good place to start looking for a rod.  The rod is the most important part of the equation for me when you start talking light lures.

 

Raul, that sounds like a great idea.  Will have to look into an SV spool for one of my TDZs.  However, it does make me feel pretty bad for investing in the PXL and Airy Red.  Could have bought a few more rods with that money. 

[Raul]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

WHich spool are you using? 

I am also playing with the idea to get something reel nice like a Conquest BFS. Is it possible to use a deeper spool for the conquest in case I would like to use the reel for something else?

http://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/daiwa/daiwa-slp-steez-sv-105-shallow-spool.html

 

that one fits my TDZs.

 

[freelancer27]

I am about to pull the trigger on a BFS set up (assuming I can sell my Metanium).

As the rod I will most likely go with: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Major-Craft-BENKEI-BIC-672L-BF-Light-67-bass-fishing-baitcasting-rod-pole-/253149043527?epid=1666939017&hash=item3af0dbdb47:g:QXMAAOSwmLlX2Qtc

I am wondering which reel to pair it with:

Options that i am considering:

* Aldebaran BFS (light and compact, price is ok)
* Calcutta Conquest BFS (incredible machinery and robust, salt water safe, price is of course something to swallow)
* SV103 (that I have) with a BFS Spool -RCS BAITCASTING SV SPOOL 1012 SV G1 (probably the best bang for the buck. I just want to avoid spending a good amount of money on BFS and then have to update the reel eventually, given that the I could not fully leverage the potential here).

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

[fishwizzard]

I would buy this reel;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Alphas-Finesse-Custom-105HL-Left-Handle-Baitcasting-reel-Made-In-Japan/352161098534?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D46087%26meid%3Db040623907a74b94b1a1afbe776c1c73%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D172849217823&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850

 

It will be great for light lures out of the box and a simple bearing swap will make it better.  If it is too wild, a $60 DIY spool will tame it down.  If you decide you don't want it I bet you could get most of your money back out of it.  If it were RH I would have added and removed it from my cart a dozen times by now.  

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, fishwizzard said:

I would buy this reel;

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-Alphas-Finesse-Custom-105HL-Left-Handle-Baitcasting-reel-Made-In-Japan/352161098534?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D46087%26meid%3Db040623907a74b94b1a1afbe776c1c73%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D172849217823&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850

 

It will be great for light lures out of the box and a simple bearing swap will make it better.  If it is too wild, a $60 DIY spool will tame it down.  If you decide you don't want it I bet you could get most of your money back out of it.  If it were RH I would have added and removed it from my cart a dozen times by now.  

Thanks, though I am willing to invest a bit more money IF I go down and buy a dedicated BFS reel.

Cheers.

[.ghoti.]

You could look into having one built for you. Mine is built on an Immortal blank; 7'2" ML-F, with a little over two inches trimmed off the butt.

 

An 8.5" Winn rear grip, Fuji seat, no fore grip, Recoil micros and a Ti/SiC tip.

 

With an SS SV, spooled with 7.3lb Finesse fluoro, the whole setup weighs a hair over 9oz, and will cast 1/8oz further than I can set the hook.

 

Check with Mike at DVT, for a quote.

[freelancer27]

2 minutes ago, .ghoti. said:

You could look into having one built for you. Mine is built on an Immortal blank; 7'2" ML-F, with a little over two inches trimmed off the butt.

 

An 8.5" Winn rear grip, Fuji seat, no fore grip, Recoil micros and a Ti/SiC tip.

 

With an SS SV, spooled with 7.3lb Finesse fluoro, the whole setup weighs a hair over 9oz, and will cast 1/8oz further than I can set the hook.

 

Check with Mike at DVT, for a quote.

Thanks! Will include this into my considerations.

I am inclined to go a budget route initially:

Rod: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Major-Craft-Corzza-Series-Baitcast-Rod-CZC-672-L-BF-5752-/142378678748?epid=1839054240&hash=item21266e39dc:g:uyEAAOSw0hlZEtFG

or 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Major-Craft-BENKEI-BIC-672L-BF-Light-67-bass-fishing-baitcasting-rod-pole-/253149043527?epid=1666939017&hash=item3af0dbdb47:g:QXMAAOSwmLlX2Qtc

Reel:

SV103 with BFS spool:

https://japanlureshop.com/rcs-baitcasting-sv-spool-1000-15315.html

or 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/112348374694



of course I am open to other recommendations. 

[onenutinthewater]

Well, what rod did you go with and any good reviews/feedback? I have the conquest bfs and am still looking for a few light duty casting rods with no success..........

[DomQ]

What about shimano scorpion BFS? Heard its been a deadly light weight lure reel. 

[onenutinthewater]

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

How light are you looking to go and what species will you be targeting?

Maybe 2-6# rating, using it for 1-5# trout in mountain lakes throwing hardware from boat. Best rod I have found so far is an Edge 622

[onenutinthewater]

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

Look at the Majorcraft Finetail line of rods.  You're most likely going to have to import something from Japan to find a casting trout rod.

That is what I am afraid of but I would rather hear some reviews/comments from folks before blindly pulling the trigger on a few. I looked for the Finetail line and don't see them on their site......

[onenutinthewater]

1 minute ago, BaitFinesse said:

http://www.majorcraft.co.jp/rodgenre/trout

 

You need the Japanese site to view their JFK products.

Thank you!

 

[onenutinthewater]

I am done! i just ordered 2 major craft, 1 Kuying, 2 G Loomis and 1 laminglas rods.  i guess I am going to need a few reels next......

[onenutinthewater]

Since I already have 6 Tatula's I am going to order a couple of the DIY honeycomb  spools and give them a try for throwing lighter gear. Anyone tried this?

Any other upgrades needed on them while i am ripping them apart? 3 already have the drag clickers installed and I just ordered 3 more.

[new2BC4bass]

3 hours ago, onenutinthewater said:

I am done! i just ordered 2 major craft, 1 Kuying, 2 G Loomis and 1 laminglas rods.  i guess I am going to need a few reels next......

 

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

It begins.

 

Yup.  Guy is in trouble now.    I've always gone the other way.  Needing more rods to equal number of reels on shelf.  I'm guessing I am still short on rods by 10-15.

Just now, onenutinthewater said:

Since I already have 6 Tatula's I am going to order a couple of the DIY spools and give them a try for throwing lighter gear. Anyone tried this? Any other upgrades needed on them while i am ripping them apart?

You probably should upgrade the spool bearings for easier start-up.  Carbontex drag set never hurts.