BFS Fishing with Crappie Lures....and Review!

[@nancymills5993]

I have a Curado BFS with 6 lb braid and have been really enjoying it. I’ve caught a variety of fish from small up to 3 lbs. I think you’re going to like it. I have mine on a 6 foot BFS rod. Keep up the great videos!! 🎣

[@PracticalBassin]

I picked up my first bfs setup mid last year. Havent touched any of my conventional gear since. So much fun.

[@ericarneil9598]

@@PracticalBassin I totally agree. Nothing but fun..

[@Opiemus]

I have been a fan of the Shimano curado for many years. Several years back my neighbor became one of the Kast King ambassadors or whatever you call them. He was trying to learn how to utilize a baitcaster with several of the top line Kast King models. He brought them to me because he was having a difficult time. The cast King baitcasters don't even compare to Shimano or Diawa. Kast King, Piscfun and Sougayilang are really substandard and can't compare to the Japanese made reels. They are definitely something that a beginner should not attempt.

[@pistolcreek]

That crappie at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="630">10:30</a>🤌🤌🤌🐟 Some beautiful catches on a windy day, John. That wind makes ultralight fishing challenging, for sure.

[@ScottMillerFishing]

Thank you for all you do, and for being a piece of inspiration for me getting back into my fishng roots.

[@gregchilders7643]

Agree with your comments about bfs 💯 percent. As for a great budget bfs reel I like the Doviello hicc50. It comes with a 2 spool option .the shallow spool with a 1/32 -1/4oz rod cast 1/16 oz lures great and the deep spool is good for 1/8oz plus on a ultra light or light action rod. I purchased 2 cause it good to have a back up spool in case of a major backlash.

[@JerryN856]

Going to try my hand at BFS. I have a Kastking Zephyr and waiting for the MB BFS rod that I pre-ordered. It looks like fun so I'll see what happens. Thanks for the video John.

[@grimdarksandwich66]

Love fishing finesse lures and ultralight. So, I always dig ultralight content. I use spinning setups for their ease of use and value. Just the tool I prefer. I think for guys who just gotta use a casting reel, BFS opens a door to throwing stuff they ordinarily couldn’t . Or maybe some just want to scratch a different itch. Getting on a school or spawning bed with any kinda light setup is a good time.

[@jacobkramer1089]

I don't think I've had more fun fishing in awhile than on BFS!

[@dock1232]

I just picked up the Kestrel on a killer black friday deal. Loving it so far, can't wait to get it out more.

[@mikeboyce584]

Never have been much of a big bait casting fan. Open face spinners. That's the only thing I use. But I understand they're nice for bigger fish. Good video, John.

[@BACKWOODZ187]

They nice man

[@ericarneil9598]

Great video. I love to see the bfs videos. Just a couple tips for your ya. Pull out the spool bearings out and flush them with some brake cleaner and the oil with a couple drops of bfs spool bearing oil or a nice thin oil. Also, don't fill your spool full of line, only put on 75 to 150 feet of line. This will make your spool weight less, and it will cast farther. One last thing, set your spool tension so you just have little to no side play of the spool. Good luck and happy BFS fishing..

[@patrickhartman6818]

You gave him good advice

[@ericarneil9598]

Thanks. I've been BFS fishing for about 4 years now and have learned tons from rawr fishing here on KZbin.

[@luke_angling]

Thanks for a really helpful reply. I am thinking about getting a reel like this and your advice will be really helpful

[@ericarneil9598]

​@luke_angling you are very welcome. I have four BFS Rees and they are all KastKing and love them all. I landed a 10lbs steelhead on a Zephyr with 4lbs braid on an ultralight rod and it was a riot. The rods can be stupid expensive but I started building my own rods a few years ago.. Get yourself a reel and have some fun.

[@luke_angling]

@@ericarneil9598 I will thank you. Once I get it and learn how to use it, I'll put a video on my channel about it. Thanks again

[@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714]

I’m telling you it’s totally addicting getting into BFS! Great video man! Wait until you catch a GIANT on one!

[@tripleblack42069]

Great video! BFS (bait finesse system) 4 Life !

[@raygissendanner1476]

I agree I am still using the kastking zephyr bfs I have not had the problem that you had with the line getting huge up between the spool and reel body but the castings is not the best for lite lures thank you very much john for the information looking forward to your review on curado bfs

[@davidhidalgo5662]

I hurt my elbow last year and now have a very hard time using a spinning rod. So I have been looking at getting a BFS set up for crappie fishing. Keep up the good videos. I am interested in that curado reel.

[@johnnyweaver1300]

The curado reel will out perform any reel out there, if you got one with a micro chip, that keeps you from back lashing! I like baitcasters better, much quicker, if you have it setup right, but I'm going the other direction, I'm going to start spin casting, having many with different setups, so I don't spend so much time re-rigging!🎣

[@davidslaser]

I operate one of 23 public fishing lakes for the state of Alabama. I weigh every fish that leaves the property. And for 2024 our average crappie was 1.57 lbs with a high weight of 3.69 lbs. I see 2lb crappie daily. We have no size limit at my lake. You can keep 2 any size.

[@SW_OhioFinesseBandit]

You’re spot on about the BFS. I have the Curado BFS and the 22 Aldebaran BFS both on Megabass rods. After you throw that Curado you’ll want to check out the Aldebaran. I also like the suffix revolve line it’s amazing on the bfs setups and you can go up to 12-14lb and feel the difference in performance. That Curado you’ll fish a lot it’s a beast of a feel and can handle a lot. Just be careful on hard hooksets these spools are super thin and can’t handle that heavy pressure especially with braid on them.

[@bushcrafters3909]

nice review thank you. Never have enjoyed the bait casters, and youre probably right in that i was using a cheaper model and maybe it was not as forgiving.

[@ri-jm5tn]

Nothing tests my patience like fishing light line in the wind.😊

[@darkhorsefive0]

I “sort of” got into BFS earlier in 2024. I say sort of because I did get the Curado BFS reel, but at the time I planned to mostly throw around 3/16-1/4oz on it. I went with a medium action non-BFS Dobyns rod with the feel/action I wanted for that. That set up was so much fun even when I caught panfish and small bass! The Curado BFS quickly became one of my absolute favorite reels to fish with. No matter what else I took to fish with, that combo ALWAYS went with me. Today I picked up the Aldebaran BFS reel. I ordered a Megabass Destoyer P5 Pop X Stick rod to go with it as well. I also have a Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 701c BFS rod coming for the Curado BFS. I’m stepping into the smaller BFS baits and lighter line for 2025. I can’t wait! 😁 For what it’s worth, my biggest largemouth of 2024 was 5-1/4 pounds and I caught it on my “BFS” set up. That was a wild ride! Talk about adrenaline!

[@kenneely7899]

What is BFS please do tell.

[@justinfarmer5061]

You’re gonna love the Aldebaran with the PopX stick… my favorite BFS combo and the one I grab when creek wading and I can only taking one rod… it does everything, moving baits, neds, even had fantastic results with the lighter strike king Bitsy jigs - never lost a fish I did the same thing with Dobyns - I didn’t get along well with 700c Sierra, went with the 702c champ extreme and love it

[@darkhorsefive0]

@ thanks for the feedback on the combo. I can’t wait for the rod to come in this week! 😎

[@gabehunt2000]

Love the bfs content

[@MarcelloSpinFishing]

Hey John thanks for your opinions regarding bfs and i would say mine . I see bfs as a commercial trend. I like to use baitcasters but on heavier lures and there is some situation where i can't really live without it, but spinning is the way to me when we deal with light lures. There is no need to make your life harder and also have to deal with more expensive stuff. products.

[@Steve16346]

Dobyns makes an excellent bfs rod(TW on sale now). I have a few set-ups i like to use. It's fun in small bodies of water. Caught some lake erie smallies on it as well. That is my go to line 7lb FC Sniper. I think you will eventually like it better....

