BFS Fishing, Everything You Need To Know To Get Started!

[@justinkayce9811]

I live here in Japan. Most that can't afford to throw down ¥9 man+ on a reel and just buy a BF and change the spool and bearings and or modify the brakes. The hobby here goes way past the gear and actual fishing. The modifying and maintenance is just as much if not moreso enjoyed as much as the fishing itself. My friend Kouji will spend hours dissecting and oiling his 20+ year old reel in camp after a day on the water, It's like he's a sniper cleaning a rifle, thus our nickname for him "the marksman". It even goes into their preference for handmade lures. They have conventions equivalent to gun shows in America. It's quite insane and on another lvl. When they delve into a hobby here it's borderline obsessive. The mountainous and foliage dense streams here are quite ridiculous and require precise accuracy over distance, thus all the recent rave. Overall however, I am most impressed by the beauty, simplicity, and elegance of their casting techniques. They make it look so damn easy. It's like they're almost fly fishing with a damn baitcast, and they're doing it while in thick bush. It's more like hunting than fishing. And its not about tge size of catch so much as the qty. Kouji has a quota of 10 per day. Long and far have I elvolved from throwing some stinkbait on a Zebco in my backyard pond or my first bass catch in Lake Cumberland, this stuff is just different.

[@cccollarncuffs]

Thanks!

[@realonegamingakalogestick2755]

Any suggestions u would recommend to watch on how to modify a regular bf

[@alilo-da9153]

I replied to your comment in another reply section so you may not see it but I realize now this is your main comment haha. It was a long response, so i wont copy it, but I just wanted to say thank you greatly and deeply for explaining this and taking the time to comment. You have enriched my understanding of this hobby/sport, to which im very new (just started this summer at 29 years old). Thank you, from some dude in FL

[@robbiejones5676]

Hi man! Just ordered Curado BFS and Curado BFS Rod from your website. I cant wait to try it

[@leegarside]

One of the best bfs fishing guides I have ever seen!! You guy ROCK!!!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man! 👊

[@lawsiesteve1649]

I lived in Japan 2.5 hrs west of Sapporo back in 1992. The gear we used back then was very reminiscent of todays BFS. Yamame & Trout were a lot of fun. Every house had a big salmon or large fish mounted on the living room wall. Love the show. Good to see Japanese gear getting the recognition.

[@mcdrmtt]

The DoLive Stick 3" on a Size #2 EWG hook rigged "backwards" like a Fat IKA is AMAZING at catching bass of all sizes. It's my go-to for BFS.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for the idea!

[@mcdrmtt]

@@thehookuptackle_usa kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGiuh6qnZriWrqM (2m 20s)

[@jesseaguilar6895]

Great video love how you don’t sugar coat anything

[@boogiekush9391]

I love that you added you thought it was dumb , most people don't have the self awareness to realize that they might have been a lil wrong 🙌🏾 love the content and definitely gonna get into bfs , been thinking about it and the more I randomly fish my ultralight rod the more I fall in love with finesse fishing

[@_Lt__Dan_]

Imagine Bassmaster do a BFS only tournament. Would be awesome to see.

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

Would be hard to judge what tackle is considered BFS. You could get a cheap Rhino rod that was UL, dropshot with a 3/8 and probably catch huge fish easy. Distinguishing the tackle would be the hardest part, but cool idea.

[@TheAwesomeFugi]

@@logicalrationalfishing7481 bfs mainly refers to ultra light bait casting combos, not that complicated. Nothing bigger than basically 1/4

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

@@TheAwesomeFugi Thanks for the lesson, but I have a good bit of BFS tackle, I just meant different people call different tackle BFS. The Shimano Expride ML BFS rods for example are by no means a true BFS and actually function for weights over 1/4 fine...

[@tntsrv]

line class and lure weight would have to be the determining factor.

