Buyer's Guide: BFS (Bait Finesse System) Rods, Reels, And Lures For Bait Finesse Fishing!

Bait Finesse is here!! If you're wondering what BFS is for, you aren't alone! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS rods and reels for casting ultralight presentations with casting gear. Then we're looking at some of our favorite baits for catching fish with this ultra finesse technique. If you're not familiar with BFS the concept is very simple. Essentially, anything you've ever done with a spinning rod, can now be done with a bait caster, and with even more precision. Plus, its a lot of fun!

BFS has been around for decades but has exploded into the US Market in the last 2 years. The arrival of the Shimano Curado BFS Reel opened the door for a wave of anglers to experience BFS without paying the astronomical prices previously required with JDM rod and reel imports. If you've ever been curious about this unique way of fishing, we're here to help!

Below you'll find links to all the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite sizes and colors where applicable to make it as easy as possible for you to find the items you want. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES... 

•$100 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/n3AQnmNoUPQ

•$200 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/YqWwjXJtkdo

•$300 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/N-NHeMwI77Q

•$400 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/-H9VEnkSiow

•$500 Rod And Reel Combos: https://youtu.be/cAtbntQHpv4

•Ultra High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/-4aUElWcGxw

BFS REELS... 

•Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

•KastKing Zephyr Bait Finesse: https://bit.ly/3cy03ij

BFS RODS...

•Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Models: 7' Light (700) 6'9" Light Fast (691)

•Shimano Zodias: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Model: 7'2" ML (Medium Light)

•Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Model: 7'2" ML+ (Medium Light+)

•Megabass Destroyer P5: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Z Crank Elseil

•G Loomis IMX Pro Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Model: 864 CBR DF (7'2" MH Deep Flex)

•G Loomis Conquest: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Model: 842C MBR

LINES...

Fluorocarbon– Sunline Super FC (6-8 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Braid– Power Pro Spectra (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

BFS TEXAS RIGGING... 

Weight– Swagger Tungsten Vader 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Rig-N-Hook Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Light Wire Hook– Owner J-Light Size 1/0: https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

DROPSHOT RIGGING... 

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light (Size 4 or 6): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight– Swagger Tungsten (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

NED HEADS... 

Micro– Z Man Micro Finesse Shroomz (1/15th): https://bit.ly/3QDdlw7

Tungsten– Swagger Flanders (1/10th): http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead– Z Man OG (1/32 - 1/16th): https://bit.ly/3nyFyZc

CRANKBAITS...

•Megabass Z-1 Crank: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2

•Rapala Ultralight Crank: https://bit.ly/3qSt14V

Colors: Chrome, Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

MICRO SWIMBAIT...

Bait– Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Bait– Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real, Albino

Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy (1/8 with 1/0): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

TOPWATER... 

•Evergreen Shower Blows 77.7: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Black Bone, Full Metal

•Owner Cultiva Zip N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner, Brown Trout

•Whopper Plopper 60: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Phantom Shad, Monkey Butt, Bone

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown, Yellow Perch

•Megabass Grand Siglett: https://bit.ly/3UMyhn6

Colors: Abura Zemi, Lamune Bug, Skeleton Sirius

NED/TEXAS RIG SOFT BAITS... 

•Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper, Mojito

•Z Man TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

•Zman TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Sprayed Grass, Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

•Zman TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Canada Craw, Houdini, The Deal

NED MICRO FINESSE SOFT BAITS...

•Zman Micro Finesse TRD: https://bit.ly/3d8bmBm

Colors: Coppertreuse, Green Pumpkin, The Deal

•Zman Micro Finesse TicklerZ: https://bit.ly/3BIABob

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Hot Snakes

INLINE SPINNER...

•Blue Fox Inline Spinner: https://bit.ly/3qAVlqb

Colors: Shiner, Shad

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Texas Rig Tricks To Catch More Bass! (BEGINNER And ADVANCED)

Many anglers fail to understand how adaptable the Texas Rig really is. They may give it a few minutes without a bite and move on, never realizing what could have been with some minor changes. Today we're covering the different types of baits we use to fine tune the bite in different situations, ways that we modify the rig, and key baits that out fish all the others when things get tough.

The Texas Rig needs to be a staple in your bass fishing arsenal. From tiny bfs baits to heavy cover flipping, this rig will load the boat every month of the year if you understand how to leverage its fish catching ability. Pay close attention to Matt's favorite baits from each category as he goes in-depth about using this technique. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits shown in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors, as well as the gear we use to fish them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CREATURE BAITS... 

-Zoom Midsize Brush Hog: https://bit.ly/35Wtmst

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Seed, Watermelon Candy

-Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig: http://bit.ly/2s51oIV

Colors: Hematoma, Tramp Stamp, Green Pumpkin

-Netbait 4" Paca Slim: http://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Colors: Black Shadow Flare, Green Pumpkin, Alabama Craw

-Keitech Crazy Flapper 3.6 or 4.4: http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp

Colors: Double Trouble, Green Pumpkin Fire, Green Pumpkin

STICK BAITS...

-Yamamoto Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flk, Green Pumpkin Watermelon Lam, Baby Bass

Sizes: 5" and 6"

CURLY TAIL WORMS... 

-Zoom Ol' Monster: http://bit.ly/2adPtjs

Colors: Junebug, Candy Bug, Junebug Red

-Netbait C-Mac Curly Tail: https://bit.ly/2OxtIzR

Colors: Junebug, Red Bug

-Keitech MadWag 8" Long: https://bit.ly/3dkFMLl

Colors: JuneBug, Blue Fleck

DEAD ACTION/PROFILE BAITS... 

