6 BEST BFS REELS in the World I Will Never Get Rid Of - Ultra Finesse Fishing At It's Finest

We take a look at the best BFS reels that I consistently use on my channel to catch huge redfish, flounder, and speckled trout. These 6 reels I highly recommend to anyone looking to get into BFS fishing (bait finesse fishing). Catching big fish on ultra finesse, ultra light tackle takes skill and it's a hell of a lot of fun.
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[@5ENNA]

when i got into bfs 3 years ago...man...it changed me....fighting fish on bfs is so exciting. Started fishing with Bfs for American shad...American shad on bfs was a different animal.. haha... blew my mind.

[@RXAngler]

That's awesome

[@kierstenidzorek6532]

Just as others have mentioned, it does need a dab of oil before you use it kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e - put a few drops in through the convenient screw cap and you are good to go! I have fished several weeks with a couple of these, and I will be getting more in the future. I put these against my Abu Garcia Pro Max reel, and they actually perform a bit better than the Abu with some of my lighter cranks, and definitely just as good with the rest of my lures. My Abu is a bit more low profile and fits my hand better, but these are definitely not bad at all. You can almost get 3 of these for the price of my Pro Max. My only complaint is the thumb bar sits pretty high compared to my traditional profile Abu. Bring that thumb bar down a little and I’m sold on these all day long.

[@gigapus5050]

I love my penn rod and reels they've never let me down from big reds to gars.

[@markjames1294]

Good to hear from you again , i know the weather is crazy but spring is comin early stay safe out there ttyl

[@RXAngler]

Thanks buddy. Weather will get better soon.

[@FishiganMilligan]

Got the Shimano Aldebaran 22 for my channel and it’s killing it! Varivas braid with floro leader 10lb caught me all my reds and trout last trip. Thanks for the tips!

[@philliplawson2932]

My favorite is the Daiwa 22 Silver Creek Air TW Stream Custom!

[@WAEofFishing]

The Alderbaran has been available since before BFS was popular. 2018 it was available. Gold standard for BFS then

[@mogojan1]

In my opinion, Shimano Aldebaran 2016 it's the best bfs reel until now. The most versatile reel ever. 👍

[@Brrr559]

Is it? I got the 2015 Alde lol. Maybe going to the bfs alde too.

[@rogly90]

Hey RX, I am not really a bait cast fisherman but am getting into it more. Been fishing with Stradic mostly but want to know your thoughts on paring the Metainium Shallow with a medium fast 7ft rod. Just order one so and am excited to get it in. My only other casting reel is a calcutta 200b and moving that to another rod.

[@ralphpearson5420]

Hey thanks for your time at the show today. And thanks for the Braid. I’m pretty sure this is the video you recommended and I agree. A lot of valid information for where I am right now in putting my gear together. Just so you can identify me. You and I learned through our conversation that we use the same insurance company for our watches.

[@RXAngler]

Thanks for visiting. It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you do well on your guided trip!

[@ConnersvilleBarber]

I have the kestrel elite from kast king! It’s my first bfs reel and despite what I’ve seen and heard this reel is awesome. I may not be the best fishermen but this reel makes it look a little easier at least! Great video, always love the details

[@pescadordosertao4134]

It's way better than the Curado BFS.

[@Garcia_Familia_Adventures]

Glad you added this video. I’m a huge Daiwa guy, so when you first brought out the Alpas Air, I jumped on it. It’s been sitting in my workshop for over a year, because I can’t find a rod I can test. I would like to order an old 18, but I want to hold it in my hand before I buy. Test it out first. So, in your opinion, what rod is a good pair for the Daiwa Alphas Air TW, for fresh water stripers? Average size 22”-26” schoolies? Throw 1/4oz and less.

[@RXAngler]

Old 18 Suppressor Medium Light

[@dylanmatson3895]

Never knew what bfs fishing was till this week turns out I’ve been doing it for years😅

[@brentwismer5602]

Gday mate, nice video. What are those things you are using as reel stands? That could my storage dilemma no end!

[@hudsone4231]

Shimano calcutta conquest is by far my favorite BFS….. had other expensive reels and now I only reach for the Calcutta…. The best in my opinion and guess who introduced me to it…you :) thanks my man

[@RXAngler]

Good choice! That's a tank of a reel.

[@chaoyang9080]

It is rigid and very smooth.

[@FiciousCritik]

@@RXAngler ... but apparently not one of your favorites. Why is that?

