BFS Fishing With A MICRO BASS JIG!

After a great morning of Crappie fishing, I switched things up and started fishing exclusively with my BFS setup. For those of you wondering, BFS stands for bait finesse system, which is essentially a finesse baitcasting setup. Throughout the entire session, I fished with a 3/32oz Keitech Mono Spin Jig with a Burro Bug trailer.
🎣🎣🎣 GEAR USED 🎣🎣🎣
Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse BFS Rod: discounttackle...
Shimano Curado BFS Reel: discounttackle...
10lb Varivas Braid and 6lb Fluoro Leader
Keitech Mono Spin Jig: discounttackle...
Mule Fishing Burro Bug: www.mulefishin...
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[@_Lt__Dan_]

Nothing goes together better than rock bottom and jigs

[@FishAnything]

Dang right!

[@logannewman4532]

I picked up a technique by watching Brian Latimer where instead of using the drag system on his baitcasters when the fish is running he will open the reel and use his thumb to drag the line by feel. With some practice it really is effective and kind of fun. Spinning reels definitely have better drag setups for the most part.

[@FishAnything]

Interesting! Might have to try that. Yeah, it is hard to beat the drag on a spinning outfit.

[@RoamingWhispers]

I love it when fish jump, but I hate it when fish jump.

[@FishAnything]

Haha good way of putting it

[@OneAndOnlyChi]

I love the little jigs on my light action baitcaster. Zman trd bulletz work for me. I need to try some mule fishing plastics with them

[@FishAnything]

Thanks man! Let me know how they work for you when you try! I’d love to see what you catch 👊🏽

[@crankbaiter_fishing]

Should do more BFS! I picked up a similar jig (1/8oz) and it has been producing well

[@FishAnything]

I will definitely toss it around more this year. Fun times!

[@riverratfishing]

Great video.

[@FishAnything]

Thank you!

[@kunaiwithchain5278]

Do you target mostly bass crappie and sunfish or do you also fish fire other species like walleye, Muskie, catfish, etc

[@FishAnything]

I go for whatever bites, but that is certainly most often bass, crappie, sunfish, etc. I have full intentions of going after more pike in the future. Someday, I want to target all of the others you mentioned. At the end of the day, I want to become the best multispecies angler I can, so nothing is technically out of scope for me.

[@iancameron198]

What weight size on the jig you were using.always great vids

[@FishAnything]

3/32oz size! Thanks Ian :)

[@jporter504]

I own many baitcasters but no BFS. What is the appeal over a spinning rig?

[@blicky308]

None really, it's really for baitcaster guys that don't wanna have to switch to a spinning for finesse techniques since bfs reels are now able to throw under 1 gram lures . I like it because when I get burnt out on bassfishing I can throw on a 1/16th jighead with a small plastic and catch all the pan fish species , crappie and the occasional largemouth bass and Bullhead. There's bfs guys throwing flies and nymphs on their set up , very revolutionary. The baitcaster has been turned into a multispecies reel as opposed to just big game fish.

[@gregchilders7643]

Imo I like using my bfs for topwater and small jerkbaits ,crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Much lighter than a typical baitcaster

[@FishAnything]

There is no true NEED for BFS in my opinion. It is simply a baitcasting alternative for finesse lures if you don't want to use a spinning reel. There are technically some pros/cons to note if you are looking for those, which I outline in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6fSk3tvpb-arsU All in all, I will primarily use it for two things personally: 1) bass fishing with micro versions of conventionally power fishing gear such as a jig, spinnerbait, or small crankbait. The casting reel just feels a bit more comfortable for this type of stuff because you can palm the reel and have a different type of leverage while working the bait and setting the hook. 2) trout fishing in small streams that have a lot of overhanging brush and limbs - the baitcaster will give me a bit better accuracy and ability to slow down my spool to land the bait softly.

[@DavidTorres-db9yi]

True BFS main advantage is it gives you the ability to fish with 6-8LB fluorocarbon with light weight lures for bass around cover. BFS was developed in Japan for bass fishing around cover and BFS reels are mostly rated for 6-8 fluorocarbon. True JDM BFS and bait finesse rods even the UL and L models are actually bass rods with light tips to help cast the light weight lures and still have the backbone to keep bass from going to cover.

[@mike2687]

You've probably already gotten enough answers but I'll add the BFS has a faster retrieve--this can make you more efficient if say fishing a small top water bait and the bite is within a small distance from the bank or cover and the rest is simply retrieved in rather than working it all the way back to the boat.

