Need bfs rod recommendations

[Jmurphy87]

I just got a alderbarren bfs and need some rod recommendations, I like the sierra ultra finesse but can’t remember what ones have the solid tip. 
 

I want to stay around 7 foot on length and the weight range will be 1/16-1/4, line2-8lb test and mostly use jig heads and plastics and other finesse presentations.

 

price range is very open, thanks again.

[WRB]

Contact Dobyns to determine if they offer Hollow tip models, the Sierra Finesse states solid carbon tip section.

Major Craft has BSF casting models at a similar price point as Dobyns.

Tom 

[Jmurphy87]

48 minutes ago, WRB said:

Contact Dobyns to determine if they offer Hollow tip models, the Sierra Finesse states solid carbon tip section.

Major Craft has BSF casting models at a similar price point as Dobyns.

Tom 

Ok, will do. Thank you for the advice and another option.

[msgf91]

The 1 power is the tubular tip and the 0 is the solid tip 

[FishTank]

Here is what I have been using since I got bit by the BFS bug.....

 

Megabass P5 Criffhanger - soft plastic (stiffer tip than I would like but fun to fish)

 

Megabass P5 Siglett - soft plastic, hair jigs, light trout baits and some topwater

 

Megabass Kasumi Six Eleven - crank baits (great all around rod)

 

Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700C - also great rod (soft but fast tip with a moderate middle, I have caught more fish on this rod than anything else)

 

Kislter Hunt 6'8'' 3X - my favorite so far (loads and casts everything well, can be used with one hand and is more of a true BFS rod, in my opinion, than any of the other rods I have). 

 

I would also lump the G. Loomis NRX+ 802C JWR in there but it is more finesse than BFS.  I use this for small jigs and 1/16oz shaker heads with a 6in Roboworm. 

 

For a 1/16oz bait the Hunt BFS has been great and would be my over all choice. With any of these rods (except the 802C NRX+), I would recommend you buy a good net. You won't be boat flipping a fish or pulling them up on a bank with any of them on a regular basis. 

 

 

 

 

[Jmurphy87]

1 hour ago, msgf91 said:

The 1 power is the tubular tip and the 0 is the solid tip 

Thanks for clarifying that, I couldn’t really remember. I am sure that I will like the reel, I was going to get a stout rod and ended up going bfs. I love finesse fishing though so that explains it.

1 hour ago, FishTank said:

Here is what I have been using since I got bit by the BFS bug.....

 

Megabass P5 Criffhanger - soft plastic (stiffer tip than I would like but fun to fish)

 

Megabass P5 Siglett - soft plastic, hair jigs, light trout baits and some topwater

 

Megabass Kasumi Six Eleven - crank baits (great all around rod)

 

Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700C - also great rod (soft but fast tip with a moderate middle, I have caught more fish on this rod than anything else)

 

Kislter Hunt 6'8'' 3X - my favorite so far (loads and casts everything well, can be used with one hand and is more of a true BFS rod, in my opinion, than any of the other rods I have). 

 

I would also lump the in there G. Loomis NRX+ 802C JWR but it is more finesse than BFS.  I use this for small jigs and 1/16oz shaker heads with a 6in Roboworm. 

 

For a 1/16oz bait the Hunt BFS has been great and would be my over all choice. With any of these rods (except the 802C NRX+), I would recommend you buy a good net. You won't be boat flipping a fish or pulling them up on a bank with any of them on a regular basis. 

 

 

 

 

Very true about the net part, gotta treat the rods with care for sure. This will be my first actual bfs rod, I was using an abu Garcia xenon ML for my last setup with my curado bfs. Although I wanted to step my game up lol, I will check those rods out. Thank you for the recommendations, I appreciate it. I couldn’t resist the alderbarren bfs when I saw it.

[NorcalBassin]

I put a bfs SLX on the Sierra 700 and love the combo. Catching anything on the setup is a good time.

[Jmurphy87]

6 minutes ago, NorcalBassin said:

I put a bfs SLX on the Sierra 700 and love the combo. Catching anything on the setup is a good time.

That one is definitely on my radar, along with the hunt. BFS bait monkey is running off with my wallet lol.

