2021 SHIMANO CURADO BFS CASTING TEST

I finally found a minute to spool up the brand new Shimano Curado BFS reel. Spooled with 8lb Sunline FC Sniper and tested casting the new FTB (Finesse Tune Brake) system using a 1/8oz Jig head with a Jackall 2.8" Rhythm Wave swimbait. Paired the reel with Shimano Expride 7'2" ML BFS Casting rod.
#FishShimano

[@Jaamal1991]

*Bought a 500 for an ultralight rod. It's very smooth **enjoyable.fishing** recommend casts great. One odd thing- the bale wire is a bit heavy diameter in my opinion for a reel of this size. But a great purchase.*

[@pikeknights]

Amazing work. So helpful in so many ways. Thank you and have a great weekend 😇🙌🏻

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

More than welcome bud

[@jacobestabrook2757]

You made this video perfect 100% going to pick this up have been wanting to try out BFS fishing for a while just haven’t decided on a reel now I have thanks for the dope video.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Glad I could help!

[@BRandomFishing]

I just bought one! I cant wait to use it!

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Now THIS is how you do a tutorial! Thank you for taking the time to teach us about the Curado BFS. I learned more from you then anywhere else my research has taken me.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Fargosportsmassage]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors hi can I use this BFS for casting long distance from the beach salt water? Thanks

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@Fargosportsmassage I would not as it only holds 40 yards of 8 lb test

[@Fargosportsmassage]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors thank you

[@jimreilly5770]

Excellent video my friend. I just bought this reel and so far I am really happy. Your information answered a lot of the questions I had. Thank you. I spooled mine up with Sufix 6lb Advance floro and paired it up with a Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 701. Already caught some bass on a 2.8" Keitech (1/8 jig) and ned rig here in Georgia. But I'm most excited to use this setup for finesse topwater - small poppers, size 60 Whopper Plopper, mini buzzbaits, etc...can't wait for Spring, it's gonna be so fun 😆

[@paulmontes4943]

Got mine in the mail today, can't wait to give it a try.

[@TreeDivision]

Where did you buy it at?

[@PaHawgn]

had me sold at exciting drag sound

[@TailDancer_55]

Have both the Shimano Aldebaran and the Diawa Alpha Air TW and both are a pleasure to cast weights down to a gram on ultralight rods. Great for stream trout fishing.

[@lstaples007]

Love shimano... cutting edge... nice review sir!

[@timeintheoutdoors]

Great video you got a new sub. 😀 I have my BFS Curado on pre order for about a month now and can’t wait for it. I’m putting it on a St. Croix Tournaments legend bass Med. Light 6’10” extra fast. I already have my 8# Fluorocarbon Sunline. The main thing I plan on using it for is unweighted plastics and ned rigs. Cheers and tight lines!

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Appreciate the sub. The ML is the right call on the rod for sure with this set up!

[@gabifishing642]

Beautiful video and I was very impressed, I subscribed to your channel

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Just hope they come out with a bfs curado baitcaste rod! Bfs bait finesse system. Rod-reel-bait! A system!

[@dickiehoskins9835]

Sweet I’ll have to get one

[@boscolosport]

very nice review!

[@skeeterboy77]

Funny everyone jumping on the BFS train finally after it’s been 15 years since the Daiwa Pixy.. Glad to see Shimano come out with a budget UL reel.. 😎

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

I agree to bring it down in price point as Shimano has several BFS models in Japan. Nice that everyone can try without breaking the bank... Kind of like what they did with DC. There actually is an SLX BFS in Japan if I'm not mistaken..... I just don't know what the interest will be in the North American market since most are power fishing and wouldn't dream of flipping with 8lb Fluoro.

[@skeeterboy77]

The US BFS market has exploded in the last 4 years or so for sure.. quality UL reels that shimano and Daiwa have will hopefully spark it to the next level.. I trout fish, crappie, bass, white bass, Gill fish with UL setups and they are a blast..