[@midwestfischerman]

Warmouth and green sunfish are HIGH on my bucket list. There's a forest preserve lake north of Chicago stocked with them, but I failed to catch any on two different trips back in 2018.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@FishAnything]

Green Sunfish are likely in many of the small creeks in your area. I’d suggest looking for small waterfalls/drainage pipes and you’ll probably find a few throughout the summer. Warmouth are harder to find in my experience. They are in certain lakes and not others. I love catching them!

[@brianathern9154]

The Cook, DuPage and Lake County forest preserves typically stock them. Many of our little creeks have them in IL. They'll show up eventually buddy.

[@jasonschaal8968]

Can this be thrown on a spinning setup?? BFS setups and pricey. What power rod would be recommended if a spin j g setup would work??

[@FishAnything]

Absolutely can throw it on spinning! I’d probably just use a medium light spinning rod

[@romanholowka9558]

I've pulled hooks out of bass multiple times. I hate seeing it, but I also feel good knowing that they safely passed it and can live on.

[@FishAnything]

Totally agree! Just don't like getting bass doo doo on my kayak :D

[@mike2687]

@@FishAnything - that's the price we pay

[@Skalter4]

@@FishAnything 0:42 1:09 1:09

[@flamer3869]

What length rod are you using? I'm thinking of this exact setup for micro jigs as well but not sure on what size rod to go with.

[@FishAnything]

This is 7’1 and it works great!

[@nathanstout1725]

Would you do a review of a beginner real like Zebco 33 Micro Trigger Spin or a Diawa Under Spin 40. Appropriate real to help a 10 year old or younger start fishing.

[@FishAnything]

I will certainly look into this! Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@MichaelRomero]

Do you have happen to have the Dobyns 7'4 BFS rod also? It's perfect for jigs and drop shots, Wacky, Ned rig all that. And hair jigs

[@FishAnything]

This is the 7-foot model! Works like a charm with that same line of gear.

[@yep.fishing]

Cmon bro, you gotta admit....BFS is just fun...

[@FishAnything]

Yeah pretty much haha

[@BadKarma.-]

Should try those jigs out on a 6ft UL setup, even more fun

[@FishAnything]

Probably need to do that!

[@Steve_Balboni]

Was this filmed recently or back a couple months ago?

[@FishAnything]

I am always a few weeks behind. This posted probably 2.5 - 3 weeks after filming.

[@JerryHatrickShorts]

7:23 - never seen that kinda hook release 😂

[@FishAnything]

🤠👊🏽😂

[@RomanMoroniesFargingWall]

Rodeo Clown Burro Bug on a purple 1/32oz Mule jig popped 6 fish of 5 different species in about half an hour the other evening for me! I can't wait to get some extended sessions out on the bank. Love that tiny Keitech jig. I'll have to look out for those.

[@FishAnything]

That is what I like to hear!!!

[@FishLite]

nice fishing #betweenthedocks !

[@FishAnything]

Thanks!

[@HalimaKhatun-m3t]

Jackson Jeffrey Anderson Susan Young David

[@mike2687]

Good timing on the video, I just ordered some of those little Burro Bugs for my micro jigs that I plan for hitting up the river smallies with! Really selling me on the BFS, and exactly for the reason you mentioned--the 1/6 - 3/16 stuff.

[@FishAnything]

Certainly not trying to sell anyone on it haha but it is fun and it can serve a purpose. Thanks so much for supporting Mule. Let me know how the Burro Bug works for you :)

[@mike2687]

@@FishAnything - great timing on your comment as well... they arrived about 15 minutes ago! The last time I went river fishing and used a craw trailer, the pincers kept getting picked off so I like the idea of going with the more durable brands--Mule being one of them. I also ordered from a competitor of Mule to have as a comparison knowing that I'll be ordering more of one or the other (just bought the craw imitation in Green Pumpkin from both as an apples to apples comp)--really liked the detail in their work, and more durable than a traditional plastic but nothing compared to the Burro Bug--this thing reminded me of the Zman elaztech baits... this will be perfect for my needs. Thanks--you got me on the Ned rig years ago and really opened me up to having more fun on lighter gear with baits that catch multiple species as well... I'll stop praising you now before people accuse me of being your fake account!

