BFS Academy Fishing Line Guide: How to Choose Line for BFS Fishing

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Save 10% at VARIVAS America using code HOBIEWANFISHING. Can be combined with other promotions including the $10 New Customer Credit. www.varivas.fishing/shop/

[@boikman]

Definitely gonna bookmark this so I can show it to others, great breakdown of line types. This video and your other 2 on glass vs carbon rods and sinking/suspending/floating minnows are like a mini-bible on BFS haha.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Awesome, thank you! Yeah, learning about BFS is much better than hyping casting trout magnets

[@arnemueller2112]

@@HobieWanKenobi Indeed 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@arnemueller2112 Thanks for the affirmation Arne.

[@FlavorfulGaming]

​@@HobieWanKenobithank you. I've been seeing everywhere "braid is the only line to use" or "mono cam crush ur spool" finally someone having positive things to say about mono and honestly I'm not convinced there's a huge difference in mono to floro at a premium level in bfs poundage.

[@chriscasterbassmaster]

Finally a video that recommends line type

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I focus on what matters to the angler, not spammy click bait with 😱 emojis and a big letdown of hype.

[@tomeuk_tn9566]

0:39 my fav lure: Smith D compact 45

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You should check out the Meteora 45 from Jackson. Compact profile and has nice action on the fall, twitching and also when reeling.

[@jimmyjimmy4916]

This is extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theolovaj4844]

You are the truth. Continue your content sir.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Being compared to Paul Pierce is oddly satisfying...even though is is vastly overrated as a basketball player.

[@EddieLindsay681]

I’m a braid guy for the most part, usually an 8 strand that’s around .12-14mm diameter. Have used 5lb Sunline Sniper fluoro for cranking because I don’t use glass rods.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have used that Sunline cranking line in 12lb and 8lb. I really like it.

[@arnemueller2112]

Excellent differentiation! I agree on anything you mentioned. Personally, I always almost use braid/fluoro leader, just because braid is the most stress free to cast. I basically never use straight fluoro. You have to break significantly more (as you said) which reduces distance and you have to be far more concentrated. One backlash with a decent kink in the line is enough risk losing a fish respectively a lure. Maybe you should have mentioned to go with 4 stranded braid. 8 strand braid is sometimes too soft and sticks to the spool, especially when wet. Great video Hobie, thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I do like a 4 strand braid. Casts nice on baitcasting reels and also cuts though vegetation better than 8x braid.

[@mmmbass6068]

Agree i go 4 strand - braid that is too soft/limp it’s more of a pain in the arse. And the price difference for no benefit

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Price difference could matter for spinning reels but, that's about it.

[@boikman]

I personally haven't ever had an issue using 8-strand braid! I use 4 strand a lot too, for cutting through grass better, but I find that the smoothness of 8-strand makes casting nice, and I specifically use 8x because Double Cross PE is 8x and its a PE/Ester blend so it sinks which is really handy with sinking trout minnows, and thats 80% of my trout box. Never seen 8x stick to my spool though, I'm interested to see if the 16x Gosen I've been looking at would do that.

[@arnemueller2112]

@@boikman I think it depends on the supplier/type….I used suffix nanobraid which was a really bad idea. I switched to 4 strand and never changed since as there is no advantage using 8 strand imo

[@michaelmcgee5454]

Great video. I think I will give braid a shot with my new fiberglass bfs trout rod. I rally felt there was not enough connection to lure with monofilament. When it comes to panfish, I like the Varivas Area Trout series of lines. The ES2 Lemoni Esther line is especially suited to detecting the lightest bites on the rig I use to throw micro jigs to crappie and bluegill.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Give the Baitfinesse X4 or, if you are feeling enthusiastic enough, Double Cross 8x out. I got a code HOBIEWANFISHING for 10% off on VARIVAS. Bait Finesse Empire is having a sale on VARIVAS and Jackson products for the 4th of July too.

[@captainrylenaviation29]

Great Video. If you use spinning gear try the polyEster line. Hard to control if you are new but once you get the hang of you will love it. very sensitive line too. I use it in my spinning with a 2 lbs flouro leader.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I use it for ice fishing. Repels water like mono but, fishes like braid. Trout Magnet Man uses ester a lot.