[@jordanwalter2447]

Jig and bobber is so essential for winter crappie

[@brianathern9154]

And you've solved a few BFS mysteries for yourself and wrecked our brother Ethan's next podcast. 😅😅😅 Once you hit a couple crappie I rolled my eyes and said yep. John done did it. I'm sure he'll take it well. Blessings brother

[@patrickhartman6818]

The lightest I throw is 2 grams and i use kastking valiant eagle pro and it is amazing. I also have the kestrel.

[@PizzaShrimp]

i have 3 bfs combos and actually just got a carado bfs too. It is leaps and bounds better than my sub 100$ bfs reels (that i have upgraded and modified). The Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS is something i think you'ed be super into, a ton of guys in the bfs sphere mod those out to toss out trout magnets and TINY STUFF. RawrFishing is an awesome reference if you wanna get into upgrading your reels. He tosses out trout magnet jig heads on a consistent basis with his curado. It is just a shame i got my reel as soon as temps went below 30 degrees.

[@paulgoesoutdoors9616]

Cool review! I went with a new rod reel setup just today and I had problems with birdcages also. You're right, we have to break them in and figure them out. Again, great vid. Growth sometimes comes with growing pains. 😂😂😂

[@Iascaire_tn]

The bfs Curado with 7lb sunline is one of my favorite setups for fishing lures between 1/8 and 1/4 ounce. It can go down to 1/16 oz, but it much more difficult.

[@joeypike8187]

I have caught monster smallmouth in the creeks and river with my bfs setups. 10 pound braid 8 pound florocarbon leader. All light rods. They can catch anything big or small

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

That sounds like a great setup.

[@backyardslingshots5631]

Glad your still catching. By the way, I can give that zephyr bfs reel a home.

[@aficionadolurecompany700]

I have a couple of Phenix rods. They are almost TOO NICE. Like I don't even EVER want to set the rod down. They are SO SENSITIVE. You can feel a fish even if it's just "tasting the bait".

[@WorldsOkayestBusDriver]

You just saved me MONEY 💲💲 thank you. I had the zephyr in my cart

[@littlefoot2409]

I love my bfs. I have a 6ft light & 4"6 ultralight.

[@robertwetherington3372]

I dont fish alot now but I did when I was younger. I have found that you are better off to buy a nicer real , spend 100 or 125 bucks and same for the rod, they last longer work better and are worth the money. My friend will buy a rod and reel combo that cost 50 bucks and he got what he paid for .

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

you are right

[@richardgreene6810]

In spin fishing you don't need to spend much for a reel, it's the rod that makes the big difference.

[@kurtfredregill3324]

If I tried fishing with bait caster reel I would have a birds nest a eagle could land in , your doing great job

[@davidalley7270]

Kastking are crap compared to Shimano, but I'm all Shimano all the time. Love your video's. 👍😁👍

[@smoovefishing]

I have tried bfs a couple of times and I just prefer spinning reels for ultra light fishing, for 1 you have tons of more options with spinning rods, idk I just prefer spinning on UL but everything else I use bait casters

[@matthewotis3594]

Man get a nice eggbeater for $200. I agree with ya 💯. And you can still cast small lures with a heavier rod using spinning reels. I need small lures for big fish at times and a light or ultralight rod won't keep them out of the cover.

[@magoostertackleco]

Hey John! Great video as always.

[@luke_angling]

Great video. I haven't got a reel like that as they are not that popular over here in The UK. But I think I will get one as they look good. Tight lines

[@jasonsparks4601]

My zephyr is an OK reel as long as I don't try to throw anything lighter than 3/16 oz. It really shines around 1/4ish. Also can't cast in the wind to save my life with it!

[@jasonsparks4601]

There's a lot of upgrades that are available for the kastking zephyr though....