[@alex111683]

You need to check out what the Chinese market has done this last year. Starting with the Soloking Acura how they are able to sell this real under $70 just baffles me. And the newest Haibo Arise Air, right now the best BFS reel for the price (~$120)! That or the pro I'd easily take over the Curado

[@chiefs_way189]

@rx_angler where did you happen to secure those reel stands? Great video by the way and working on some BFS setups. Trying to have one or two to fish here while stationed in Germany. Thanks!

[@RXAngler]

Digitaka

[@herphermits]

How many grams is 1/16 ounce? Is 1-2gram lures on .9kg uni mainline still considered BFS? Ang can i use my Shimano Antares bc reel for bfs?

[@DavidBronstein1961]

How does the DAiwa T wing system handle leaders? Or are you using straight braid?

[@rougaroux2359]

After seeing that you have a couple Shimano reels have you ever looked at the SLX 2021 XG? I know that you fish some saltwater and I doubt that the SLX is rated for saltwater. I am just getting into BFS my rod and reel are going to be at my home the first of this week. I didn’t dive in the deep end just in case BFS doesn’t suit me for some reason. I ordered a Zephyr and a 7 foot Shimano BFS rod. I mainly crappie fish and thought this would be a great way to see if it’s for me. I’m just struggling with paying the price for Varivas line. I found the BFS style of Fishing originally from RAWR. But all of the folks that make content on the subject seem to be great folks such as yourself. Thanks for the content. And because of this video you just gained another sub.

[@TxHCfishing]

What do you think of the slx bfs reel ?

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

Thanks for the video! I love my Diawa gekkabijin air. However, I plan to add the Shimano Aldebaran to my arsenal, with another Old 18 rod. I am not sure if I want to go with the light or medium light rod, as well as what size Varivas to go with it. What is the difference in these two powers of rods in either Suppressor or Bouancy series? These both seem to have the max lure rating of 3/8 oz. Also, I have just made my first purchase of varivas (Varivas 8 in .6 gou), what would you suggest for someone that is casting from shore for the setup, as I am not sure what series of lines would be best.

[@RXAngler]

The Suppressor blank has a little more action versus the Buoyancy blank. I would personally go with the light action with an Aldebaran BFS reel. I like to use the 1.2 guage braided pe x8 braid line. I honestly don’t really care which particular model from Varivas since I feel they are all pretty much on par with each other. I also use the 12 pound fluorocarbon leader from Varivas. Don’t forget to use my discount codes on Old 18 and Varivas to save you some money.

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

​@RX Angler Thanks! I just ordered the light action Bouyancy and the Aldebaran yesterday. The reel had to be ordered from Japan Tackle, as it has not been available at Digitaka in the lefthanded version for a long time. Hopefully everything will arrive quick enough to test on one of the warmer days we are forecasted to have this week.

[@juanpedroza1083]

The Slx bfs with and ultra light rod is hard to beat. I put 6 lb mono and I’m able to cast 1/16 of oz with no problem.

[@RXAngler]

Good stuff. Thanks my man.

[@juanpedroza1083]

@@RXAngler you’re welcome. I wanted to ask you have you tried the scorpion dc 21 ?

[@1300312]

I’m gettin ready to jump in this BFS world and I need some info. I do fresh water fishing….. bass from 1.5 to 5lb. What rod and line do I need? Also, what will be the Bfs reel to get starting….. I kind like the Daiwa alpha air 2020.. I like your videos…. Thank you ..

[@RXAngler]

I highly recommend the Old 18 Suppressor light action or ultra light rod. You can use my discount code RXANGLER20 for 20% off old18.com/collections/suppressor/products/suppressor-70-ultra-light-casting-mod-fast The Daiwa Alphas Air is a great option. Use my discount code G47 from Digitaka.com to save some money.

[@Mistborn94]

Thinking of getting the Aldebaran BFS and using some Flatts buggs lures, but what line would you pair with it? I've got an OLD 18 suppressor

[@RXAngler]

Varivas PE x8 1.2# 12# fluorocarbon leader

[@indymac7]

Will the Abu Garcia Revo MGX, a very lightweight reel. I use two, One with 12 lb fluoro and the other with 10 lb fluoro. I need to familiarize myself with BFS. I started Bass fishing with the ABU 5000C and now have many lightweight bait casters. I have 4 Shimano Chronarch Bantom 100. Is something different needed in a BFS reel not found in the other reels?

[@RXAngler]

BFS reels have a shallow spool and an optimized braking system designed to throw smaller lures. You can buy aftermarket shallow spools (if available) to turn your existing reel into a BFS reel.

[@megaklant67]

I have checked out the gear you recommended and found one common denominator: It's all expensive, bloody expensive so as a regular working stiff I guess I will keep using my UL haspel gear.