[@LVSWRKINGATNITE]

For all the people that are just now getting into BFS and this reel is their first experience with it, I can't help but think about all of the great BFS gear through the years that they missed out on and all of the great BFS rods and reels that I have unfortunately sold to fund other BFS combos. 😂

[@BFSJEDI]

If you really want to see it’s performance try it on UL casting rod , preferably a solid tip stick casting 1/32-1/4 and 4lb fc. You’ll be amazed at it capabilities, though I wouldn’t recommend it chasing bass with those weights but for river and small stream trout it’s hard to beat .

[@tokboknyachannel]

Nice setup...

[@DiamondHead2010]

Nicely done video, explanation and editing 👍 Going to check your channel for more

[@semfishingborneo]

Finally I found this video I buy last night 👍👍

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Nice

[@fishingwiththeks]

Nice very helpful. Guess I gotta spend some more money.

[@danielmcnish6555]

Best review & thorough. I go with Vanford series 1000 for Ned & light plugs & 2500/worm rigging as it's hard to beat the Vanford lightweight on Super finesse hookups. In my opinion & I do love the technology of this BFS , but unless one is throwing for accuracy with real small plugs I really don't see it's purpose. & I don't fish with those real small plugs enough to justify $190.00 for 1 application versus paying $225.00 for a Vanford/or Shimano MGL or $200 Diawa SV TW that can handle more applications, versatility, line, & power. Bfs still 6.2 oz. Versus Vanford spinning at 4.8oz. 1000 series & 5.3oz. 2000/2500 series an bottom fishing I prefer spinning Super finesse for hookup efficiency. Great video.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

I'm very curious to spool it up with 5lb Power Pro to see line capacity and handling. I just like fluoro or mono for reaction baits so going to have to adjust rods. I can't argue your thoughts on the Vanford. I have the 1000 and 2000 and use them a lot!

[@danielmcnish6555]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors yes sir.

[@patrickdevereaux4735]

Great Review as always....Direct and full of facts vs fluff. Thank you. Can you provide some commentary on how this reel performs for light lures in Comparison to the Shimano Curado MGL 70K ? They are both recently releases...so I could guess they both serve a different niche ? Thank you so much.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

The drag is much much lighter ok the BFS. It is a true finesse reel. The MGL 70 can flip and pitch with the best of them. bFS cannot

[@Benjamin-S]

General tips for BFS casting: Don’t use any spool tension. It kills your casting distance with the super light stuff. You want the spool to have some side to side play.

[@twiggsherman3641]

General tip for any baitcaster with centrifugal brakes. Side to side play, brakes on the bare minimum that doesn't cause a blowup immediately. Send it to the moon. The DCs and Daiwas with their Magforce brakes don't play nice with this approach, but that's why I refuse to use them.

[@Benjamin-S]

@@twiggsherman3641 I fish all my baitcasters, including my Curado DC and all of my Daiwas with side to side play. I assume you too thumb the spool a lot during the cast, because that's how you cast far. I actually love my Daiwas with minimal braking and some side to side play. My Alphas CT SV for an example, is probably the best casting baitcaster (on setting 5 out of 20) together with the Steez CT SV TW and the Millionaire CT SV, I've used. The DC brakes aren't my favorite brakes, but they cast like any other magnetic brakes. I seem to prefer magnetic over centrifugal brakes though, because they just fit my style of casting so much better than any other braking system.

[@vire559]

That's different from my setup. I use tighten the tension knob until about a hair from play side to side

[@JTOutdoors934]

Yes finally I found a video of the curado bfs cast testing

[@Plee92]

Been waiting too just saw now

[@neilbedard9558]

Does it not bite into itself?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@neilbedard9558 the fluoro did not bite into itself. I have yet to test it with braid

[@antoniodelrosario1755]

@@neilbedard9558 what does this mean?

