BFS or Not?

[Charlessyverson]

I am looking for a bait casting reel to cast 1/16-3/8 oz lures.  I am considering the Daiwa Tatula SV TW 103, a Shimano Curado MGL 70 K, or a Shimano Scorpion BFS.  I already have a rod that can cast these weights. Will the Tatula and Curado cast the weight, or am I better off with the Scorpion.  I appreciate any and all feedback/suggestions!

[diehardbassfishing]

Have a Shimano Bantam MGL, Daiwa Tatula Mag Z, and Daiwa SV103.

 

Of the three, the reel I would prefer NOT to use for unweighted soft plastic, would be the Bantam. I can pull it off, but rather go with Daiwa mag control.
I'd give the SV103 the edge.

 

 

Karl

[Koz]

Awww - that was a disappointing post. I saw "BFS" and automatically thought Bowling For Soup.

 

 

 

[fishwizzard]

4 hours ago, Charlessyverson said:

I am looking for a bait casting reel to cast 1/16-3/8 oz lures.  I am considering the Daiwa Tatula SV TW 103, a Shimano Curado MGL 70 K, or a Shimano Scorpion BFS. 

 

Of those three I think only the Scorpion BFS will have any chance of casting a true 1/16oz.  Once you get that light small difference start being a lot more important, so like a 1/16oz spoon will cast a ton better than a hairjig of an identical weight just due to being a lot more aerodynamic.  What kinds of presentations are you looking to throw?  

[JustJames]

The reel might not be big a deal but rod is in question if you only have one rod for both lure weight. The rod that can handle 1/16oz lure but not be suitable for 3/8oz lure. I broke one of my UL rod once whippy too hard on 1/4oz weight. Also the rod that handle 3/8 lure mostly in MH range might not cast 1/16oz far enough even with shallow spool reel.

The reel to be able to handle both weight well, you might have to get the reel that have option for aftermarket shallow spool. 
 

[brophog]

At 1/8 oz, all of these will work, though how optimally may be very subjective.

 

As you approach 1/16 oz you will really see why dedicated BFS reels exist. Alongside the reel it’s nice to have a lightweight shallow spool, small diameter line, and as little line spooled as necessary to keep weight down.

 

Most of these BFS reels will go up to 3/8 oz, but you’ll often find the line you want to use casting a 1/16 oz and a 3/8 oz to be very different. Also, since BFS reels tend to be very small, they often have very high gear ratios to compensate and that can make the reel feel a bit sluggish with resistance baits when you start talking the higher end of your range.

 

Personally, I would not use the same combo for this entire range. 1/8 oz and up is just a totally different animal when talking BFS. 

[bulldog1935]

A rod that has my attention for BFS, but limited to 1/4 oz, is Yamaga Blanks Blue Current III 69/B.  

 

My 8'3" YB TZ Nano spinner will cast 1/32 to 3/8 oz, but that range is what you gain with longer rods.  That rod in bait version and and the newer and more cost-effective 8'2" B covers this range also.  

 

[Charlessyverson]

Realistically I am probably looking at 1/8 and up.  Ideally my setup will be a finesse type bass rod that could possibly dabble with bream and trout with a “power finesse” application.  I’m looking at small crankbaits, small plastic grubs, minnows, and worms, and some split shot and bait presentations.  I am honestly leaning toward the Tatula or Curado, as I don’t believe I will truly go all in BFS.  But, I want to make sure they will cast comfortably into the lower range of lure weights.

[bulldog1935]

I've fished 1/8 oz reliably on Super Duty (improved spool bearings and 20-lb braid) with a long Lami ML rod, and the rig I put together just for that niche is a Team Pro SP with improved spool bearings, PE#1 X-braid on my 7'1" Omen ML rod.  

Agree with others that Scorpion and similar dedicated BFS reels are the way to go for 1/16 oz.  

[redmeansdistortion]

Have a look at the Daiwa Alphas CT SV, you can find them cheap if you watch Amazon Japan.  I got mine for something like $180 each as I bought both the 6.3 and 7.2.  They seem to fluctuate between $160 and $230 with prices more often being on the lower end.  I can cast a 1.5" Slider grub on a 1/16 head very well, total weight of 3g, just under 1/8.  This is using a JDM Daiwa Bass X 64LB 1/16-3/8 rod and spooled with 20lb J-braid.  It's probably my favorite reel.  If you ever wanted to go lighter, there are a few spool options available ranging in price from $55 to $175.

[Charlessyverson]

What weight range do you feel comfortable with throwing on that reel?  I realize I would need another rod to cover a wide range of lures, just curious what you would consider the high range.

[dodgeguy]

Lews Custom lite.

[Soulpolecontrol]

I would go with the scorpion bfs.....I actually have had such a good experience with a kast king rod and reel lately and just got the valiant eagle bfs. And a kingdom silver needle rod......i gotta tell ya....im impressed with this kastking stuff.  It has a little heavier of a spool but i caught more fish this week than i ever have.......it is worth a try and the sharpest looking combo i have seen......everyone wants one when they see it......i clean my bearings with contact cleaner of course and use a nano oil after every trip and it really really makes a difference with the bfs....i wont have a use for scorpion anymore