[@lakiraly]

Nice explanation of what BFS fishing is. I agree with Ray C's comment regarding no longer having to use just UL spinning reels and rods or the UL fly rods and reels.

[@chris-pm5oy]

Lol welcome to crappie fishing u bass boys, yall finally learned

[@vire559]

Caught a like 2lb Mangrove Jack on my BFS 4lb line and 2" grub. Very exciting fight, this fish has a sharp teeth and lots of stamina.

[@FreshwaterMI]

One of the first tackle shops I grew up going to when I lived in az and was apart of the junior/high school bass nation tournaments!!super cool to see the shop maken vids and stumbling upon this content!! Robo worm drop shoting on 6lb test was definitely my first introduction into BFS bass fishing! 🎣 super fun times

[@AverageCitizen333]

Im getting into bfs because i love UL fishing, and i love baitcasters. Its just a way for me to up the difficulty while keeping my fishing locations the same. In my area we have a ton of small creeks with lots of fish in them. Fishing gets a lot more fun when you stop worrying about catching only big fish. Just catch fish!

[@Roboworm99]

Glad it’s finally being more readily available and I don’t need to use just UL spinning rods and #2 test

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

But you could use that... 👍

[@Roboworm99]

@@thehookuptackle_usa oh of course and it’s fun either way

[@Roboworm99]

@@thehookuptackle_usa makes me want to get a rod with the old pistol grip

[@lexingtonlad5745]

I recently turned my light spinning rod upside down and put a baitcasting reel on it. Great fun.

[@jameshazen2907]

This is something we’ve done for decades in north Florida. We just did it with automatic reels ie diawa goldcast zebco omega. It’s ultralight fishing. A lot of fun.

[@CookingandFishing]

The Owner/Cultiva inline singles (along with Decoy #00 - #1 rings) are perfect for BFS hard baits.

[@The_Multi-species_Angler]

Does this mean more lures more reels and rods? Will you be taking special request? And the zebro 33 was my go to bfs for crappie lol

[@fantomphoenix6170]

I’m over here trying to find videos to fall asleep to, and all I got was a feeling that my wallet is absolutely screwed. My favorite bait so far is the Z-Man flash back mini. Recently got bit off by a 3 1/2 -4ft pike though...

[@z.833]

Also, "power finesse"(i know it sounds weird) is becoming popular in Japan as well. It is a spinning rod system using a heavier line and a XH rod. With this setup, ultra finesse jigs (1/16oz or lighter) and neko rigs are used for fishing heavy covers. Check what Elite pro Taku Ito does. He always does something different. I'm sure The Hook Up Tackle will soon introduce this technique.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

We’re definitely seeing more rods coming up for this!

[@davidjohnson8501]

I received my order today. I ordered after the KImKen episode. Lots of Dep goodies...can't wait. I think I am a customer, definitely a supporter for a LONG time. For 1 Reason. You introduce Geoff not as an employee (which we all know he works for you), but rather as a FRIEND. That is awesome of you. I am down with You 100%!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business! And thank you for your feedback. I’ve never really thought about it like this, because Geoff is my friend! We’re all family around this place 👍. Enjoy the new Deps stuff! Thank you again for your business!

[@chrystallica]

From a GLoomis CR721, 6 to 8lb and a hopped up Calcutta 50 or Pro Max 1600; throwing X-70, X-55 or Bevy Popper.....to now, looking at how the bait finesse game has just *exploded*....what a journey! That Baby POPX looks like one helluva rad lure, too. Got my first bfs type rod while here in Japan to fish the stream trout; and it's a blast. Cannot wait to hit the trout smallmouth streams back in the states....bfs is a total game changer!

[@TheIconicFisherman]

In all the 25 years I've been fishing I've only spent this last year using a baitcaster because I've always been a dedicated spinning gear type of guy. But now that I've used a baitcaster for the past year I can actually see some instances where it would be preferable although I do still think that spinning gear is the most versatile set-up you can have in terms of reel choice. Especially if you're using braided line because then you can go up to a higher lb test line, sure spinning gear may not be the most accurate setup in terms of casting accuracy. But in most situations that's not as important as the versatility of spinning gear over other types of reel setups because the only advantage I really got from using a baitcaster is a tad more casting accuracy and that is literally it.