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Colors: Tramp Stamp, Green Pumpkin Red

-Big Bite Baits BFE: https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

Colors: Tilapia, Hematoma, Green Pumpkin

-13 Fishing Ear Tail Invader: https://bit.ly/3vdNznG

Colors: Black and Tan, Cold Cuts, OG Sour

-Big Bite Baits Flying Squirrel: http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT

Colors: Tilapia, Tilapia Magic, Watermelon Red

FINESSE BAITS...

-Zman TRD CrawZ: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: MudBug, Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange

-Zman TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

-Molix Freaky Flex: https://bit.ly/3yfpl0D

Colors: Watermelon Candy, Green Pumpkin

TEXAS RIG WEIGHTS AND PEGS... 

-Swagger Tungsten Vader Worm Weights: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

-Swagger Tungsten Vader Flippin Weights: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

-VMC Sinker Stops: https://bit.ly/38XLQd4

TEXAS RIG HOOKS...

All Around and Big Worm- Gamakatsu Superline EWG: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Light All Around- Gamakatsu EWG Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Punching- Owner HayMaker Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/3Muie8j

Punching- Owner Jungle Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

BFS and Big Worm- Owner Rig-N-Hook: http://bit.ly/2BnniXN

BFS - Owner J Light: https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

FAVORITE PUNCHING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Metanium MGL 150B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

ALL-AROUND TEXAS RIG COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 894C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BAIT FINESSE TEXAS RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TEXAS RIG COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs 

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Super FC 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

4 FINESSE TRICKS To Catch BASS When FISHING is TOUGH!

This year has been tough for a lot of anglers! Increased fishing pressure and intense weather has made it difficult for a lot of us to consistently catch bass. Now isn't the time to give up! Some of the most exciting fishing of the year is just around the corner! If you're struggling to get bit right now, turn to one of these 4 proven techniques to catch more fish. 

When the going gets tough, its time to pick up the finesse rods! Power fishing is our passion so when its time to lighten up and slow down our first move is the finesse swimbait. Fishing these small swimbaits still gives us the feel and the fun of power fishing, but we get way more bites than we do on larger presentations. If the swimbait isn't working, its time to turn to slower bottom contact baits. 

Which one should you try first? This is where you fishing style comes into play. All of these are proven options and you really can't go wrong. If you ask Tim, he's probably reaching for a Neko rig. If you ask Matt, he's probably reaching for a tube. All 3 bottom contact presentations work incredibly well so make sure you've got at least one of them rigged up at all times. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included the baits, the hooks, and our favorite colors for each presentation. We've also included the rod and reel combos we use with each presentation. If you prefer BFS to spinning tackle, we've linked that combo as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

-Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Real, Albino, Purple Haze

Keitech Fat 2.8 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

FINESSE SWIMBAIT HEADS...

Non-Bladed- Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Bladed- Okashira 1/8 oz Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

NEKO RIG...

Bait- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Baby Bass, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Skirted Weight- VMC Neko Skirt: https://bit.ly/2WRNgTM

Hook- Owner Sniper Finesse Neko (1/0): http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

NED RIG BAITS... 

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green pumpkin Goby

-Roboworm 3" Ned: http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: TW Black Blue Pumpkin, Desert Craw

NED RIG HEADS...

Tungsten- Swagger Tungsten Flanders Head: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Owner Block head: http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

FINESSE TUBES...

Bait- Netbait STH 2.5" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors: Dark Melon Purple, Ten Point, Juvenile Goby

Head- Blade Runner Inhaler: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Size: 1/8 oz with 1/0 hook

TIM'S BFS COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" ML+ BFS: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sunline Super FC 8lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

FINESSE TUBE COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'3" Medium: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

ALL-AROUND FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline SX1 16 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET ALL-AROUND FINESSE COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Nasci 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR?? 

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Catching Big Fish On Light Tackle! Tricks Of The Trade!

Targeting big fish with light line is incredible! When the drag is screaming and line is flying off the spool, the excitement is next level! It requires attention to detail, a whole lot of patience, and specialized tackle doesn't hurt, but its worth every second of preparation. Some anglers do it for the challenge, others do it out of necessity. Whether you're fishing smallmouth in the Great Lakes, largemouth in a highland reservoir, or saltwater species on the flats, these tips will help you prepare for your next light line battle!

Matt is targeting smallmouth because they have incredible strength for a freshwater fish. While this is by no means the most challenging fish to target with light tackle (compared to many saltwater species) it is an amazing fight and a very rewarding fish to catch. On this particular day he was faced with 20+ feet of visibility and very skittish fish. Thankfully the wind kicked up which helped offset the post frontal conditions that blew in part way through the day.  

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt was using in today's video. We've also included links to some excellent mid-priced and budget alternatives for battling big fish on light line. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Ned Rig... 

Bait- Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Color: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper

Hook- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 1/10th: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Hair Jig... 

Bait- Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

Small Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Bluegill

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Tube... 

Bait- Big Bite Salt Tube 3.5: https://bit.ly/2D7j6RX

Color: Pumpkin Pepper

Head- Blade Runner 1/8 oz Inhaler 2/0: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Ned Rig/2.8 Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Baby Plugging": https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BFS Casting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Best "Bang For The Buck" Reels... 

High End- Shimano Twin Power 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Mid Range- Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Best "Bang For The Buck" Rods... 

High End- G Loomis NRX+: https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Mid Range- Shimano Expride A: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Budget- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Favorite Braided Lines...

High End- Sufix 131: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Mid Range- Sunline SX1: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

All Around- Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Favorite Leader Materials... 

Heavy Application Fluoro- Sunline FC100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Light Application Fluoro- Sunline Sniper FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Monofilament- Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz