23 Conquest BFS / Phenix Classic BFS Review: BFS Fishing for Bass and How-To Catch MONSTER Bluegill

In this video, 23 Conquest BFS / Phenix Classic BFS Review: BFS Fishing for Bass and How-To Catch MONSTER Bluegill, Hobie-Wan Kenobi field tests the Conquest BFS and Phenix Classic BFS casting finesse lures for bass, bluegill and a surprise catch!
Link to Conquest BFS:
www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/2/CALCUTTA+CONQUEST+BFS
Digitaka Discount Code: K63
Casting finesse lures with the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS is free yet controlled. There is plenty of control in the wind and the braking allows for pitching micro jigs with minimal adjustments to the braking system.
The drag got a real workout with these big bluegill. The drag peeled out smooth and started without any stuttering. The clicking drag sound is helpful to know how much line the fish takes out.
The only real downside is that the spool is set pretty deep in the frame of the reel. This makes it difficult to access the spool when setting the hook or...backlashing.
Comparing the 2023 Conquest BFS to the 2017 version, almost every aspect I would consider an upgrade. The gears being Micro Module aluminum can arguably be a downgrade but, I feel these gears will keep their smoothness for a long time compared to older Shimano aluminum Micro Module gears.
I will be comparing the Conquest BFS to many other BFS reels such as the Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW, Silver Creek AIR TW and Curado BFS.
Be sure to check out my future field testing of the Shimano Conquest BFS and also, a future TackleTour write-up!
8.9 gear ratio
13/1 bearings
7oz (195gr)
Micro Module gears
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Phenix Classic BFS 7'1" Specs:
BFS-C 71
7′1″
1 Piece
4-10 lb
3/32 - 1/4 oz (2.65 - 7gr)
Fuji Alconite guides
The Phenix Classic BFS has really impressed me so far. The taper/power really stands out to me for catching beefy panfish and medium sized bass. I will need to catch a few bigger bass to really test the upper end of the rod. I have caught a walleye and a few decent pike with the rod but, they were in open water.
Sensitivity is very good for a $200. Detecting bites was very easy, even on slack line. The power is a great balance to get a good hookset and be able to cushion the fight.
Future video will compare the Phenix Classic BFS, Dobyns Sierra Series 700c and the Cashion Icon 7ft Light BFS rods.
FROM PHENIX:
The anticipation and long wait are finally over. From the industry’s #1 ultra light rod manufacturer comes the Phenix “Classic BFS” rod series! Bait Finesse System (BFS) is a Japanese form of light line; light lure fishing for heavily pressured fisheries. The Classic BFS is built on a proprietary 36T Toray Carbon Fiber blank with a solid Carbon Tip section. This, combined with the Extra Fast action, leads to the most sensitive BFS rods on the market. Utilizing Fuji Micro Guides with Alconite inserts, a proprietary complete contact reel seat on the casting versions, and a Fuji VSS reel seat on the spinning versions, with quality Portuguese Cork grips, lends to a very JDM look and feel. Casting light lures from 3/32-1/4oz, or .88-7.39 grams on a 4-10lb line, has never been easier with the backbone to pull in larger-sized fish. Whether it’s trophy bass or trout, in heavily pressured waters where light line and small lures are necessary for success, go armed for battle with a Classic BFS rod.

[@losangelesbfs]

*fixed* i love this style of bfs fishing, for whatever bites, not just trout (even though bfs started off for trout). your best video yet!!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching. BFS origins are cloudy but, regardless where it started, it's here now and tons of fun!

[@meyercamden]

Fantastic video, great gear, fish, education. Thanks for sharing.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad it was worth the watch for you!!!

[@alansarpy]

Just Got this exact set up! awesome set up!!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I love this rod for panfish. Probably my favorite rod for bigger bluegill.

[@zutzun8230]

Dude love your channel. Just discovered it. Ive been a bfs fan since it caught wind.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks. I see the winds of BFS going from a cool, balmy lilac breeze to a whiff of hot garbage every so often. I am glad you are enjoying BFS fishing and the channel

[@Twangtown7]

Gorgeous gill.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I love the variety of colors they have. Makes each fish unique

[@chuckvinson1]

I wet wade for smallmouth on several different rivers in Maryland and Virginia. I just got the Phenix BFS 7'1" rod and paired it with the Shimano Curado BFS. I'm running 8# Maxima Chameleon monofilament. I grabbed the rod and reel after watching your reviews. Thanks bruh.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

How has that setup been treating you? Glad the videos have been helpful

[@chuckvinson1]

@@HobieWanKenobi , I like it so far. I really can’t get a lot of distance on my 1/8oz lures. I got the Roro spool in the mail today. I’m going to see if that helps. I can cast 3/16 and 1/4oz plugs a mile.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Did the Roro spools help?

[@lesalbjerg5648]

I always learn from your videos. I prefer 4 pound test line for panfish. My preference is a good copolymer line vs floro or mono.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

For straight up panfish, I would go lighter than the 7lb I am running in this video. Open water, I like the thinner line for better jig control

[@kurtschlager695]

Nice review! You would love the Daiwa Presso 62ML-B. 2 - 7 gram. It was an extra fast rod that was great for finesse jigs. This was much lighter than a bass BFS rod. Sold it to someone that was big into crappie fishing. They definitely found the correct rod.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have the new Presso AGS. I have the 6ft L BFS model. Definitely way lighter than one would think because it's an Area style trout rod.

[@GAM3BR3DR3AP3R]

What do you mean by area trout style?

[@vladd5291]

Thanks for the review! Are you planning to try that 3g Roro magnesium spool for this?

[@MrRednexus]

Paired my conquest bfs with a 7'0 Dobyns ultra finesse rod. I can get 15-20 yards on 1/16, but 1/32? 6-10 yards max. I feel that the rod won't load as much. Spooled 4lb fluorocarbon

[@catchemdinks]

The technology in the 2023CQbfs is top tier. Even comparing to the 22alde, the brakes and tension is much more refined.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I know it's a great reel so far. Going to be hard to keep it on one rod 😂

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

I thought the brakes and spool were identical, just like the gears?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@logicalrationalfishing7481 I didn't weigh the spools but, they are compatible.

[@catchemdinks]

@LogicalRationalFishing , 23cq has a slightly longer spool shaft and a slightly wider spool.

[@philipfalco7304]

Great video Hobie! I would like to see you fish for Trout with the new Conquest. And Daiwa has the 23' ss Air out now. That looks interesting too. Tight lines bud.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have a video fishing for trout with the Conquest BFS. I will be doing more in the future.

[@philipfalco7304]

@@HobieWanKenobi Cool! Always appreciate your video's. I have the 17' Conquest and fish it for Trout. I was just wondering if the 23' is worth blowing another $400.00 on. I mostly use spinner and spoons. I'm not too familiar with the minnow baits you use just yet.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

If you feel the 17 casts the lures you need, probably not worth the upgrade. If you feel your casts kinda hang in the air or, you have issues with slack line either working lures or setting the hook, the XG speed may help a little

[@philipfalco7304]

@@HobieWanKenobi It's just been the slow speed for me. When you make a long cast you go down from 27' per turn to like 20' (Too slow). That's the primary reason I was looking at the new XG. It's a bummer that they lowered the handle length. I kinda like the bigger handle on the 17'. I already had to buy a 90mm Handle for my Met. Shallow Edition. Most of Shimano's reg and HG models come with 84mm. That's not a deal breaker because it makes the overall package feel smaller but on my Bass tackle bait caster's, I prefer 90mm or bigger. I remember spending $100 back 20yrs. ago for a bigger handle for my 02' Calais 100A. Best casting reel I ever owned with the Chronarch D7 a close second. Thank's for the help. I might wait until your review on the SS Air when you get it. I know you will!😀

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@philipfalco7304 The spool diameter is smaller on the new Conquest so, the speed increase is there but, not as much as the ratio difference itself would imply.

[@spudwashington3880]

Between the bluegills and that walleye , you coulda had a nice little fish fry there

[@HobieWanKenobi]

HAHAHA...true. I think enough people already do that around me so, I may as well keep the population going as best as I can.

[@b.l4365]

Strange. My buddy was just telling me about this Phenix classics rod. Might consider it. 7’4 ☝🏼

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It is a pretty versatile rod. Can do bass, trout, walleye and panfish.

[@b.l4365]

@@HobieWanKenobi I might just get it. Unsure of what reel tho. I already have a Phenix M1 paired with my Aldebaran. Man that thing is so damn light. Never want to go back to anything over 1 lb 😅

[@EddieLindsay681]

I just purchased that rod to put my 23 Conquest on, already have the reel just waiting on the rod to show up.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It's a solid rod. Has been awesome for big panfish. I need to get into some bigger bass with it to test it in a way most people will use it. Plenty sensitive and taper is great for my fishing.

[@phatpakbaits]

So I always have my hand lightly on the spool when setting the hook but what I do is keep the drag locked down as hard as possible to make sure that hook penetrates on the set , than I will play the fish my thumbing the spool. The drag on the shimano slx although the drag is better than a bait caster, I can’t rely on it like a spinning reel. It’s just not the same .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I don't like messing with my drag settings during a fight, especially at the beginning where the fish could be by cover. The SLX BFS drag is okay. Not bad but, not great either.

[@FiciousCritik]

I have my 17 paired with an NRX+ 802C; perfect combo for 4" wacky Senkos. Short 6'8" rod = more accurate casting.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That's mostly true. I still prefer longer rods most time. Get more taper out of them.

[@FiciousCritik]

@@HobieWanKenobi Shorter rod is for _accurate placement_ of wacky worm to the target. As stated prior, _"... perfect combo for 4" wacky Senkos."_ (3.5" Yamatanuki also) Wacky is typically a vertical presentation; distance is not a factor. I use a 7'10 spinning rod for distance and/or strong wind, I prefer my Suppressor but it won't cast as far.

[@PrestonMartin]

The technique difference in how we use gear is always interesting. I never put my thumb on the spool when setting the hook or fighting fish. My preference is to run a little tighter on the drag for the hookset, then spin the star if I hook a good fish and need to loosen the drag. I can see where that reel would have issues if you use your thumb.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thumbing the spool allows me to get the hooksets then let the drag do its thing. I just tightened my drag slightly and I'm fine with the Conquest now.

[@PrestonMartin]

@@HobieWanKenobi Totally get it and not saying it's wrong or anything.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I know. I like learning from other people too. Pick up a lot of little things that aren't so apparent that really help.

[@xDx0xUxGx]

How well would this rod work for bfs crankbaits?

[@Bigfoot120]

Told myself ehhh not gonna get this rod, walked into the local fishing store to get line... they had this rod and I bought it... hahaha this rod is way better than the dobyns bfs rod for sure

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I prefer it to the Dobyns but, not in all aspects. Future video going over each rod coming soon!

[@arnemueller2112]

Very entertaining and big blue gills indeed! If I want to cast 3 gram (or less) hardbaits for trout in a small stream….which characteristics should the rod have? (graphite or glass? More moderate or rather fast action?, length?, lure rating min. to max?) Any suggestions?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you. For casting 3gr or less, I prefer fiberglass or a more moderate graphite. Having a rod that loads well with 3gr is going to be essential. If you have to force load the rod, your cast will be wild when attempting short distances.

[@DrinkWetPoopFishing]

fishing tech - drones that can scan water for fish, estimate size and species, send your mapping software coordinates to the fish. once you are there your boat will send under water drones to find the fish and give you a visual in HD. BTW i dont have forward facing and the only reason i would ever want one is to find crappies. I am neutral as far as using it for tournaments, but I am curious where pro-forward facing anglers will draw the line witih using tech, because I'm sure all the tech above already exists, they are just not cost effective yet.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Interesting thoughts. Hunting in most areas do not allow the use of drones. There are trail cameras and such that are being made illegal in a growing number of states. Drone tech would have to somehow be able to effectively scan for fish. They are in water and cold blooded so, thermal won't work. I think there will always be traditionalist and also those who will exploit every resource they can to catch fish. Only tournaments will put the true limits to tech in fishing (at least tourneys). Fishing companies also have a pretty big stake in influential fishing media outlets so, that may impact the line of ethics and profit. Hopefully it doesn't get that far.

[@sujithmohandas2415]

hey what are your thoughts about felt washer drags vs carbontex type washers with regards to BFS fishing in general.. which do you think is better (versatile) for general purpose fishing. if you could do a detailed video , would be super helpful. thanks, love your channel and content.. cheers

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I mostly use whatever drag washer come with the reel 😂. Carbontex washers are pretty nice. I feel if doing really finesse UL work, a spinning reel drag will perform better. Most of my BFS fishing does not require that level of drag performance

[@sujithmohandas2415]

Thanks for the quick reply..I have just started bfs fishing here in India for small snakeheads, predatory carp ( Mahseer), catfish and hunting every little hunter out there by the sea as well. I have a Yamaga Blanks Blue Current 3 69/b and a 22 Shimano Aldebaran BFS as my primary setup. You should try these rods.. there's 5'3" model, that would do awesome for your trout game

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You are not the first person to suggest Yamaga Blanks to me. I will look into those rods.

[@seeforever77]

My main panfish bfs jig rod just got filled with 4# Tatsu.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

4lb fluorocarbon is my favorite panfish line. What rod/reel are you using?

[@user-mz6lt1rp5q]

looking at Phenix Classic BFS 6`8' and the Dobyns 701 6`9".Which rod would be better I generally toss small crankbait and small jerk baits

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Without knowing the exact size, I would say the Classic BFS. The Dobyns has a little stiffer tip that may help if twitching aggressive or, ripping through weeds

[@user-jh9gh5jm9o]

1~3g 지그헤드를 캐스팅 하기 위해 23con 이랑 gekkabijin 어느게 더 좋습니까? 캐스팅 성능이 어떤게 뛰어난지 궁금합니다 좋은 영상 감사합니다 😊

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Gekkabijin AIR TW is going to do slightly better for long casting.

[@travisleanna157]

Great stuff, thank you. I have a Curado BFS reel that I have on a Dobyns 700c. The very tip broke on that and am contemplating using their return policy, or use this as an excuse to try the Phenix. What would be your preference for bass with that reel in large, slow rivers and lakes? Thanks!

[@travisleanna157]

I should add that my very low end is 2 grams and will go up to a 5-6 gram ned rig.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd go with the Dobyns 701c if Dobyns would let you. Has a normal tubular tip instead of the solid tip. The Phenix is a good rod.

[@travisleanna157]

Interesting. In your other comments you tend to gravitate towards the Phenix being a little better, but, in your words, "not in all aspects." I'll be really interested in that upcoming comparison video! I was also forced to buy an Aldebaran 22 off Digitaka because of your awful recommendations of that reel😂.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

There rarely is a rod that is better than another in all aspects.

[@Smolikrv]

Beteween Ald22 bfs and cc23bfs - what are the max rig weights for the reels? Is the cc23 stronger?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Both reels have the same capabilities for casting and such. The Conquest BFS will feel slightly smoother under load due to the frame and bearings.

[@marcobrown9237]

Trying to decide between the new Phenix BFS and megabass siglett. Can you provide us with the weight of your Phenix BFS 7.1?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Overall weight on my scale is 3oz

[@victorsimonsen921]

why do you use a snap to attach your jig? thanks for sharing.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I planned to switch lures frequently for testing. I ended up just keeping with the jig after catching a couple nice bluegill.

[@MrLarrypad]

Those bluegill would have ended up in my livewell.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Let the go, let them grow 😂. But seriously, bluegill population can get stunted by taking the big ones. Once the small ones are able to breed, game over.

[@MrLarrypad]

@@HobieWanKenobi I remember seeing something about that

[@stldavid]

So I see you have various BFS setups. If you only had to take one as a cover all BFS setup, which one would it be and why? I have a couple BFS setups that are different from yours.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This setup in the video is quite versatile. I wouldn't use it for stream fishing but, in a lake, you saw it handles quite the variety. The rod is more important than the reel

[@lexm0]

Do you any insight to the Daiwa Tatula 70 SV? Im looking at buying the 6' 8" Phenix Classic BFS rod and want to pair it with the Tatula. Do you think the Tatula could handle the rods weight range or wouls there be a different reel that would be better suited?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think the 70 could at the upper range for sure. I'd go with a BFS reel to get the full experience with the rod. I love the Classic BFS for its versatility and having a reel to cast panfish/lighter baits as well as bass baits is key for me.

[@lexm0]

@@HobieWanKenobi I gotcha. I assume the new Aldebaran BFS would probably get the job done?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. It's one of my favorite reels too 😊

[@lucasdement5629]

I am using the 701 Dobyns with a Curado BFS and 7lb floro but I have massive issues casting down to the 3 gram range. Does the conquest do a better job braking than the curado or is it a skill issue?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. The Curado BFS is more of a "bass" BFS reel for me. It cast a little heavier lures great. It doesnt do light lure too well.

[@Tylerv19]

Thinking of getting the phenix classic 6'8 or Dobyns sierra ultra 6'5 for smaller rivers. What do you think would be the best choice. Targeting smallmouth and trout. Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

What size fish are they? The Phenix is a little softer than the Dobyns.

[@Tylerv19]

@Hobie-Wan Kenobi the smallmouth get up around 13 in and the brown trout about the same.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Phenix if going that route of a longer rod.

[@Tylerv19]

Thanks for the help! Love your videos. They have been super helpful and are incredibly informative.

[@guitarplayer2393]

Do you prefer the Phenix Classic BFS over the Dobyns Sierra 701C for single hook bfs applications?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You will find out in a future video. What type of single hooks you talking about? Texas rigs, exposed jigs?

[@guitarplayer2393]

@@HobieWanKenobi I use both Texas rigged worms/flukes along with micro jigs. I have a Dobyns 701C that I like, but considering buying a Phenix

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@guitarplayer2393 The Phenix is a little lighter in power than the 701c. More info in a future video. Don't want to spoil it 😂

[@lulumink0]

Which gear ratio should you go with for trout? HG or XG? What's your take on that?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like faster ratios to be able to pick up slack line, especially if the trout come zipping toward you in the current.

[@lulumink0]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks man. Enjoy your channel a lot. I'd like to see you just fish for a whole video once :)

[@stephenroth72]

Gotta spend more on a reel to avoid that thumbar issue. 😁

[@HobieWanKenobi]

😂😂😂 it's such a minor thing

[@user-xd7lh9dw2b]

Can I expect longer distance than aldebaran 22 bfs?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

About the same distance.

[@GAM3BR3DR3AP3R]

Is that net length fixed, can’t it be adjusted to any length?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It can go to like 10ft

[@AndrewWrightDO]

How does it compare to the aldebaran? Why would you choose one vs the other?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Conquest BFS brakes are a little more controlled but, similar casting. Aldebaran is lighter and Conquest is slightly smoother.

[@AndrewWrightDO]

@@HobieWanKenobi separate topic but do you think a new Steez air is worth keeping for $175? Also have gekkobijan, silver creek stream custom.

[@kellychew2755]

how many meters can conquest bfs put for 7lb florocarbon?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

About 50-55m

[@yep.fishing]

Bro what net is that? I'm all about that iridescent

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It's the Jackson Super Trickster net. The handle extends crazy far too.

[@yep.fishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi cheers

[@spudwashington3880]

Idk what that jig is , it’s nice catch multi species like that . Anyone know what type of jig that is . Where to get it?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think I was using the Jackson Igaraba Jig in this video. It is one of my favorite do-all micro jigs.

[@spudwashington3880]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks I appreciate the info man

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem

[@Peter-cj2ml]

Hobie do you know exact weight of this rod ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have it in my first video with the rod. I think it was 3oz

[@timleng4404]

Go with Old 18 Bouancy 7’ or 7’6” ML titanium guides(3.8oz). You will love it. Phenix’s guides are junk.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I haven't had issues with guides. Time will tell I suppose

[@bronzeback29]

​@timleng4404 what's wrong with phenix guides? Fuji alconite are proven