[@ryanmenard2158]

Half of my biggest bass this year has come off BFS... so much fun!

[@MarkElmore]

I've been creek fishing with smaller jigs with rubber crickets Rebel light weight lures , unweighted worms , etc from my kayak and/or rock hopping for decades using a Lews baitcaster on a 5' pistol grip Uglystik. When I tell others about how much fun it is they look at me live I've got 3 eyes . Now that there is stuff that'll let me get longer casts I'm totally in for upgrading my lures and equipment . Casting 30+ yards with a 1/32oz lure is a real hoot .

[@kaarthikiyer1422]

Love the mega bass hoodie!

[@diggy561]

I use a Daiwa PX-R on a Major Craft finesse rod, but I will pick up a shorter and lighter powered rod to catch peacock bass on.

[@OtherEndofLine]

Great information here ! I've been also looking for the info for the Buddha hooks, thanks !

[@leonardbrown1512]

I am in Australia and this technique is rarely seen. My mates think I am crazy but I have caught some very large fish using my gear on tiny lures. I go ultra finesse or big swimbaits so I like to fish the extreme ends of the spectrum. Even in Saltwater this style of fishing will change the game. Even going to where you might use heavier gear give it a try its a real lot of fun.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Glad it’s working for you man! I definitely think there’s something to going smaller or larger than everyone else! (Thanks Kenta!)

[@telemarkmann6870]

Thank you for promoting BFS. I hope it gets more traction in the US and we see more equipment especially reels and rods.

[@MattyMattMckenna]

Dude been having so much fun with the Flatside on my Whip Twitch. NJ trout and smallies eating it up. Real excited that Japan is pumping out more baits to play around with.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Glad you’re catching them man!!! 🙌

[@xdivineHART]

I used to live around Phoenix, and this is the first time I heard of this place.

[@805_fishing]

thanks for the info i use a spinning reel lews laser cast . i just tried this type of fishing . wanted to see if you sponsor ..

[@phlabbs]

Look how clear the water is in the in- shop boat test tank 3 years ago.

[@dcfishin]

I’m excited to try the set up I got. The Aello is amazing light and looks stunning. Ben showed me a few pictures of some giant bass he’s man handled in with that rod. I was convinced immediately.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

You're going to love that new set up so much! Thank you for your business my friend!

[@xavierperez9277]

Sick vid! So much knowledge being dropped. Thanks for all the info.

[@Cbill1987]

Phenomenal video. Tactical bassing level.

[@HosBoba]

Man I cant wait to see these rods in action , Im in the market for one of these rods ,

[@Milehighsnake98]

AUGH! I was just in Phoenix last weekend for a youth hockey tournament and had thought about bringing a rod. I would have enjoyed having a little escape!

[@gstixfishing9746]

Looks like a good time!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It is a good time!

[@makcatchem9614]

I want to start by saying thank you for the video it was very informative. But my issue is for someone just getting into BFS, I would really like more information on lower-tier rods. For the fact I'm just trying this technique out for the first time and not wanting to spend $700-1,000 on a combo and then $15 on the lures I need to just dip my toes in the water of this style of fishing. And yes I know that there are tons of other videos on the matter out there but I trust you guys and the gear you suggest. I just wish that some of that gear would be directed to your average angler as well

[@ewwee2k]

Thank for the video! Can you review some pistol grip BFS rods. I’m really much more interested in those as opposed to a split grip rod.

[@duckyybabyy5]

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.

[@rogerbrand223]

Absolutely fantastic video !!! Love this kind of video. Thanks so much for sharing. Had a blast watching. Keep up the great work guys.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@wskerber]

Kind of a higher priced Rapala. Caught a lot of smallies on the #7 gold floating version in the rivers growing up in Indiana.