[@mike2687]

@@FishAnything - as a followup, it worked great... the durability of the Burro Bug was nice! I was using another trailer that also worked well but I was going threw them quickly while the Burro Bug still looks like it came right out of the packaging despite catching dozens of smallies and sunfish. It was also paired with the 3/32 Keitech which really impressed me on how well it kept jumping smallies buttoned up. Going to be a mainstay for the rivers!

[@varivas_america]

Definitely looks like a fun day of BFS fishing. That set up was spot on!

[@FishAnything]

Thanks :) Setup worked out well :)

[@JerryN856]

Looked like you were having a blast, Ethan. Although I enjoy the UL fishing because of guys like you and some others I'm considering trying bfs. Thanks for the video.

[@FishAnything]

Thank you Jerry! Yeah, it is definitely a fun alternative to a spinning outfit for some of these finesse baits. I still prefer spinning gear by far, but it was a nice time on the water!

[@jaxxonfishroom]

Great video 😊 I went fishing yesterday and caught a Yellow perch for my native fish tank

[@FishAnything]

Epic! What is his name? :)

[@jaxxonfishroom]

@@FishAnything yeah lol and Bubba

[@midwestfischerman]

Hey Ethan buddy, I'm loving these recent videos! BTW, your new Burro Bug seems to also be a perfect match for the 1/16 oz. Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig. Also check out the Size 1 Bass Pro Shops XPS Wide SuperLock Hooks for your micro Texas Rigs with your Burro Bug. The XPS line has a few Size 1 hooks, but the other styles run longer than Wide SuperLock Hooks.

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Michael! Yeah the bitsy jigs are a classic that I should try again.

[@swiftarrowoutdoors]

I love ultralight fishing but will never understand they want to throw light baits on baitcasters.

[@blicky308]

Because some guys don't like spinning reels , it's a preference thing . No hate towards spinning gear but I myself prefer a bfs baitcaster for the simple fact that I don't gotta carry two rods and reels if I wanna finesse

[@swiftarrowoutdoors]

@@blicky308 I know some bass guys who dislike spinning. But for me now that all I'm doing is ultralight fishing. I see no issues with using only spinning gear. That is all I bring with me now.

[@blicky308]

@@swiftarrowoutdoors I started fishing two summers ago and bought myself a spinning reel and a right hand reyrieve abu blemaxx because it looked badass , I had no idea what a baitcaster was . I struggled alot and than I ran into jimbos content on the zephyr ordered one left hand retrieve and I haven't looked back since . I love ultralight fishing . It's so much fun over bass fishing when bass fishing gets hard lol I've now turned into a bass guy who doesn't like spinning but only because I have a bfs and can do what you guys can do . Best of both worlds . Thank you for the civil discourse and God bless

[@FishAnything]

Jason, I totally get that perspective. For true ultralight stuff, I am anti-BFS because it is way more work than simply running a spinning outfit. For this mid range finesse size (1/16 - 3/16), I think I may have found my bass fishing sweet spot for BFS. Specifically, I like micro versions of traditionally power techniques, such as a micro texas rig, bass jig (this video), or spinnerbait. Those presentations feel more comfortable to me to work while palming a casting reel. A spinning reel would absolutely work, so there isn't really a need for BFS, but it is pretty fun to experiment with. Ultimately, I don't think I will recommend a BFS setup to 99% of anglers, but there are certain places where some folks may find a good usage for it. Definitely a niche thing that is more of a nice-to-have than a need-to-have.

[@TheSinistral]

It’s just a ton of fun. I love my ultra light but man it’s fun to put cast after cast gently into a 12” circle from 20 yards. I’m sure others do that all day with spinning but I cannot.

[@MartinKirk-y5v]

Young Daniel Young Paul Jackson Amy

[@RamonOutdoors]

I've been dying to try the same lure set up. Glad to see it working! Also glad you finally launched the site!

[@FishAnything]

Thanks again for all the help! And yeah, this little setup is a killa!