[@neilbedard9558]

@@antoniodelrosario1755 line bite? When the line on the spool slides in between the lower spooled line and locks into itself.

[@Swimbait_fishing]

FTB braking has been around for Atleast 5 years.

[@BradleyJohnHunt]

we are more likely to be using 3-6lb fluoro casting 1/16-1/4 total, weight plus lure. 8lb is a bit much for bfs personally.

[@BackTheBlu]

I like using 8lb braid

[@MT2PORTUGALIAOfDeath]

Hello, i have a little question , i have put 150yd of braid 8x (J braid 8x daiwa) 0.6mm, on mine shimano bfs xg, it's good or too small? For lures with 5g and 7.5cm thank you !

[@user-mi4sk4wu1y]

สวยมากๆครับ

[@GreenMeanie101]

I use a aldebaran to cast that size and I get to have a lot more line on my reel.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Agreed but BFS is really designed for a lot lighter baits than I was using. That's where it really shines but Aldebaran with it's MGL spool does a great job with light baits!

[@mattstringer4966]

What do you think about putting an aldebaran on a meduim lite

[@andreadubaldo9166]

Great video! Really well done. Let me ask: is Curado BFS capable of pitching unweigted soft baits?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Absolutely.... The biggest draw back will be it's line capacity.

[@sugabwjkzno]

can upgrade bearing spool with hybrid ceramic abec7 ?

[@yvanmtl2]

goog vid. Does a Megabass 110+1 Jr. (0.30 oz) is too heavy to cast with this reel ? or maybe perfect ?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

That's a lot of weight for this set up. The BFS reels were designed for 5/16oz and under for the most part.

[@asaoppenheimer6944]

Im not native english speaker.... please explain... have i correctly understood that ftb in curado bfs newer and better than in scorpion bfs?b

[@robbiejones5676]

Hi JP. For the spool tension, do we adjust it like DC reels wherein there is no side to side play? Im just confused because I see people online saying just adjust it like a DC reel

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

I adjusted mine like I do a regular casting reel. Slight tension on the spool.

[@antoneyrizzato5880]

Hi, i want to use on it a braid 0,08. How many ft i can put on it in your opinion? You can try with the braid? Thank you

[@JMFishing]

Interesting design. Ill stick to spinning reels for light baits.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

It's tough to be today's spinning reels but I like this as an option!

[@vladimir-dadonov]

Great work. How about small minnow, Lucky Craft Pointer 65ps

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Yup, micro hard baits and even super light weight wood cranks

[@imyou7314]

Wish the spool was a little bit bigger

[@gatorbait022]

Good afternoon sir. CA Richardson pointed you out to me for all the up to date gear info. He let me know that you are the gear master. I missed talking to you at icast, you were very busy. I would like for you to teach me how to fill the BDS with braid. The spool is so shallow and I'm not quite sure how to put 8lbs power pro straight to the spool without a filler. The spool is to shallow for a few turns of mono to get the braid to seat. What is your recommendation?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

You can do it by tying an arbour knot direct to the spool and by adding a small piece of tape over the knot. I run 8Lb super 8 slick on mine with no issues. The reel holds over 100 yards of it! Just make sure to put tape over the knot to stop it from slipping.

[@falkholze5037]

Great video, did you throw all 8 magnets in, or did you remove the 2 magnets in the video?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

They were all left in

[@harveybeardsworth282]

hiya mate great video, will the curado be okay for fishing weedless (carolina texa) rig for perch here in the UK

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

It's (Curado BFS) really designed for ultralight applications... for anything around weeds and texas rigging I would use the Curado 70MGL... you'll be much happier with the increased drag performance and still can cast light baits and lures thanks to the MGL spool

[@harveybeardsworth282]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors Yes I know, but I wont be fishing around weeds as ill be fishing in winter for specimen perch, its just a weedless fluke set up on carolina rig does well, ill be using a 3g bullet weight with a 70mm fluke which is very small so can I use the Curado bfs from 2g to the 8g range?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@harveybeardsworth282 You can of course use the BFS but you are giving up line capacity and drag. If you are fishing fine wire hooks, micro cranks and baits, the BFS will be perfect.