[@therealpatrickstar1]

I have an aldebaran bfs xg and it has made me not use spinning gear

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Crazy how the right BFS rod/reel changes your thoughts right?!

[@swimbassin6196]

Been using a curado 70 for the last 5 years finally got a bfs reel

[@Roboworm99]

I used to have to use lures made for fly fishing and crappie lures and spinnerbaits and tiny rapalas and then Yo Zuri came out with the Pins Minnow. I had some stuff brought over from Japan and Tifa back in the day as well. I used to still throw Texas Rigged worms with 1/32 bullet weights or on small jigheads. I had a rod custom wrapped which was originally a fly rod blank. Had some great times catching and landing some pretty good sized fish

[@armsallowed]

Hello I bought a salt water glide bait and would like toe ditch to a fresh water treble hook can u recommend a variety please

[@bfsjunkie6115]

Thank you. Already been digging all those baits ive been buying. Thank you for finally offering this. I'm lucky to live near you guys. My wallet not so lucky lol.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business!

[@andriusbaublys5656]

Why would anyone chose any other line than "Seaguar Grand Max Soft Plus"? For its diameter its much stronger than other fluorocarbon lines. It is also the least stiff line. Yes its expensive but do you actually change your line that often? I've used it as a leader for my UL spinning gear and that stuff is as good as it gets.

[@arcuriotv6894]

Great content and I'm glad you guys are bringing this equipment to the states! As a reminder please note and be cautious with heavy line on those light spools. They can deform the spool on the reels if to heavy, especially when using braid. I like braid in the 6lb to 8lb range or lighter. Also when snagged caution is advised when pulling out. This can also damage spool. Best to break line off pulling directly on the line or wrapping around a stick. Overall bfs is so much fun and it's great to have a proper tackle shop state side that supplies all the equipment👍👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Good point! Spool definitely are not set up to handle a ton of abuse! Thank you.

[@jameshagerman7681]

The Lew's Wally Marshall signature series baitcaster works great for throwing lures down to 1/8 ounce but lacks a level wind so takes a little more care to use but will only set you back about $30. The Kastking zephyr is twice the price but is miles easier to use and throwing lures down to 1/16 ounce is no problem. I paired both with Eagle Claw Featherlight Kokanee casting rods, 7'6" medium light for open areas where longish casts with ned rigs and spoons are the order of the day, or Shakespeare ultralight casting rods 4'6" for creeks where maneuverability is key. Small Rebel jerkbaits and crawdads as well as small Rapala Husky Jerks and shad raps are great inexpensive options for hardbaits.

[@MatthewDickens-k7j]

Man I am dying to try it. But I’d still like to throw 1.0 1.5 cranks and stuff what would be a good set up for that

[@craigmarshky4602]

Been waiting on this vid. Great job 👍 can't wait till the next one. Cheers! 🍻

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Cool! Thank you for watching!

[@ryansullivan3081]

BFS is too much fun. I saw a channel called enjoy fishing and instantly built some Phenix mirage blanks into BFS rods, with the SS Air 81r. So much fun

[@amirazzabi140]

Angler Saito is hands down the BFS master.

[@25wsmfan56]

What plank did you use model number please

[@andrefloresca1324]

Some more stateside bfs gear? I'm hyped!

[@ikenbuy2try155]

Any recommendations for budget bfs rods? :) I’m new to bfs and wanna try it out.

[@kylemayer8486]

I bought a 7'2" ml+ bfs, but I bought it for throwing spybaits on lake st clair.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Great idea!

[@bucac1213]

I had watched your video and took your advise and purchased the Aello. I love the rod. How is the criffhanger that you had mentioned compared to an NRX 852c as far as tossing lighter plastics? Which would be the preferred rod to toss super light plastics?