[@nathanclute9790]

I wanna be able to throw 6lbflouro and 8 lb braid use 1/16oz and 1/8iz lures and I am gonna buy 2 bfs reel in the future what in your opinion is better curado or 22 alderabaran??i want casting distance

[@RXAngler]

Aldebaran. Use my new discount code for Digitaka G47

[@pmm422]

Col video thanks for sharing, probably should have included the price point as well though.

[@philipfalco7304]

Agree with your choices. What Varivas braid are you using on your GekkaBijin? Looks really sweet. I've been using 8LB. P.P. red on it but I'd like to try Varivas. Thank's

[@RXAngler]

Any of the PEx8 would be fine. I like the 1.2 guage for BFS reels.

[@philipfalco7304]

@@RXAngler Thank's for the info!

[@gigapus5050]

Another trick when it comes to taken care of your reels is wash them with water after you are done got to get that salty goodness out of their especially if you drop it in the salt water.

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

I’m just now looking into BFS gear and looking for a reel. Can I buy a different spool for my Diawa Zillion 1000 and turn it into BFS?? I literally know nothing about BFS so thanks for any help you can provide

[@RXAngler]

Yea you can my aftermarket shallow spools to help cast small lures.

[@geraldkoth654]

I have never understood why the left out the T in Shi Mano. Nice for a few months and then just wear out. Daiwa has always been a good workhorse for me. I picked up a KastKing Kestrel (not the elite) it is very light and casts really well.

[@FishiganMilligan]

Shimano SLX BFS is the best bang for your buck in my opinion. US users will want to find the Curado stateside.

[@RXAngler]

SLX BFS is a good reel for people looking to get into BFS. It’s a solid performer.

[@seeforever77]

Sorry I’m late to this. Really enjoying your videos! Just wondering how the 1.2 gauge line works on the Gekka Bijin. Daiwa recommends .6 gauge for it so I’d like to hear your experiences with the Gekka Bijin and line. Thanks

[@RXAngler]

1.2 gauge is the perfect line for BFS and versatility. It works well with almost all BFS reels.

[@papat3877]

Just can't afford these reels what can you recommend for the budget angler someone who would like to try bfs fishing is there any good reels out there that won't break the bank

[@RXAngler]

Shimano SLX BFS from Digitaka.com Use my discount code “NK5”

[@markraciborski4289]

So, what is an affordable bargin reel? Really don't want to spend a lot on something i probably would use for crappie, blue gills where i can't use my fly rods, shore fishing with bushes and trees behind me. Edit Well, getting no answer, realizing in this lure weight you don't need a $100 plus reel. Picked up for $35 a lefthand Soloking Acura HICC-50, with shallow reel, and a deep one. The shallow reel can go into the 1/16 range, 1/64 is pushing it. The deep reel works for larger species. They use a short shaft now, which reduces the weight of the spool, saltwater bearing SS, replacing one bearing with a brushing, in reel, that was difficult to service. Str8 static magnetic braking, knob controlled, not the hybrid found on the Wolf reel.

[@Cbasschin]

You’re using the aldebaran in saltwater?

[@skippt2]

I'm glad to see that you have to spend $500 minimum to fish bfs. Try running a few budget reels, gka200, dark wolf ultra, dark knight 2, genius, hicc50 reels ... cu double, crone, venom, and mavllos rods, show people that they can spend $100 on a combo and have good gear, not the best, but good gear that performs. Thatyou can get into bfs without being scared of the cost.

[@europeanian4205]

🤢

[@skippt2]

@europeanian4205 you can do that all you want, spending what amounts to half a month's rent on fishing gear to try out something isn't really that useful

[@europeanian4205]

@@skippt2 Spending money on cheap plastic Chinese junk isn't useful either

[@skippt2]

@europeanian4205 catches plenty of fish still. But spending over $750-1000 on a combo is insanity, besides, China builds damn near everything anymore anyways.

[@elchapo4749]

@@skippt2yeah I agree no point in dropping big money on something you might like, get a cheaper setup first and then if you like it upgrade to something nicer

[@stripervince1]

Curado. Haha salt water ready with 8 lbs of drag....I don't think so

[@pescadordosertao4134]

Curado BFS is a ok reel with a terrible drag. It doesn't have a regular stepping up to the maximum theoretical drag. Lost several fishes, for working too tight, because if not in that manner, it will release line when jerking and twitching lures. I love my Kestrel Elite way more.

[@JHang697]

They're all your favorite reels 🤣

[@murphykakeeway]

BFS reels . Hopefully this fad wears out . Dumb Go with spinning reels

[@CharlesMantia]