[@donniefoster7713]

Sniping braid I’ve found is really great for bfs reels

[@davidohlert4754]

Ive been pike fishing quite a bit this year with my 22 Shimano aldebaron bfs on a legit desin wild side 6'4" bfs rod and man it is fun. I swear by that ygk upgrade x8 braided line its better than all the varivas lines I have used of course when pike fishing I use a 30lb daiwa j floro leader. But the ygk upgrade line is siff and soft at the same time and is super smooth casts forever really durable and dosnt break with the right knot. I use the 1 go while bass/pike fishing and .8 for trout crappie and other more finesse applications. I dont feel like lossing any distance or freedom with the .8 ygk it handles great with Mind boggling strength

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Pike are fun on BFS...as long as the line is out of the pikes mouth 😂.

[@L0st-n0found]

You are using 16 and 22lb test line with bfs for crappie, bass and pike?? That seems insane? I would think the absolute max you'd want would be 8lb. I wouldn't use more than 4-6lb while ul fishing targeting biggest pike at least in North America. though I'd be using some very thin titanium alloy or steel bite leader of 6-12 or maybe 18 inches crimped myself.

[@sparhawk7774]

Really enjoy your vids. I just ordered a Conquest BFS from Digitaka and planning on pairing it with the Phenix 7’1” Classic. I’m going to use this setup for bass and panfish in lakes. What line would you recommend? Thank you.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have been using VARIVAS Baitfinesse X4 PE 0.6goh on that exact setup for a while. Versatile and still has enough give for crappie

[@letufamily]

how you tie the leader? How long? Didn’t effect when you throw it? Special with bait casting reels.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I usually use the Alberto Knot. Simple to tie and works great. The knots are so small with these thin lines, does not affect casting much.

[@ifishcatfish]

here is a question for you: do u believe the difference in sensitivity can be large enough so that you can detect a bit with one line and not detect it with another?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Braid, definitely. FC and nylon, isn't as noticable but, I can feel the difference. Sometimes, it doesn't matter the difference as the fish either bite hard or the short amount of line for close fishing. Same for rods. Some people swear to get the most sensitive rod but, as long as the rod is sensitive enough to feel bottom or bites...does it matter?

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Good information, thanks for sharing 🍺 🎣

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching Shane!!! One of the first subscribers.

[@ShaneJMcNair]

@@HobieWanKenobi I'm not sure how long I have been a SUB, guessing about 6 years maybe longer? That's when I was researching Baitcasters and found you. 🍺🎣

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@ShaneJMcNair About 5 years or so. Either way, an OG sub

[@letufamily]

Great help, for me 😁 thank you 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Happy to help! Glad to be able to help you out. Thanks for watching

[@bicalijd_pierfishing9652]

I don't do bass fishing I love Pier fishing and my the fishing line I use is monofilament and fluorocarbon line and I resntly started using braided fishing line my favorite is braid line with fluorocarbon

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for sharing! Braid to leader is a popular option.

[@bicalijd_pierfishing9652]

@@HobieWanKenobi your very welcome my friend 👍🏼

[@AndrewWrightDO]

What knot do you use for connecting braid to leader? Do you use the same for bass and trout?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Albright most times. Same knot

[@progradepainting3755]

I just got started in bfs, and I’ve had a lot of problems running straight mono. It just backlashes constantly, it’s real pain. I put some 8lb braid to mono leader, and it seems to perform better. Maybe I just don’t have it tuned properly, I don’t know.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Gentle casting will help a lot with mono. Hard casting can lead to frequent backlashes

[@progradepainting3755]

@@HobieWanKenobi maybe that’s the problem. I’m running 6lb mono, and it just wants to fall off these bfs reels.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@progradepainting3755 It isn't the line, just try to keep a softer casting motion. Brakes on BFS reels aren't as strong as a "normal" reel

[@vire559]

I prefer FC over braid for BFS because i am lazy to tie leader also less backlash

[@HobieWanKenobi]

FC is a great choice for lake fishing for me. Dramatically reduces line issues with finesse bass lures than spinning reels are known for.