[@juancanon1459]

I’m looking for bottom contact finesse jig bfs rod. Was looking at the shimano 163 light bfs and the 165 ml bfs. Any experience with these or recommendations would be appreciated. Thank yiu

[@_Lt__Dan_]

Bought my first setup and I’m hooked!!! MOAR BFS CONTENT PLZ!!!!!!

[@TheApostateTapir]

I finally looked up what otaku means and busted up laughing as I feel it's pretty damn accurate. Thanks for this video! Just ordered a bunch of little jerkbaits from you this evening. Much respect from Illinois!

[@jhoffman81]

On the topic of light line, ive caught STEELHEAD on 7x tippet which is 2.3lb break

[@brandonsmith606]

I was hoping you would talk about the curado bfs but maybe it wasn't out at the time of filming

[@andrewwolf4963]

Keitech 1/16 micro spin jigs are soooo fun to throw lol even those Zman micro Ned jigs

[@stoneysdead689]

No idea why but spending two prices on a regular size to large bait, which I do without thinking nowadays, feels way better than spending that much on tiny baits. In reality the material difference is negligible and I'm sure they're of the same quality and take just as much thought and care as a normal bait but- for some reason it makes you hesitate. That's a lot of money for a 3 inch glider that don't glide... told y'all I was cheap. I'll end up buying one though- I looked at it more than once. I always know that if I go through the trouble of looking at a bait and thinking about it more than once- eventually I'm gonna buy it. I'll grumble and gripe but, I'll buy it. I'm cheap but I'm also a tackle junky - which makes me a weird type of masochist really when you think about it. I used to collect watches though so- the malady is lifting, one day the madness will settle. I'll be broke but, sane... maybe.

[@NuteDobbs]

Any chance we'll see any Major Craft rods in the future?

[@isaacyang802]

I’m looking into bfs gears for crappies

[@watchman316ly]

Hey brother- does Megabass make any with heavier wire gauge for the Great Hunting 50's to replace them with? I love the design of that treble hook- but it is way too thin.

[@ballzybaits4414]

Spinning gear for ultralight tackle to heavy. lol. Fished it long enough to be able to cast into a quarter at 100 yards (jk, lol). But, I do love the idea of the BFS system though.

[@JeramAnglers]

How about the discontinued(i dont know)...Megabass X-30 Marukin, thats is crazy little guy there!

[@hookum]

Ben you guys at Hook Up Tackle got it going on brother and also glad to see Hippe starting to go after opens there's a lot of good anglers and to many pro's w the I know it all Hippe seem very humble and appreciative very good teacher very good wish all yall well

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you my friend! I will pass it on to everyone 👍

[@georgebrown3641]

One of my bfs combo is a valley hill blackscale sx 67 light with a daiwa px68spr 5# test I also have a daiwa area bum casting rod

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

The Valleyhill Blackscale is awesome!

[@georgebrown3641]

@@thehookuptackle_usa yes it is thanks

[@quoctho2105]

Good stuff man!

[@Dbl_OG_13]

If anyone can please tell me.......I plan to throw lures between 3 and 10 grams in weight. And targeting bass. What type and # test braid and what type and # test fluoro leader would I need to handle these conditions?

[@M.Redsky]

I have acquired a 8' Light action casting, kokanee rod, rated to throw 1/8 - 3/4oz and line recommendation of 4-8 lbs. Should I put a BFS reel on this unit? Or, is it not rated 'light enough'?

[@baja1k]

What’s your thoughts on the P5 F2.5-611X Kasumi Six Eleven?

[@ArtOfAngling]

Is this straight fluro or fluro leader with braid main ?

[@familybudgetfisherman]

Very informative video. I have been saying for many years that the bass fishing industry would one day look again to the traditional walleye, crappie, and trout sized baits and modify them for bass. Very soon, there will be a new inline spinner or small Kastmaster type spoon made just for BFS styled fishing. I am impressed.

