Cashion Icon Bait Finesse Rod Review - BFS Fishing with the KastKing Kestrel Elite BFS

[@redclayoutdoors]

Braid to leader on all my rods. Love the cast ability of braid with the extra sensitivity without sacrificing visibility. Also still gives that little bit of stretch that you need for more finesse techniques. I’ve tried going straight fluorocarbon but seams like I lose all feel and I always seem to have trouble casting lighter lures without a birds nest.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I do a lot of fishing on slack line so, the FC helps. Braid does feel really nice and give the most versatility for sure. The durability regarding backlashing helps too 😂.

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

My main Rod in now a Old 18 Buoyancy Ultra light with the Diawa gekkabijin and my secondary rod is the Doybns Sierra ultra finesse Light. Plan to purchase another reel for the Doybns over the winter.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Sweet. Check out the Aldebaran BFS or even the KastKing Kestrel.

[@atypicalangler]

Nice! I use Cashion ICON Swimbait Rods and I use their John Crews Punching rod and I love them.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

How is the punch rod's taper?

[@BassManStrikes]

The action and power is perfect for Ned rigs this rod saved my trip to the Paint River in Crystal Falls above the dam because it's dink city LOL When you are used to medium to medium heavy this thing seems extraordinary light action.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Didn't know you came to the UP. I got a buddy who swears fishing out near that area is awesome for largemouth.

[@BassManStrikes]

@@HobieWanKenobi, yep I was up a couple of weeks ago stayed at Paint River Landing, I have 3 days of footage but the biggest smallmouth were about 12 to 13 inches. Apparently below the dam is better. I caught close to 40 bass all dinks 😒. Watch for the video on my channel 😃

[@BassManStrikes]

@@HobieWanKenobi I was with the family and only had kne vehicle so I couldn't take off to other spots so had to stay on the Paint river above dam ☹️ had I been up by myself I would have hit Paint River pond, Ottawa lake etc 😆

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Just now seeing this one, Great review 👍. My next BFS rod is going to be a similar rod for bass. That will give me one pan fish and one bass rod to play with. Thanks for sharing 🍺🎣

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I really like this for functional bass fishing. Good backbone and still plays the smaller fish well.

[@sjammer]

I use a Pheonix Recon Elite (not sure if I really care for it) and Megabass P5 Kasumi 6’11. Fighting bass on light gear is fun.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I was looking into a P5 BFS rod. I liked the few Megabass rods I owned. X7 Destruction was so nice for flipping for me.

[@sjammer]

@@HobieWanKenobi The P5 is an amazing rod. I am using the Kasumi for all my hard baits and micro chatter baits. There is a JDM BFS Expride rod that I am looking in to as well.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Maybe I will pick one up. Cal on the TackleTour website had mostly good things to say about the P5

[@oslo7457]

got today my shimano cardiff UL rod, it is awesome. very nice cast together with aldebaran22, did not tried together with gekka and calcutta jet . price 160 usd(normal price about 280-300) where i got it is must buy for sure. know that same spinning rods use for sport fishing in Germany force out til 7 kg ( 15.4 lb) trouts.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That is one rod I have been wanting to try. Seems like a great rod

[@cleavedspot]

Nice. My BFS rod just arrived today. That was a lot of fun.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Cool. What BFS rod did you get?

[@cleavedspot]

@@HobieWanKenobi Dark Wolf Ultra and the Kingdom, King Pro.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@cleavedspot Good bang for your buck combo

[@cleavedspot]

@@HobieWanKenobi The only issue I have, if it is an issue is while cranking, there is play in the shaft so it kinda knocks a bit. Have you seen that? Braking seems fine. I only had two backlashes yesterday but they were more my fault.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@cleavedspot I didn't notice anything like that. There is a slight buzz but, nothing crazy

[@rigovivanco8997]

I use 2 rods that basically cover it all. The Megabass Criffhanger and the Pop Stick X. They are phenomenal rods! Up there in price but worth every penny.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Pop X stick seems like my type of rod

[@oslo7457]

​@@HobieWanKenobi what your minds about shimano cardiff UL rod ?

[@davecooper6551]

I just looked at this rod on BFE last night , little bigger than what I am looking for . I have a googan gold reaction rod that is a bit longer than this one but cast those 1/8 jigs with no issue

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like how this rod has some backbone to it. I haven't used the Googan rod but, sometimes rods cast light lures and lack backbone to pull fish away from cover. Those rods though are usually more versatile

[@MrLarrypad]

Good video man. May need that ML for "real" bass fishing. Looking forward to the 7ft Light compared to the Dobyns. You said a lot of good things about the Dobyns so, this is Cashion has it's work cut out for it.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@MrLarrypad I do find this rod to be better suited around cover than the Dobyns. You will find out more info in the next video!!!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@BedBass&Beyond You know a shootout video is coming. I have to compare apple to apples so, I will be using the 7ft Light Cashion but, will make comments on the ML for comparison.