[@josephcollins872]

I just got a Fishband GH 100 what line # and rod do you recommend?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Really depends on what type of fishing you will do and the rod. Braided line is popular because it is versatile and easy to cast with

[@travisleanna157]

Do you have any tips on braid in regards to dig-in or something similar? I'm totally fine using straight fluoro, but whenever I try braid on a baitcaster, regardless of line size, the braid seems to stick to itself when casting. It's probably some degree of dig-in, but I get way more backlashing with braid. It's why I switched to fluoro. I tried to slowly pull off the line to see what was happening during a cast and it appeared like it was just sticking, instead of being more deeply dug in. Many people say it's because the braid is too thin, but there's all that line with a small Gou number. Has to work for some people, right? If I launch heavy jigs it's not a problem, but really light stuff is a problem.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

If using really thin braid with deeper spools, the line and lightly dig into itself, mostly affecting light lure casting. Normally, people wouldn't use less than 30lb braid on a "normal" bait casting reel.

[@donniefoster7713]

I like the 10lb braid on my bfs reels my bfs rod is ultralight so it gives enough so braid is what I like plus it has 4lb dia so my bfs reels hold more line

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Braid is pretty common for BFS reels.

[@roberts.2413]

thanks for sharing, good video

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching! Glad to be able to help you out.

[@Sedona-Faise]

What's your position on mono warping spools?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It can happen. I haven't had it happen to me. I use only a tiny amount of pressure when spooling and never over 50m of line. Don't horse fish or rip on snags and you will be fine.

[@MT2PORTUGALIAOfDeath]

Hello, i have a little question , i have a shimano curado bfs xg and 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 !

[@HobieWanKenobi]

10lb (or very close) braid is as light as I go on BFS gear.

[@LoganWolf1984]

What specific leader material do you use? And what pound would you use for 0.8 PE? Thanks ... good stuff by the way.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I use mono and fluorocarbon for leader material. Mostly use FC for panfish, bass and abrasive areas. Mono is usually used for stream fishing to give me some stretch and shock absorption. For 0.8 PE, 4-8lb leader should be fine. Depends on your fishing conditions.

[@suktubsara]

Great video...

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks. I figured it would be a good way to help a few people navigate through all these BFS reels nowadays.

[@jso275]

Thanks for this Video, Shared some great info. Would you recommend Varivas Blue moon Fluorocarbon for throwing cranks and soft plastics?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would choose a lighter VARIVAS MG as my choice for those lures.

[@blicky308]

What are your thoughts on bfs modding ming yang round baitcasters ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I personally am not a fan of round reels. I think anything people do you progress and challenge the boundaries of BFS is positive for the fishing community.

[@dustinward3058]

Im using my bfs setup for casting for crappie. Do you think I would be better off using a braid with leader or a good fc?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Depends on the rod you are using. Braid casts nice but, the cushion needed for crappie is more important. you dont need to cast super far if you are fishing deep wood. I just got back from a trip where I couldnt do anything to prevent ripping hooks with braid. I was fishing 25' standing timber

[@dontdoxmebro1780]

What lure connection knots do you use on bfs UL gewr

[@HobieWanKenobi]

To the lure, I usually use an improved clinch. Simple and will break before my leader knot most times. That saves me time on the water.

[@PhilDelhagen]

I have just started using trout magnet 6 lb for bass.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It works. You might be able to get a little more out of using a slightly bigger lure in order to be able to cast a little better. Fighting a 6lb bass with UL gear seems tiresome for the fish.

[@gobybryant1001]

I keep going back to braid. I just can not get used to the stretch.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

If you use a softer rod, not a big deal with braid. I have lost many fish shaking close to me with braid than with any other line, especially with finesse cranks.

[@Mavejar520]

What knot do you used for .6 pe to flouro?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Albright knot

[@jeffreylenz7314]

I tried the varivas max power PE x8 0.6 on my alphas air tw ,breaks way too easily. Ended up going with power pro super slick v2 problem solved

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Baitfinesse x4 PE been fine for me. Was it on the cast or on the hookset it was breaking?