[@LVSWRKINGATNITE]

At 4:05, that is incorrect information. The lighter weight your lure is, the more braking you need. Also, if you really want to have fun with that reel, don't be afraid to ditch the ML and go get yourself one of Shimano Japan's L Powered BFS sticks and don't be afraid to drop down to 7 pound line if you're not fishing around much cover and don't be afraid to go up to 10 pound line if you're fishing around cover. Also, if all you're fishing for is largemouth and smallmouth bass, you don't need as much line as they say you do. Measure out about 110 feet of line and go with that.

[@antoniodelrosario1755]

Where do you bought it?

[@MountainManThan]

Great video! Have you used an aldebaran or scorpion? If so, how do they stack up?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

I have not bud. This was my first experience with a BFS reel and I am honestly blown away

[@vire559]

Aldebaran BFS cast 1/16oz bait better than Scorpion BFS

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@vire559 some of the BFS versions have a lighter spool. 7grams versus 9 grams. That would affect the lighter casting performance

[@bassafarian1457]

I got 3 aldebaran bfs. love em.

[@FreedomFishing]

Got a feeling they used the 'N' for locating purposes, and chose the 'N' because maybe they used Neodymium magnets.

[@Plee92]

Do u think it can handle even lighter lures? Maybe trout magnet

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

The way it casted the 1/8 positive it could handle lighter baits, just not sure how light

[@fatcake7889]

Trout magnet would be a stretch. The SLX BFS can cast trout magnets, but doesn't perform that well compared to other reels in the space. This reel (if anything like the SLX BFS) is more of an in-between "finesse to versatile finesse".

[@nenadnedovic9246]

Is it salt safe

[@rhyserucker7656]

Does this make the cool sound the Curado DC does?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

No Digital whine on this one!

[@fatcake7889]

@JP DeRose 1/8 oz weight? 8lb fluoro? powerbomb casting style? 100 ft casting distance? There are several differences between BFS and light weight bass fishing. This demonstration is NOT BFS.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

This demonstration was me testing the FTB system as I have never used a magnetic braking system from Shimano. VBS and SVS Infinity are the only two I have ever casted. I wanted to see how effective the braking system was and I was shocked how well it worked.

[@-MAX813-]

What are you talking about this is 100% bfs, which was originally designed to cast heavier line (8-10lb) than spinning gear could accommodate for bass. The trout and ultra light stuff developed later.

[@fatcake7889]

@Bass Rutten I think you missed the point. Even @JP DeRose replied back clarifying that the powerbombing 100 ft casts was to test the limits. BFS is an elegant solution to the problem of targeting heavily pressured fish in tight cover. I'll help explain: "Powerbomb" casting isn't synonymous with BFS. Accuracy and control with light weight lures in tight cover is typically what one would seek when moving to BFS. A BFS's purist range would be around 1-7 grams. Why? Almost any decent casting reel (150-200size) or spinning reel (2000/3000size) could handle 10+ grams paired with a 7ft M or ML rod. "Light bass fishing" -Powerbomb -100 ft cast -Open water presentation -1/8oz jig head + 2.8 in plastic (10+grams total) VS "BFS" -Typically targeting heavily pressured fish -Accurate / controlled presentation -20-50 ft casts -Tight cover -1-7 grams 100ft bombing casts of 10+ grams is just regular "light weight" bass fishing using a BFS reel's top end range in both lure weight and line capacity. Similar to overlanding with an Acura NSX for example. It can be done, but not the intended purpose.

[@sathiasts1763]

This reel can use saltwater fishing?

[@leepao6302]

No mainly for fresh water only

[@phengvue999]

So is it the scorpion bfs rename?

[@fatcake7889]

This should be mechanically the same as an SLX BFS, but with 2 extra bearings.