[Derek1]

I have the seirra 691. It’s a fun rod. Only thrown Ned’s and pond magic spinnerbaits with it so far. Catching fish on the small spinnerbaits is a ton of fun. My favorite so far. 

[JN94]

I bought a Kistler KLX 7' ML recently and it's the best bfs rod I've used for how I fish "BFS". I use it for 4-7g lures. The KLX is rated 1/16-3/8. Not sure how it'll do with a true 1/16, I haven't casted that low.

[Jmurphy87]

5 hours ago, Derek1 said:

I have the seirra 691. It’s a fun rod. Only thrown Ned’s and pond magic spinnerbaits with it so far. Catching fish on the small spinnerbaits is a ton of fun. My favorite so far. 

Thanks for the input on the rod, how’s it due with lower, upper end weights of the rating  ? 

5 hours ago, JNorman said:

I bought a Kistler KLX 7' ML recently and it's the best bfs rod I've used for how I fish "BFS". I use it for 4-7g lures. The KLX is rated 1/16-3/8. Not sure how it'll do with a true 1/16, I haven't casted that low.

Thanks for the recommendation and input, yeah I am looking to get below the 1/16 range even some. I know that it kind of eliminates some things but I want to go lighter this time around. I have a couple decent spinning setups that I want to compare it to. I love baitcasters though and bfs so down the rabbit hole I went.

[Bass Rutten]

9 hours ago, JNorman said:

I bought a Kistler KLX 7' ML recently and it's the best bfs rod I've used for how I fish "BFS". I use it for 4-7g lures. The KLX is rated 1/16-3/8. Not sure how it'll do with a true 1/16, I haven't casted that low.

I have the same rod in the helium series, not sure if the tapers are different but it has difficulty loading with 1/16 total weight lures, imo the rating on it should be 1/8-3/8oz. They also make a rod series call light n fast that doesn't get talked about much, it's a power down from the ML and rated 1/16-1/4oz, it's on my short list for my next rod. Link: Light n' Fast Fishing Rod – KISTLER Fishing (kistlerrods.com)

[JN94]

10 minutes ago, Bass Rutten said:

I have the same rod in the helium series, not sure if the tapers are different but it has difficulty loading with 1/16 total weight lures, imo the rating on it should be 1/8-3/8oz. They also make a rod series call light n fast that doesn't get talked about much, it's a power down from the ML and rated 1/16-1/4oz, it's on my short list for my next rod. Link: Light n' Fast Fishing Rod – KISTLER Fishing (kistlerrods.com)

The KLX is a mod fast vs the Helium's fast. I went w/ the KLX specifically for that reason thinking it could load the lighter stuff a bit better. Haven't compared the two side by side tho so not sure how different they are. I do have a different Helium that is a fast action and I'd say it's for sure a different taper than the taper on my KLX

[ghost]

Phenix Classi BFS 7'1" casting rod

[Big Hands]

13 hours ago, ghost said:

Phenix Classic BFS 7'1" casting rod

 

I was going to mention that one since the OP specified around a 7' length. I have the 7'4" version and have been getting along with it quite well. I does have a solid tip, and I have had no issues with it detecting strikes so far, but I have not fished a true BFS rod that didn't have a hollow tip so maybe I don't know what I am missing.

 

My feeling on the 7'4" Classic BFS casting rod: The Phenix Classic BFS works best with relatively light gauge single hooks and treble hook baits that are appropriate with BFS presentations and line sizes. It's rated for up to 10 lbs line, but although I might use 10 lbs braid with a leader, I would not use more that 8 lbs test mono or fluoro for a leader or main line.

 

I have two reels that I use on it:

KastKing Zephyr BFS

Shimano Curado BFS

 

I am currently using the rod with 6 lbs monofilament and it works great for my uses. Tackle Tour tested the 6'8" version and showed the rod weight at 2.9 ounces. I have the 7'4" version, so I imagine the total rod/reel (with the KastKing Zephyr BFS at 5.6 ounces) total combo still has to weigh less than 9 ounces and balances very well with either of the reels I have used it with.