[@MeriHatun-g3y]

Moore Charles Williams Sharon Martin Dorothy

[@FindingFlush-f8e]

Martinez Maria Williams Daniel Jones Deborah

[@EmileShannon]

What pound line do you use and what brand

[@matthaley8176]

When a fish jumps you should point the tip of your rod towards the water . This takes up the slack in the line. Stopping the fish from throwing the hook Love you video,just purchased two 4 foot 6 casting rods and two BFS Shimano Cardiff 100 can't wait to do exactly what you were doing in the video. Great content thanks

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Matt! Sounds like you’re gonna have some awesome setups! Tight lines 👊🏽

[@FishiganMilligan]

This was a fun video to watch! The hook killed me 😅

[@FishAnything]

Haha thanks man! That was nasty as heck

[@DixieNormous1]

Love my BFS. I'm in Minnesota on vacation catching Whopper bluegill this whole week

[@FishAnything]

That sounds like a dang blast!

[@brycedayton4092]

Well, now I've gotta break out the bfs. Bought one earlier in the year for my birthday, and just haven't played with it a ton. This video has motivated me to break out a tiny jig and get going.

[@FishAnything]

Hope you have as much fun as I did!

[@noobpyrotech9991]

Glad you got the bfs out. I have been trying to get into it, but still trying to get the hang of it. I like Ultralight no matter if it is spinning or bfs. What type of Varivas were you using? They have a ton of different types.

[@FishAnything]

I can't honestly tell you what exact Varivas line this is lol I think it is a BFS braid of some type? They have too many options and confuse a simple angler like myself XD

[@noobpyrotech9991]

Yep, they do have a ton of options. I want to try their braid of course but also their mono. I have tried Trilene Sensation, but it has not worked for me yet. I have had too many line twists and wind knot in it. I have had trouble with 6lb, 8lb was okay, but I have yet to try 4 lv sensation.

[@varivas_america]

That's one of our most popular braids for BFS -- Super Trout Advance Bait Finesse x4 PE braid.

[@varivas_america]

@@FishAnything Our huge selection of line can be overwhelming. Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions.

[@FishAnything]

@@varivas_america thank you - I certainly appreciate that. I probably need to learn more about different line types and why there is a need for all of them, but I guess I have a bit more simple view of it. I can only have one line spooled up at any given time so the 20+ offerings feels a bit crowded when going to pick one.

[@ryanr85]

Looks like fun, my dad used to go fishing in Michigan during summer when he was younger. He was from Ohio so not too far. I remember your Northern Bronze series and man it looks like a blast out there. Not to mention that smallie river fishing too. We might be planning a trip out there at some point.

[@FishAnything]

I have a river smallie series in the works I think you will enjoy :) thanks Ryan!

[@ichphan]

Small hook , is best let them hold the bait 2-3 seconds before setting the hook...delaying the hook set...

[@FishAnything]

Good feedback - thanks man!

[@shtizen4371]

Nice Vid. I fish bfs basically 99% of the time. I also use mono jigs (mostly 1/16th) and the dobyns rod. The dobyns probably has a lil to much back bone for the mono jigs lil hooks causing em to tear free more easily. I use a kuying teton light action with more of a parabolic action. no more than 6# fc. braid being no stretch not always the best match for heavier bfs rods n small hooks. I use those mono jigs and 2 1/2 inch tubes in my local rivers to play a game called Dink Dink Donk! :) I use donkey jrs on the 1/16th mono jigs for a killer lil micro swim jig. I have a 17 conquest bfs on my dobyns strung up with 8# fc. Its my power bfs setup. lol on a related aside....i wish i could find those lil hooks keitech uses for their mono jigs. those would be awesome for my 1/16th jig pours. Stick with bfs. super versatile. The same setup can go from those lil jigs to 1/4oz spinner baits then to 2 or 3 inch swim baits with light or no jig heads for skinny water action. Then texas rig some small plastics weedless. Id suggest tryn out some other rods. the right rod makes a huge difference in bfs.

[@FishAnything]

Thanks man! I definitely appreciate the robust BFS knowledge! Honestly, I don't currently plan to go deep into BFS. Not because I don't enjoy it, but mostly because I just don't need so much dang fishing gear. I keep acquiring more, and I am starting to get to the point where I would prefer to reduce my total gear and just appreciate what I have. This rod suits what I like BFS for. I also have a short Majorcraft I can use for trout applications. Who knows what my fishing future holds though? Always adjusting my style :)

[@shtizen4371]

@@FishAnything bored...haven't been able to fish much...lol

[@losingbigfish9473]

Well, you just sold me on those jig’s. now I just added them to my shopping cart. Thank you.

[@FishAnything]

They are honestly great jigs and a very reasonable price. I bought another one myself haha

[@themikejulian]

I literally just picked these jig heads up and started throwing them with the donkey tail jr!