[@emmpak]

The Curado BFS is very good,but the Daiwa Alphas Air is just better for lures 3grams and under.

[@Jose-xo1de]

It’s also 120$+ more

[@M.Redsky]

would you ever use braid on this unit?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

I am.going to spool one up with 5lb Power Pro. I think it's a great way to get the line capacity you need for bigger fish.

[@bkbaitsal4389]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors use 20# braid, it's equivalent to 6# fluoro.

[@joekuhl3500]

Awesome vid! Where did you get the rod?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Bought it a couple years ago before the BFS reel was available here in North America. There are a few retailers selling them now, Zodias and Curado rod both have a BFS option as well. With new Expride released may be tough to find until they ship.

[@mmmbass6068]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors any idea when Shimano will bring out a proper BFS rod? Say, like the Dobyns?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

@@mmmbass6068 new models are being added to 3 lineups I believe.

[@joeanderson418]

Is this reel good for 1/16oz?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Absolutely! That’s what it was designed for

[@areallydepressedfish5201]

Been using BFS since 2017 and can't go back to using spinning gear

[@yoloomis]

How does it compare to my 2020 Conquest bfs?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Different frame all together but I can't honestly compare the two as I have never used the Conquest.

[@yoloomis]

Thank You for taking the time to respond, I hope that you do get your hands on it. I have the conquest dc as well but there’s hardly anything in the english language that talks about them. And thank you for your time

[@Swimbait_fishing]

There is no 2020 conquest bfs. There is a 2017 conquest bfs and a 2020 conquest DC.

[@davidv8229]

So basically if you cast out and have a large fish hit on the drop you literally have no line left if that fish wants to run on you with 7lb line. You have little chance to fight it if it wants to take line when it realizes it's hooked.

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

That's why I would use 5 or 8 lb Power Pro. The reel will probably hold over 100 yards of both.

[@gvidasgi2480]

Yeah if you want to use fluorocarbon 5LB is go to, other than that braid, For example, that spool can hold 150 yards of #0.6 PE braid 12lb (0.12mm dia) American market braid holding strenght is way above its rating so it is a bit thick but 5lb power-pro should hold decent enough amount.

[@leepao6302]

Bfs is not meant for everyone, if you’re looking for line capacity just stick to spinning setup

[@phengvue999]

They should of put micro gears.

[@vire559]

A lot of people forget that the majority of cast with 1/16 oz is no more than 25 feet, so if a Big Bass hit the lure it wont spool your line like a Tuna unless Amazonia Fish hit which is a different story.

[@_Lt__Dan_]

Where can I find this rod?!

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

The Expride BFS is tough to get due to demand but I would check with local retailers or online.

[@kauaifishing1365]

JDM tackle Heaven you can get Zodias and Expride bfs rods

[@_Lt__Dan_]

@@kauaifishing1365 Thank you!

[@mikedeguzman1]

40 yards spool?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Yes, it is a BFS (Bait Finesse System) reel made for a very specific style of fishing

[@mizie5512]

Can use this reel on SW?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

There's nothing to stop the use but I'm not sure what application a reel with suck low line capacity would thrive in when saltwater fishing

[@vire559]

@@JPDeRoseOutdoors Horse Mackerel and Rock fish near jetty or small mangrove fish

[@jnorman975]

When removing magnets, do you have to take out both of them labeled "N"? Or can you just remove one at a time?

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

One at a time is fine

[@bt.1116]

How much 💕💕

[@leopan723]

I think this is the same as Alsebaran BFS

[@Robot_Chris]

it would be closer to the scorpion because the curado and scorpion are essentially the same model

[@MegaBassreaper]

Unless the drag is smooth. I don't see any benefit this will give me. 😳😳

[@chaycequintana1928]

40 yards thats it?! Fuck that lol

[@JPDeRoseOutdoors]

Good thing there are 4 other Curados with more line capacity! 😂