[@orangef3802]

Nice, there aren't many casting rods rated for lures under 1/4 oz.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They are coming more common. The tapers are usually softer, leading to versatility. Sometimes you need a plastics specific rod to have power

[@terribleatfishing]

I enjoy atm, my Cajun custom rod, the trigger series is very nice. I want to build my own rod, with an UL blank, American Tackle Microwave guides, carbon grips. I simply cannot find one like this. I prefer a carbon fiber blank as well. All my rods are carbon fiber nowadays. Try the trigger by cajun, for $120 it is tough to go wrong and a great company as well.

[@arnemueller2112]

In my opinion this lure rating is not to be claimed as BFS but…..as you said….to get the fish out of cover more power is advantageous. Nice video, as always 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I didn't name the rod 😂. I like it because I can put light lures in and around cover with the power to bring the fish in.

[@SBD36]

BFS is not confined to a box with prescribed lure weight range or rod power, they can range from ultralight to medium powered rods. A reel with a lightweight shallow spool, low intertia bearings, and light line are the only real "requirements" for bfs. The rod only needs to load and cast the lure of you choice to be a "bfs" rod. There are many medium and medium light powered Japanese bfs rods for bass and saltwater inshore fishing. BFS being equated to ultralight rods and tiny lures is an American misconception that's simply inaccurate.

[@billluceno1255]

Great video thanks. I started BFS fishing a few years ago. I bought the Major Craft Benkei 6’5 UL and the 6’7” L. I love those rods and still fish them but I have upgraded to the Shimano Expride 2017 6’4 L and the 6’8” L. Because of your videos I bought a couple Shimano SLX BFS reels and just recently an 2022 Aldebaran. Have you had a chance to fish the Expride BFS rods? I would like to see you test the Dobyns smaller BFS rods. Really look forward to your videos…keep them coming 🐟🐟🐟

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad I was able to help you get into BFS. I haven't used the Expride rods but, they seem to get good remarks from people. The shorter Dobyns rods are almost as if the butt section of the blank is shorter. Same taper of sorts just, smaller.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Shimano Expride is my go-to for bass. The Cashion is on my radar though. Probably try the Light version at some point.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I still have to use the Light version. Feels like a fun rod in hand. Definitely less backbone than the ML. I may try some panfish or splake with it.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi wow. so Maybe the ML version is similar to the original Expride series then? Something to think about - I guess it depends on what I'm wanting to add to the lineup when the time comes.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@AaronHuntFishing I will measure some rod metrics for the ML and compare to other rods

[@jeffreylenz7314]

Excellent Ned rig rod!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It really is. It's the power side of BFS that many people neglect.

[@2Fish1Net]

You should do a review on the old 18 buoyancy 7ul and 7l

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I may. I have a lineup of tackle to review that is already quite long 😂

[@2Fish1Net]

That line up of tackle can wait 🤣

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Its a pretty long line

[@ricomartinez1770]

You should check out old 18 BFS rod, when you get the chance.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I need another rod like I need a hole in the head 😂. They seem to get mixed reviews

[@ricomartinez1770]

@@HobieWanKenobi I know that feeling, I’m telling you that you need another rod and I’m swore myself off more rods and reels after my conquest BFS HG

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@ricomartinez1770 We are not the only people affected by this....most of us commenting are.

[@chasintrout5531]

Can you do a video on the custom glass rod you built and the components you used?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I plan to this winter. Gives me something to film 😂.

[@en8718]

Hi Hobie ... would you do a video showing how to tie your favorite BFS knots ? I've tried the FG knot but its too long even with 15-20 wraps to go through the micro guides smoothly. What are your favourite knots for braid to fc and terminal hardward ? Thanks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I can touch on that. I am pretty basic for knots, I use what works for me 😂

[@BassManStrikes]

Double Uni knot works great and on small diameter braid to small diameter FC leader is tiny and easily goes through micro guides.

[@brownbouy3043]

I love the Alberto and improved alberto knot

[@Twangtown7]

The "CASHION" on the blank just under the American flag...is that new? Other rods I've seen has the font with the C as a fishing hook. Which has always been their logo. I like this much better.

[@Twangtown7]

Nevermind, just found the answer on Cashion's page. ;)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This is the first Cashion I have used but, I have seen the same font that you are talking about.

[@ichphan]

I used the Castaway Skeleton Light

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I never used a Castaway rod. I remember when they came out, I was interested but, never committed.