[Jmurphy87]

2 hours ago, Big Hands said:

 

I was going to mention that one since the OP specified around a 7' length. I have the 7'4" version and have been getting along with it quite well. I does have a solid tip, and I have had no issues with it detecting strikes so far, but I have not fished a true BFS rod that didn't have a hollow tip so maybe I don't know what I am missing.

 

My feeling on the 7'4" Classic BFS casting rod: The Phenix Classic BFS works best with relatively light gauge single hooks and treble hook baits that are appropriate with BFS presentations and line sizes. It's rated for up to 10 lbs line, but although I might use 10 lbs braid with a leader, I would not use more that 8 lbs test mono or fluoro for a leader or main line.

 

I have two reels that I use on it:

KastKing Zephyr BFS

Shimano Curado BFS

 

I am currently using the rod with 6 lbs monofilament and it works great for my uses. Tackle Tour tested the 6'8" version and showed the rod weight at 2.9 ounces. I have the 7'4" version, so I imagine the total rod/reel (with the KastKing Zephyr BFS at 5.6 ounces) total combo still has to weigh less than 9 ounces and balances very well with either of the reels I have used it with.

Thanks for the input on the rod, I appreciate it. I bought some 4Lb fluorocarbon when I got the reel, sniper of course. I figured it’s a good middle of the road test, I used 7lb braid in the past but the wind made me hate it. Your line would get blown into trees and was a reel headache unfortunately. I had even used 15lb braid in the past but felt like it defeated the whole purpose, using skill and knowledge is the name of the game for BFS fishing.

[Jmurphy87]

Per @FishTank recommendation here is one of the 3 rods that I ordered, the other 2 haven’t arrived yet. The other 2 are the sierra ultra finesse 701, Kistler hunt 6’6 4X rod.

[FishTank]

43 minutes ago, Jmurphy87 said:

Per @FishTank recommendation here is one of the 3 rods that I ordered, the other 2 haven’t arrived yet. The other 2 are the sierra ultra finesse 701, Kistler hunt 6’6 4X rod.

I hope you like it.  It took me a few outings to get use to the Aldebaren but once I got it dialed in, it has been great.  

 

 

I caught this guy the last time I used it. The same bait is still on there. 

 

[Jmurphy87]

1 hour ago, FishTank said:

I hope you like it.  It took me a few outings to get use to the Aldebaren but once I got it dialed in, it has been great.  

 

 

I caught this guy the last time I used it. The same bait is still on there. 

 

That’s definitely a nice fish. I am pretty sure that I will like it, I haven’t casted it yet but I got the reel spooled up with 4Lb sniper today. My other two rods should be here tomorrow. The other kistler hunt 6’6 x4 and my NRX+ 895c jwr, I have no clue when the dobyns will show up. I got my dobyns directly from dobyns and they have not sent me a shipping confirmation yet, although I have heard that happens sometimes with them. I am definitely going to enjoy my new setups for sure. 
 

Thanks again for the recommendations of rods I really appreciate it.From my experience they seem like they will work good for sure, the x3 and alderbarren balances nicely so that is a plus. I definitely agree that it seems like a true BFS rod, now I just need to catch some fish on it.

[FishTank]

4 minutes ago, Jmurphy87 said:

That’s definitely a nice fish. I am pretty sure that I will like it, I haven’t casted it yet but I got the reel spooled up with 4Lb sniper today. My other two rods should be here tomorrow. The other kistler hunt 6’6 x4 and my NRX+ 895c jwr, I have no clue when the dobyns will show up. I got my dobyns directly from dobyns and they have not sent me a shipping confirmation yet, although I have heard that happens sometimes with them. I am definitely going to enjoy my new setups for sure. 
 

Thanks again for the recommendations of rods I really appreciate it.From my experience they seem like they will work good for sure, the x3 and alderbarren balances nicely so that is a plus. I definitely agree that it seems like a true BFS rod, now I just need to catch some fish on it.

 

I thought about the other Kistler but I picked up a trout rod last month and that kind of fills that hole for me. The 4lb Sniper should be good line. I have been using 5lb.  I am surprised at how well it holds up and how tough it is. 

