Best BFS Rod: On The Water

[@23640631]

@ Is Aliexpress delivery service very slow?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It can be. Usually 3-6 weeks to the USA.

[@mr.munsey9322]

I have the same rod. Oh jeahh it's the tool to catch bass and trout. 🙋‍♂️

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Really fun rod for sure.

[@bosshawg_4083]

What’s the difference from KTF AND AVAIL? Or same thing?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

There is a difference. Both spools are an upgrade from the stock spool. The KTF spool is a little more controlled than the Avail 16ALD15 spool. The Avail spool casts lighter baits better. I prefer the Avail spool for the what I use the reel for.

[@bosshawg_4083]

Hobie-Wan Kenobi I own the aldebaran 16 bfs hg, I’ve never seen the KTF option on hedgehog studios 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I got my KTF spool from the KTF site.

[@jamieparnell8160]

Just ordered the rod and reel 😬👍🏻 thanks for all your info 👍🏻👍🏻🎣🎣

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Sweet. Its a great stream trout setup. I got an Avail 16ALD15 spool in mine now.

[@kellypeterson5771]

Is the Avail 16ald15r spool just a simple pull out/drop in spool switch?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Pretty much. You have to buy a set of magnets. The magnets simply get placed on top of the exisiting magnets.

[@kellypeterson5771]

So the solid spool is lighter than my stock slotted spool? How do you know what magnets to buy?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yeah. The Avail spool is much lighter than the stock spool. Here is a link to the magnets: www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/3927

[@kellypeterson5771]

Thanks for the link. I see the spool can be purchase there, too. Any special tools needed to make this switch? Also please be aware that I have absolutely no familiarity with bait casting reels, let alone BFS. Is there a video of how to do the switch?

[@kellypeterson5771]

Am used to fishing panfish and trout with ultralight spinning gear. I use Shimano Soare C14+ 500s reels with 2# line and lots of 1/32 and 1/64 oz stuff usually tipped with some sort of plastic but rarely any longer than an inch. Also am going to use small plugs for quite awhile this year to see how they work and want to use BFS because of the control of cast with the thumb. But BFS or any bait casting reel is really foreign to me.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This is a sick BFS rod...AND ONLY 70 BUCKS SHIPPED!!!! I was more excited to get this rod on the water than the G Loomis Conquest!!! More footage to come!!!

[@BearzG]

How about the kuying Teton

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That's also a solid performer for the money. I was looking for a short rod to cast the lightest lures. This rod is perfect. The Teton, ive read, is an awesome rod. I went out on a ledge to try this one...and im glad i did.

[@BearzG]

Hobie-Wan Kenobi nice. Im debating on investing in a low end budget bfs combo for kicks and im just trying to find a rod to do so.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Best budget way is to get DIY BFS spool from AliExpress that fits a reel you have. The rods on there seem good as well. Id ssy you would be styling for less than 100 bucks, with bearings

[@BearzG]

Hobie-Wan Kenobi i have a chronarch ci4 damaged spool but tuned for finesse. Would it make sense to get a shallow spool for that reel. I own the ltx ltz elite aurora for bfs. And i just have 2 reels sitting here. Tatula type r tuned stock spool and the chronarch. Is it worth the upgrade on a diy spool will it make a difference with the micro air bearings i have it installed? Kattobi air bearings is what i am using on my bfs. Sorry for the ramble response.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem on the ramble. I do it too. I had a Tatula with a DIY spool. Solid performer for the BFS stuff. It isn't going to cast micro lures but, will cast 1/8oz and up with ease. Can go lower with bearings but, for the price, you can't get a better BFS reel.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

Have you ever used the Tsurinoya Proflex 2??? I am trying to decide if I need it (6'3"UL) or if it is too light??? BCSG says the faster tip helps, but I just cannot decide. Already asked a few times on the forums, most tell me to get a Major Craft but they are always sold out.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Never used the Proflex. Really depends on what size lures you will be using and the type as well. Also, really depends on line and the water/cover. If you use a light braid, it will make the rod act faster than it is rated. The St Croix Legend Elite I built (7ft Light Fast) was better with FC than braid, especially with cranks. I hope you find a better answer. When I buy a rod, I always have a backup plan in case it is too soft or too fast.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

@@HobieWanKenobi It's all good, think you replied to me a few times on the forums concerning this too... I went ahead and ordered it about a week ago, with a DIY Aliexpress Honeycomb spool for my Zillion SV TW too. Thinking it might need Hedgehog Air BFS bearings too. Going to try 8lb Sufix 832 first.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Hope it works out for you.

[@2musiclover534]

Is this rod entirely solid carbon fiber or is only the tip end solid carbon fiber? Thanks. Don't see that in their description. Thanks.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The rod is a 2 piece that beaks apart right above the ree seat. The entire rod is solid carbon.

[@fishontexas935]

Where to find the spool?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Here is the link: www.karil.co.jp/online_shop/sys/catalogue.cgi?me=detail&ma=&mp=KTF-FS-16ALDE-P This is a newer generation. Mine is ported and was listed at 5.8g I believe. The new generation is listed at 6.1g

[@fishontexas935]

thx

[@nikolaidedk]

Hi, thx for the nice video. Planning to buy this rod. I was just wondering, do you think the rod could handle a #2 or even a #3 Mepps like the Aglia (inline spinner) They are between 5-7g. I guess casting would be manageable. I am just concerned about the action of the lure, since it generates quite a resistance under water. Greetings from Germany

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Nikolai Ziener I would think that 7 grams would be a little too heavy for this rod, especially with the spinner pulling at the rod. There is a longer version available, I believe it is 5'6" long. I am uploading a video using this rod and reel for trout. You will be able to see how much bend the trout put on the rod.

[@nikolaidedk]

Hobie-Wan Kenobi thanks for the quick reply and assessment. Looking forward to your video. Trout is also the species I am targeting with this kind of rod. Your are correct there is also a 5‘6“. But since it has the same ratings and especially the tip diameter is the same (1,0mm) as the 4’2“ I figured the power will be the same, too. Couldn’t find any other short trout rods on AliExpress which are rated above 1/4oz. Some L rod with a 1/2 rating would be nice tough. Best

[@nikolaidedk]

Just to give a quick reply... Got the rod and fished it for a couple of days now, round about 30h fishing time. The casting weight is set correctly. Sweetspot is around 3-5g. Great rod for Spoons and small low action hardbaits as the duo spearhead 45S. Even jerking those little minnows is possible with and against the current. Also working small stickbaits like the chubby pencil is a dream. If you don’t need a long castingrange and the typical backbone of a bassrod but moreover are looking for a rod with a parabolic action + making precision casts in narrow surroundings it’s the perfect rod. What really amazed me was the sensitivity of this rod. Through the last years I have fished rods up to the 700 dollar range but none of these rods where as sensitive as this little stick. Don’t know how they do it :)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Its one of my favorite rods. Pure joy to fish with.

[@patrickpalepoi9088]

Clean setup. Imagine catching a 5lb on that setup. Lol

[@HobieWanKenobi]

One of my friends doubtso the rod handling a 10 brookie!!!

[@steezyfishing]

Is this fox river, in Illinois?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Nope. Dead River in Michigan