[@FishAnything]

They are really growing on me! I thoroughly enjoyed this little bass fishing session.

[@micahspilker9322]

Love those little mono spin jigs. The bluegill color one is great. Glad to see u throwing that bfs setup.

[@FishAnything]

Honestly these little jigs grew on me super quick. Sad thing is that I had this sitting on my shelf for like a year before finally trying it haha

[@54kasey]

I'm very new to BFS. Glad to see you pick it up again. I have a budget set up, and have been having great fun catching decent bass on a micro chatterbait with a mule minnow trailer :) Cheers!

[@DavidBrooks-vb8do]

I’d like to get into this type of set up. Any budget recommendations? Thanks

[@54kasey]

@@DavidBrooks-vb8do Hi, I'm no expert, and like anything, you can spend what you want. I have the Kuying Teton 6'6" rod with a Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra reel. I think the total was around $200. I really like it, but it's the only one I've used. Cheers!

[@FishAnything]

Happy to hear you are having fun with it too! And David, I recommend reaching out to Bait Finesse Empire for questions. Amir owns the site and is very helpful - I am not an expert about BFS, but he most certainly is. Tell him I sent you! He supports Mule Fishing on the site, so I love to help point some folks his way as well.

[@calebprice304]

Wanting to order one of your performance shirts. I wear a 2x-3x. If I get it and it doesn’t fit. Is there a return policy?

[@FishAnything]

I have a no-return policy, however if you run into issues, just send me an email and I will work with you. You are incredibly supportive and I really appreciate that. They run pretty true to size so hopefully it won't be an issue.

[@calebprice304]

@@FishAnything I appreciate it Ethan. God bless brother!

[@joespafford6499]

That was gnarly dude, but good on you for getting

[@FishAnything]

Thanks!

[@gmatos123]

Great fishing video man. It was very entertaining to watch all the action

[@FishAnything]

Thank you! Happy you enjoyed it :)

[@brianathern9154]

Great action out there Ethan. I still have a BFS on my list but I too have been killing it with the ultralight and light spinning outfits. Keep it coming..love the website idea. Blessings

[@FishAnything]

The BFS is a lot of fun, but I still prefer spinning for most light gear!

[@yourboydevvo]

@@FishAnythingany reason in particular you prefer spinning?

[@Economics-rn3ef]

That hook must have been fun to pass.😢

[@FishAnything]

OOOF glad I wasn't that bass lol

[@timothythompson6549]

How do you like the curado vs the alde?

[@FishAnything]

I am no BFS expert, but I feel like it is virtually the same reel I had before, just newer.

[@ponycarguy]

Nice! I was wondering when something bfs was going to show up again 🤣

[@FishAnything]

I can't say BFS is my top choice, but after this day, I can guarantee it will be more top of mind.

[@ponycarguy]

@Fish Anything its not for everyone thats for sure. Lately I have started appreciating not having to think about the casting on the spinning setup too much haha. But also appreciated the merits of bfs. Lack of line twist is a big one. Great video buddy! Always enjoy your stuff both youtube and mule 👍

[@catchemdinks]

Glad to see you using the BFS gear.

[@FishAnything]

It was a fun outing!

[@MG3Angling]

its a dag gum warmouth! love it 😂

[@FishAnything]

😂 thanks

[@PikaSquish]

Oh cool, a bfs vid.

[@FishAnything]

Finally made another :)

[@migjr6]

Love your vids man!!!

[@FishAnything]

Thank you Miguel!!

[@ryanodell6642]

HEY HEY HEY!!!!!

[@FishAnything]

Howdy Ryan :)

[@seizedcarcass8440]

First off ultralight fishing is literally my favorite way to fish for fun. Second you need to try the missile baits Ike micro finesse jig! It’s super tiny. I think it has a size 1 hook and a 1/16 ounce weight

[@FishAnything]

Awesome - I will definitely check that out. Thank you!

[@ajmack82]

Been interested in the BFS stuff for a short while now. Looks like so much fun. Any tips for a bank angler that wants to do it?

[@FishAnything]

Not necessarily anything bank fishing specific! Just have patience to start, because it takes some getting used to. Once you get it down, though, you will have a blast!

[@Tightt88]

Checked out the new website and signed up on the email list.

[@FishAnything]

Thank you so much!! Let me know if you ever have any feedback/suggested articles.