BFS = UL ?

[Fishing_Rod]

@bulldog1935 NICE! Glad you're able to put that space to good use in characterizing how you and equipment are together. Yes, totally agree with making the most of it all.

 

In my case by back yard has all the overhead utilities to fuss with, power, internet, phone. My front yard has all the lovely garden features (measured distance targets) available for my practice casts as I try all the different equipment combinations.

 

Since I'm not quite to that retired status I use that limited work week time to prep me and gear for those all too precious goofing-off opportunities. Besides I believe my neighbors secretly enjoy watching me pick through backlashes from snagging a low branches or other obstacle. They are also probably learning all the colorful metaphors in multiple languages too!  Hey, my casting accuracy is motivated towards improvement for sure.

 

There are a few of the plastic flower pots that make a lovely thump when I do score a hit. I do my best to avoid the ceramic pieces. I just missed one yesterday as I was trying to cast that curly tailed grub on the 1/32 oz jig. Still I wouldn't want that little BB to cause grief for anyone. Amazing just how much a single click on the magnetic brakes influence casting azimuth. It can totally jimmy jack things! Same goes for my aging index finger release point too when using spinning gear. Somehow those reflexes are not a sharp as they used to be. So a more graceful approach is needed. 

 

I have to mention it too. There are times where the robins, finches, and thrashers will swoop down and assault the curly tailed grub dragging across the lawn. Yes, the strike feels similar to that of bluegills. Again when using UL gear there is a lot of sensitivity. I am grateful for never having to do a catch and release on a bird. Be well and Cheers!

 

[optimator]

2 minutes ago, NYWayfarer said:

I took the Curado BFS XG out for a spin at lunchtime today. Was able to cast it for about 40 minutes to get a feel for it.

 

I am impressed. So far it is everything I hoped it would be. Need to hook and land a fish to complete the test. I had some bites but failed to set the hook. 

I’m loving mine too.

[Fishing_Rod]

Good on you @NYWayfarer! Time on the water is great! Hoping you get that fish on experience soon. I am really impressed with the drag on my low cost BFS. Someday hope to try a better reel to know what the differences are. For now I'm working to add that time on the water with this unit and better understand all it offers. Since I'm smiling already it is very encouraging. Have a great weekend!

[redmeansdistortion]

45 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

The wide lure rating on the rods denotes the progressive rod taper, and as stated over and over, denotes these rods have the backbone to turn fish in their designed niches - any size largemouth bass and big seabass.  

To further elaborate, while one can most definitely catch larger fish on rods with a lesser top end rating, those rods will overly stress those fish because they don't have the backbone to effectively end the fight as quick as possible.  Stressed fish often die from exhaustion and being able to prevent that ensures their survival.  While this isn't or shouldn't be a concern for those fishing for table fare, it plays to the benefit of the catch and release crowd.  This is doubly true when water temperatures are very high as some species do not take to heat as well as others. 

 

As most of us here know, fishing is all about finding the right tool for the job, and having that backbone helps when the target species warrants it.  Some of these larger species also have a penchant for consuming smaller prey which would equate to a smaller lure for the fisherman, having a rod capable of both a light lure rating and the backbone required to land them is the correct way to do it.   The average trout rod with a top end rating of 5g to 7g denotes that it lacks the backbone of say something with a top end in the 10g to 20g range.  Watching the Japanese mountain stream fishermen on YouTube, they are quickly able to land those smaller trout with ease because the rods they are using are well within the requirements to quickly and safely land the target species.  Conversely, those same fishermen that are chasing silvers, cherry salmon, and steelhead will throw those very same baits; minnow lures and spoons, on rods with a higher top end rating for the exact reasons stated above.  

[bulldog1935]

Adding to that, when you get a big fish in shallow water, and you're in a kayak, whether it's a bass on a wide flagstone river bottom, or redfish in the grass, you must have enough rod to stop them from going under the boat.  

 

Their aim is not to go down, but to go 30 yards wide of you on the other side.  

If your rod is too soft and they take it against the hull, the leverage will simply make it explode.  Of course you're guiding the rod around the boat when you can, but a strong fish close to the boat still has a few exploding lunges left in them. 

It's different when you're in deeper open water or even wading - you can wait out a fish using a rod with less butt power.