 

I have a few recommendations for baits to get you started. If you can find these, they have been money for me. The one in the pic above is a Bassday Mononofu in Tennessee Shad.  The hooks are pretty good on these but I would buy extra. You will bend some hooks out.  Next, the Megabass Great Hunting 50 and 70 Flatside, and the Great Hunting Humpback 51S.  Also, the Megabass Baby Pop X, Daiwa Silver Creek Minnow, and the Duo Spearhead Ryuki.  For jigs... the OSP Tugger and Keitech Spin Jig.  For Soft plastic.... dealers choice. I haven't really found anything they won't eat when they want something small. For Crankbaits.... Megabass BFS Griffon, Evergreen Piccolo (might be too heavy for the Kistler), and the Shimano Tiny Macbeth. 

 

On a side note, I have the 895C. It's a beast. It actually may have more power than I need. I have brought back pieces of lips when fishing jigs in shallow water.  I just picked up the 894C. I am going to see if this better suits my fishing. 

[WRB]

I am a Jason Lucas protege who promoted using light tackle for bass fishing. However the BFS imo is going too far. The reels are perfect but UL and Light power casting lack enough force to effectively perform a solid hook set into bass hard mouth tissue. Medium Light fast action casting rod can get it done. Treble hook lures are OK but even the light wire hooks are marginal.

I have been using 8 lb to 10 lb mono line for decades, 4 to 6 lb BFS casting is intriguing but I wouldn’t go with UL or L rods designed for soft tissue trout.

Tom

[Bass Rutten]

Bfs is not just ultralight rods, they can be anywhere from ul to medium powers, don't make me sic the bulldog on you 😉

[Jmurphy87]

53 minutes ago, FishTank said:

 

I thought about the other Kistler but I picked up a trout rod last month and that kind of fills that hole for me. The 4lb Sniper should be good line. I have been using 5lb.  I am surprised at how well it holds up and how tough it is. 

 

I have a few recommendations for baits to get you started. If you can find these, they have been money for me. The one in the pic above is a Bassday Mononofu in Tennessee Shad.  The hooks are pretty good on these but I would buy extra. You will bend some hooks out.  Next, the Megabass Great Hunting 50 and 70 Flatside, and the Great Hunting Humpback 51S.  Also, the Megabass Baby Pop X, Daiwa Silver Creek Minnow, and the Duo Spearhead Ryuki.  For jigs... the OSP Tugger and Keitech Spin Jig.  For Soft plastic.... dealers choice. I haven't really found anything they won't eat when they want something small. For Crankbaits.... Megabass BFS Griffon, Evergreen Piccolo (might be too heavy for the Kistler), and the Shimano Tiny Macbeth. 

 

On a side note, I have the 895C. It's a beast. It actually may have more power than I need. I have brought back pieces of lips when fishing jigs in shallow water.  I just picked up the 894C. I am going to see if this better suits my fishing. 

I will definitely look into those lures, thanks for the suggestions on those. Yeah I have always wondered about the 895 and wanted to try one, I had the money and figured why not lol. I can’t really say that I didn’t feel like I wasn’t in control when I had my 894c JWR, although I never caught anything really big on it largest was 3.5lbs with a swim jig in heavy weeds.

42 minutes ago, WRB said:

I am a Jason Lucas protege who promoted using light tackle for bass fishing. However the BFS imo is going too far. The reels are perfect but UL and Light power casting lack enough force to effectively perform a solid hook set into bass hard mouth tissue. Medium Light fast action casting rod can get it done. Treble hook lures are OK but even the light wire hooks are marginal.

I have been using 8 lb to 10 lb mono line for decades, 4 to 6 lb BFS casting is intriguing but I wouldn’t go with UL or L rods designed for soft tissue trout.

Tom

I am starting off with really thin light gauge jig head hooks with soft plastics, I wouldn’t think that it should be too much of an issue to get penetration. Although if it is I will figure out the best way to offset it and go from there. I am trying fluorocarbon first and that will let me know, braid helps add a little bit more positive hook sets due to it having almost no stretch. The best interest of the fish is definitely the first and foremost concern of mine, if I feel like I am over exerting the fish I will definitely go heavier gear. But I want to form an opinion and experience that only comes from first hand experience dealing with the rods and tackle. You have way more knowledge and experience than me and I respect that and appreciate your opinion and input on the whole BFS thing thank you.