[@BassManStrikes]

LOL like a mepps #0 spinner, been using those for bass for years, small rooster tails as well.

[@paulkruger3425]

Ben, you are the best! What an awesome breakdown of an exciting technique. Totally respect your brand. I would be buying all of my tackle from you if It didn’t cost a fortune to get it to Toronto Canada. Thanks

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you Paul. We do free shipping to Canada on larger orders so make sure you touch base with us!

[@MrRourk]

Kastking has made it so simple these days to get into. Kastking Zephyr rod & reel will work for most any style of Ultralight Fishing

[@hunterbull7804]

Y’all ever look into importing the Aldebaran BFS? You can pick one up around the $300 range and it’s supposed to be a great BFS reel. Shimano even made a new type of braking system called the Finesse Tuned Brake system where it’s magnetic instead of the SVS infinity they put in everything. I know y’all are big Daiwa guys but I grew up using hand-me-down Shimanos like the Curado CU-200 and the old Chronarch SF’s. Nothing against Daiwa, they’re killing it in the spinning reel market, I’d like to try out a Luvias for that almost Van Staal-like Monocoque side plate.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

There's lots of good BFS options - just depending on what you like 👍

[@BassManStrikes]

I thought it was originally for highly pressured bass in Japan and the whole trout thing was a secondary craze??

[@leepao6302]

Why do you guys bring the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS reel over to the US?

[@jos3mejia]

Would a 10lb braid be ok for me to begin with? Don't have the budget to just loose lures and I'm not the best when it comes to drag. I am planing on going lighter eventually but I want to start with a line I won't be worried about loosing lures on so i could learn and make progress when it comes to fighting fish.

[@fu11effect26]

just dont tie the braid directly to the spool if you have a ultra light and ported bfs spool. Use some mono backing with the same diameter.

[@akersnl]

What about light braid to leader?

[@bfsjunkie6115]

Its what I use.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Totally! I like straight fluoro. Honestly, because the small diameter line sucks to tie for us visually challenged people 🤣. One less knot!

[@MGBS007]

Great video, thank you!

[@KybubStudios]

i cant find a light pole thats 6ft for casting rods anywhere.. its like there are no products available for bfs rods

[@Andrink10]

Back in Asia we usually don't go under 5lb fluoro for our BFS setups, but then again we fish light cover.

[@fantomphoenix6170]

Then sometimes you guys have people catching barracuda on ultralight gear

[@SketchbookGuitar]

Where we are in asia people love to catch barramundi and groupers with their 4~5cm baits on 8lb~10lb lines.

[@en8718]

....stick to finer thin wire hooks .... at 2-6lb test, you're going to need a thin wire hook to set effectively vs a 'regular' gauge hook .... I've dropped enough fish with bfs on regular hooks to advise this

[@22mpb]

Thank you for this video. My bank account is gonna hurt since I’ve discovered this bfs stuff. I’ve had a super light weight bait caster idea for years, but me and my friends have always stuck with spinning set up for crappie fishing.

[@kayzox6709]

super top video

[@outpostjared7835]

The red hoodie is too good

[@michaelshoffner6584]

don't forget about the new mini chatterbait in the 1/4 ounce size. i am using it and catching fish and able to cast long distances with the new baitcaster for that purpose by KAST KING

[@julesgardet659]

BFS is the new BFF.

[@SyaidanYakob97]

Don't forget to try Yozuri Snap Bean, super tiny crankbait

[@mudd8844]

Where’s the next video u speak of at the end

[@Czarlite]

The Aello is sold out at your store. Is the Sparna still decent for BFS?

[@BriansCustomTackle]

Not BFS related but thoughts on the Robin Blade? Any interest in getting some in the store? You da best, thx

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It won't come in the store due to the Zman Patent. Its a cool bait. no knock like a jackhammer, but tight vibration.

[@BriansCustomTackle]

@@thehookuptackle_usa ok that makes sense. Thanks again!