[@joelrutland4126]

You can purchase a good bfs setup for around a hundred dollars if you don't mind buying Chinese. Amazon sells a few. One reel i can recommend is HICC50 Doviello.

[@NorthGeorgia_kayak_fishing]

I was wanting to pick up the zephyr , thanks for the heads up. I mean if you wanna send it to me I’ll use it 😂.

[@frankmccutchen4410]

Go with the Ark Gravity bfs reel it's the bomb!

[@RayLaskyOutdoors]

Daiwa silver Creek stream custom is perfect for you

[@robmetcalfe8902]

Great video man

[@heatherlandskron]

great video and great fishing! hi john!! have a good day and weekend. take care and god bless. thank you for sharing.

[@pcaravaca]

Great video man !!! Im a big fan of your channel ! If you ever come down to Costa Rica hit me up and can take you to a kayak or creek and bfs fishing trip for Rainbow bass, snook and others. Jungle fishing.

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

that sounds exciting

[@thurmanrandy92]

i was there the other day and done pretty good

[@Fishy_Things]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing 😊

[@doodoodadda]

Do you think you'll get into more bfs? I'd love to see your reactions to a megabass/Calcutta setup

[@annaandkevin5999]

Digitaka has the Shimano Aldebaran. For 260.

[@ROGUEBLU]

I have had no luck with landing anything on the pecos underspin. It looks great and casts well and gets hits, but I have caught nothing on it Makes me wonder if it is the design or I just need to practice with it more or use a different style plastic with it.

[@2713walker]

Did you have a leader with the braid? Thanks for the video

[@richardgreene6810]

I don't see the need for bfs bait casters. What more can be accomplished with them over a light/ultralight spin set-up, especially considering the added cost?

[@CreekinwithKody]

I haven't tried to get the hang of the bait casters yet... are they hard to learn? I went from closed face Zebco 33s to spinning rods and reels and there was a small learning curve but I love using them now!

[@richardgreene6810]

There's a lot to bait casters. You have to set a brake (for different wind conditions) and set a casting control knob (for different lure weights). You have to learn to thumb the spool to get the farthest and most accurate cast without it "bird nesting." Most people have to cast with one hand (usually the predominant hand) and then switch to holding the rod with the other while proceeding to crank with the predominant hand. Once you've figured it out it becomes a sort of badge of honor, like a driver that can drive a stick shift (which is probably the biggest draw to it).

[@CreekinwithKody]

@richardgreene6810 i appreciate the info! I've heard the bird nests can be horrible lol. I'm sure they are something I will eventually try! I just started making videos myself this year and it's been a fun adventure.

[@FishingWithChris_Tv]

I’m gonna have to borrow one of your kestrels lol

[@leepao6302]

If you want to cast lighter lure you have to go with lighter line; 10lbs braid still too heavy/big if want to cast 1/32oz (1g) lure weight, try 6lbs-8lbs braid line

[@jdryden78]

Line diameter plays a bigger part than pound rating. Check out some jdm braids in the .6goh size, average between 10-12 lbs and tiny compared to a lot of us braids of lower pound ratings.

[@JetUranus]

When did you record this? Just curious as I just went crappie fishing (unsuccessfully) 😂 about a week ago here in west tn. Was a cold and windy day that’s for sure. I’ve always been interested in winter crappie fishing but never been good at it so just wondering what the date is on this video. Thx!

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

this was new years eve, today it was 28 this morning

[@davidwolfe7777]

When are you going to upgrade to a G. Loomis? They are pretty much top tier fishing rod👍

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

i would say never but im sure it will happen someday

[@realonegamingakalogestick2755]

Your kind of spot on but u have to do a lot of research like how u dial bfs is different than regular castings reels also the zephyr is over priced in the us but it from aliexspress and it half the price the best budget bfs reel is the hicc 50 way better

[@jdryden78]

There are better options than kastking for around the same money. Try an Ark Gravity BFS/Haibo Arise Air (same reel, cdm vs usdm). Regularly throw 1/32 w zman shad fryz with zero effort. So far my Nako Flightfeather cormorant is my favorite, easiest to use. I grab it before I grab my shimano conquest bfs. Not as smooth, but less finicky and throws lighter. Any of them should throw 1/16 jig and plastic.

