BFS Rod Dobyns, Phenix or Cashion

[Tatulatard]

Use whatever reels you want within reason.  We have had a quiet BFS reel revolution on the US market long before the curado BFS ever showed up.  SV spool, MGL spools are common place as are various OEM reels with sub 12 gram spools and all work well on ML rods.  I have a $60 Amazon reel with a 10 gram 32mm spool in it which is pretty much a plastic pixy at this point.  For the truly light weight stuff a shallow light weight spool like what it found on current crop of BFS/Air reels is still best.  It was back then too when the father of BFS was developing his rods.  Line wise I like a 7 to 10 lbs hard flouro.  Something you wouldn't put on a spinning reel.  That's the point.

[optimator]

I’m interested in the Phenix Feather. I finally got a good workout on the TFO Tactical/Curado BFS setup I just got. 10 fish, biggest was almost 3 pounds. So much fun on a ML rod. The problem is the reel doesn’t mount tight enough in the rod. Will the Feather ML handle 1/15 head Ned’s? It’s a hair over 1/4oz total. I won’t cast anything lighter than that so I don’t think I’d need to drop down to the light. 

[optimator]

Well, I figured out the reel seating issue. There was a small piece of what looked like that clear price tag plastic up near the threads jamming up the works. But I still think I’ll buy a Feather ?

[softwateronly]

On 5/27/2023 at 10:17 PM, optimator said:

I’m interested in the Phenix Feather. I finally got a good workout on the TFO Tactical/Curado BFS setup I just got. 10 fish, biggest was almost 3 pounds. So much fun on a ML rod. The problem is the reel doesn’t mount tight enough in the rod. Will the Feather ML handle 1/15 head Ned’s? It’s a hair over 1/4oz total. I won’t cast anything lighter than that so I don’t think I’d need to drop down to the light. 

 

The ML Phenix throws a true 1/4oz just fine.  I can only get about 20yds with a 1/8oz float n fly with no float.  So I think 1/4oz is the true bottom for normal operations.  A cut down Zman fatty worm on a 1/8oz ball head flies out there and brings back fish.  The ML feather is fun.

 

scott

[optimator]

3 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

 

The ML Phenix throws a true 1/4oz just fine.  I can only get about 20yds with a 1/8oz float n fly with no float.  So I think 1/4oz is the true bottom for normal operations.  A cut down Zman fatty worm on a 1/8oz ball head flies out there and brings back fish.  The ML feather is fun.

 

scott

Thanks. I just made a TW order about a half hour ago.. At least this one will ship for free too ?

[ska4fun]

The Phenix Classic BFS seems to have a very cheap carbon tissue.

[wsmith]

Does anyone have experience with the Phenix Classic BFS 6'8" vs 7'1"?  Trying to decide

[NavyToad]

@wsmithyou might get a better response if you start a new thread relevant to your question.

[wsmith]

Good call, thank you.  

[waymont]

I recently put an Alphas Air TW on my Phenix Feather L and ML rods. I’m easily casting 75’ + with a true 1/8oz lure without trying very hard. It’s my favorite bfs reel now. Smooooooth!

[dodgeguy]

On 4/28/2023 at 2:28 PM, FishTank said:

I have the Dobyn's Sierra Ultra Finesse 7' and really like it. The tip is fast but it softens up in the middle.  It makes it easier when fighting largemouth.  I have caught a ton of fish on this rod and tend to like it better than the two Megabass rods I have for BFS. My only complaint is that this rod is not made of best components.  The guides are so so and the cork looks old after just a year of use. These are minor things and wouldn't stop me from buying another one. 

The guides are Fuji alconites which are some of the best guides out there. Use magic eraser on the cork. You could seal it after you clean it with u40 cork sealer. I would like also add that Dobyns is one of the best balanced rods made.

[FishTank]

4 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

The guides are Fuji alconites which are some of the best guides out there. Use magic eraser on the cork. You could seal it after you clean it with u40 cork sealer. I would like also add that Dobyns is one of the best balanced rods made.

 

I should have sealed it from day one. It looks like it has a lot of filler but it really it's not that big of deal at the moment. Maybe this winter I will work on it. Otherwise this rod has been pretty solid for me. For the money, you can't beat it.  

 

I just picked a new Kistler BFS rod. I will have to see how it compares.