[@jeffreylenz7314]

@@HobieWanKenobi on the cast both times

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@jeffreylenz7314 I find using a leader helps reduce that with any brand braided line.

[@josharansky]

I’m a little confused about what you’re saying about fluorocarbon’s place is in BFS stream and river fishing. Are you saying it doesn’t have the best characteristics for those conditions? How would fluorocarbon compare to something like Varivas Twitch Master?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The advantages of fluorocarbon over mono aren't as prevalent enough in stream fishing to warrant the price increase and also the less friendly handling. Twitch Master does have less stretch feeling than other mono lines I have used. Mono stretch (even Twitch Master) is more like a rubber band vs FC is kinda like stretching taffy in an odd sense.

[@josharansky]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you!

[@josharansky]

@@HobieWanKenobi I’ve been using a Tenryu Rayz 5’4 with 6lb fluro and I sense that I’ve lost fish because of the rods action combined with FC

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Could be a little stiff. Mono can help the fish get the lure in its mouth better for a better hookup.

[@mojondro]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks bro for the information, I can differ with you but i still like and love you're channel and still think you're awesome

[@WadeOntheLure]

What knot do you use for braid to flouro leader?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Usually the Alberto Knot.

[@DrCarbomb]

@@HobieWanKenobi any reason not to use the fg? Does it struggle to bind with the lighter weight lines?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@DrCarbomb It is pretty difficult to tie. I haven't tried much to master it

[@DrCarbomb]

@Hobie-Wan Kenobi kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIG3q56bpZ6roqs This did wonders for me. I like how low profile it is

[@magicworldbyjorg]

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@magicworldbyjorg]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thank you very mutch... have a nice Start of the week.... see you…

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You as well!!

[@TimHaunFishing]

So I just got into bfs fishing targeting specifically bass in lakes. I have a Shimano SLX BFS, A Tatula 100 w/ a chameleon DIY spool and ceramic bearings, and an Ifishband Hyper Micro. The one thing they all have in common is I cannot for the life of me seem to get braided line dialed in. I have tried 3 different 10lbs lines now. I fish primarily 3/16 to 1/4oz lures and I have casted off at least a half dozen lures now. It doesn't even seem like I'm backlashing, the line just catches and snaps. I tried 20lbs for a day and it got a bit better but still happened twice. I use fluorocarbon on the same reels with any rod with the same lures, issue gone. I've tried this with 6, 8 and 10lbs Fluoro. Any ideas?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Using a long (3-4ft) mono leader will help with the random breakoffs. As far as casting, braid casts really nice and 10lb is not too thin for shallow BFS spools. Try using a moderate casting force and see how it goes. I find that force casting BFS reels for distance usually ends with a backlash or, a lure flying into orbit. Set the cast control to have hardly any side to side movement to the spool.

[@bradw1808]

Here's my novice advice but I'm learning myself. I've come up with a procedure when I'm trying to get a good cast. First I tighten the spool just enough to stop it from moving side to side, then depending on the lure (usually light for me) I'll turn the breaks up to almost max already knowing the lure is going to go to the left. I then reduce the breaks untill I'm getting on point. Now if I'm not getting the distance but I'm in line, I then losen the spool and increase the breaks slightly, and then repeat if necessary. Again I'm new but It's what im finding works for me. Don't forget to put your thumb over the spool before the lure hits the water as it might be fairly free to get the settings you need.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Good advice Brad. People cast different and what works for one person may be different for another.

[@bradw1808]

@@HobieWanKenobi , thanks for putting out content. With out these videos I would not be anywhere near understanding bfs fishing. I appreciate it.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem. Glad to put out content that helps people learn BFS fishing.

[@Anglermania1010]

I like videos fren

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you for watching.

[@Jus10worsT]

We need at least 4 videos out of you a week!! Get on it 🫡 lol

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I wish 🤣. I do plan to upload more frequently. I could blast off hype content like many others to meet your demand but, I have something called respect for my audience 🤣

[@Jus10worsT]

@@HobieWanKenobi your just a pleasure to watch my man keep doing you and I’ll keep watching 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks man, I appreciate it 👊

[@ernestovarela3416]

What knot do you use for tying pe to fluro?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Albright knot