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them out!

[@Tyreelaserweld]

It’s tough sometimes.

[@christopherwood2290]

I would think spinning gear would be a cheaper and more effective way to fish ultralight lures. That being said whatever floats your boat.

[@jacobburns2003]

I basically only use bfs now for anything light lol

[@Ronimancing]

Lumajang hadir kawan

[@aficionadolurecompany700]

What do they call a Bobber in Mexico?

[@aficionadolurecompany700]

ROBERTOer

[@mattbailey7049]

@@aficionadolurecompany700 do WHUT???😐

[@lukehuffman6126]

Hey I need a good combo you don’t have a decent one you’d sell do you I don’t think it’d cost much to ship it I’d pay for that too because I just live in Virginia about 15-20 from Tennessee line just thought I’d ask god bless brother stay safe out there

[@zachturner3443]

🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣👍👍👍👍👍 great video.

[@dtps_champion6016]

Fun video. Love the Bible verse

[@patrickhartman6818]

Lol John I have over 20 BFS set ups

[@JohnCampbell-hc9ik]

❤

[@EugeneJohnson-f9q]

I had that speed demon I had one problem after another I send it back ali express and I got robbed though them came out to be scammers got me for $200 plus the money on the reel I think the good Lord punish me because it’s a speed demon 😂😂😂😂

[@Slaudawg9233]

Oh no, BFS! The reason I watch your show is because you're the only fisherman that uses a left-hand retrieve spin cast setup. I ask if you please stay true to the fishing technique that keeps your channel interesting for fishermen like me.

[@therivergiveth]

Why does it matter that he uses the same equipment as you? Odd comment... nothing wrong with diversifying your gear.

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

only thing i can guarantee is i will stay true to fishing what gets me excited

[@Slaudawg9233]

@@therivergiveth inspiration is why...!

[@pauldunn5287]

And thats the reason i hate using baitcasters!!!

[@blanekopp7339]

Sorry got to vent! All you youtube fishermen get paid to catch fish. So have some freaking respect for the fish. You all just throw the little ones in the air into the water and gently put the big ones back! Have some respect for all fish!!!!

[@CreekFishingAdventures]

I get paid to catch fish, so I also know way more about fish than most people, the fish were all very well respected

[@flaviodesignaquariums1690]

Put a native fish aquarium in the background. Just an idea.

[@kouvue3953]

If you put thinner diameter line then you could definitely cast 1.25gram+ further, also depending on your rod rating’s and quality of your reel “ money “I myself used top end gear especially for BFS, Varvas area super trout “INFINITY PEx8, 0.3 diameter”about 7.5lb” If you want Distance .🐟on

[@kouvue3953]

The Corrado BFS is the first American version but if you want to spend more money for better experience of the BFs “ my most expensive combo is $1200?. It’s worth the money just take care of your gear you would have no problems.

[@kouvue3953]

As time goes by my experiment to give you this information I have spent in 1000 just to say this to you so at the end it’s cheaper too buy higher end gear then too experiment on cheaper gear 1+1+1 equals more I love your videos .🐟on

[@kouvue3953]

As time goes by my experiment to give you this information I have spent in 1000 just to say this to you so at the end it’s cheaper too buy higher end gear then too experiment on cheaper gear 1+1+1 equals more I love your videos .🐟on

[@ifishcatfish]

I'm curious what did u think about my stuff, since u do this kind of fishing a lot. Maybe send me an email if u are not making a video with it, i would still be curious to hear from you..

[@pistolcreek]

That crappie at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="630">10:30</a>🤌🤌🤌🐟 Some beautiful catches on a windy day, John. That wind makes ultralight fishing challenging, for sure.

[@trudyeagan8160]

❤