[@ichphan]

​@@HobieWanKenobi Castaway to me is a moderate-action rod, but not a fast tip rod

[@matt.clement.fishing]

I appreciate the review. I love Cashion and I mostly fish for bass on lakes. So my main interest is replacing spinning gear (other than maybe dropshot) with BFS gear. I think that would be an interesting video. "Tourney Bass Fishing with BFS" I think you already do a great job of covering the fun factor of fishing for smaller fish in creeks, streams, etc with light tackle. It's opened my eyes to new opportunities.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Bass fishing isn't too popular around me so, not many tourneys. I recently fixed up the boat so, better filming on open water. More to come until it freezes.

[@cleavedspot]

That is why I switched to BFS. To toss the spinning rod. 3” Spark Shad, Okashira Screw Head on 8lb braid and caught my new PB.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@cleavedspot Sweet! My PB smallmouth was off BFS too. 6.2lbs of drag peeling football.

[@cleavedspot]

@@HobieWanKenobi Nice. Mine was 3.75#, swam into the lay downs and I was worried.

[@cleavedspot]

Awesome. I turned the L, tip section on my KINGpro into four little tip sections. It’s really nice that it came with a UL tip section.

[@lymphy12]

That waterfront dream house tho.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That's my vacation home... 😂. There are a few houses I see on local lakes that are like....wow. I then go I to my "but that mortgage payment" and "I'm content living near a bunch of lakes instead of on one" rant.

[@lymphy12]

@@HobieWanKenobi Haha still congrats heavenly looking spot, made my day just watching the water. oh and i wouldn't mind vid on some of those expensive af Japanese rods, something i cant get my hand on. Thank you.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@lymphy12 Haha...I have a few JDM rods I haven't filmed yet.

[@darinhigashi9677]

You’ve reviewed two of the rods I’m looking to pair with my Dark Wolf reel. Which would you prefer/choose if you were going to be mainly targeting trout but still be able to handle a decent size bass? Thanks and keep up the great videos 🤙🏼

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The 7ft light Cashion would be better for trout. Has a nice taper and backbone for decent sized bass. Not for around heavy cover or anything

[@ikashibimauler]

Did you ever get around to doing a review on the 7'L? I looked through your vids, but couldnt find it.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That will be coming soon! I will say it makes for a nice trout rod for lakes. Good for bass too

[@ikashibimauler]

@@HobieWanKenobi Any chance you have that review done yet?

[@Bedbassanbeyond]

Which one feels better for 5gr jigs. This or Sierra 700? Need a bottom contact bfs rod...haven't found one yet

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd say this Cashion Icon BFS ML. Both will work but, this Cashion has more backbone. I'd take the 7ft light Cashion Icon over the Dobyns if going more finesse than the ML

[@jeffbranson835]

I already have a love the dyobns 700 and love it ! Now I’m ready for another bfs rig. The bass at my local lake are pretty small( 1-2 pounders ) what would you recommend between the Phenix and icon bfs rods?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd go Phenix Classic BFS for those size bass. Bigger bass I'd go with the Icon

[@Pond_King_Fishing]

After a year of use, would you recommend this rod for bass finesse fishing? I am more geared towards bigger bass and love using light tackle. Thank you brother, tight lines. Also because of you I am ordering my slx 21 next week and will most likely be pairing it with the cashion. 🤙🎣🇺🇸💪

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I would suggest this rod. Perfect for what you are looking to do

[@Pond_King_Fishing]

@HobieWanKenobi for the slx 21 now just waiting for my cashion, I can't wait. Tight lines Hobie!

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey hobie I have a question ❓ for you can you tell me what kind of bfs reel your useing. Thanks for the video. God bless

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This was the KastKing Kestrel Elite.

[@jonathanheye2370]

Do you have a recommendation for a bfs reel for lake fishing. Bass is the main goal but crappie and bluegill is a plus. I’m probably going to be pairing it with the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting Rods. Thanks I’m advanced.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The KastKing Kestrel been a good reel for me for all around use. The 22 Aldebaran BFS is a slightly better choice and CAN be had cheaper from Japan.

[@BK-ks2sf]

This vs 691c? For alphas sv tw 800s so "power" bfs, Shakey heads weightless Texas rigs,

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This rod for sure. I been really liking it for power BFS.

[@BK-ks2sf]

@@HobieWanKenobi I'm not so sold on the weave grips and it looks like all the guides and components are no name. Have you tried the 6'2 Jackson Not So Finesse JDM rod, seems similar to the icon but all fuji components. I wish it was longer though. Have you tried major craft days or benkei 6'8 L models? Apparently they fish heavier than their rating, how do they compare or would they be too light for power bfs

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@BK-ks2sf The Icon is legit. I been really liking it. I have the 73 MH Blast Beats and that is a good rod.

[@BK-ks2sf]

@@HobieWanKenobi I think I'm gonna get the Jackson so called finesse on sale right now for $180, the handle looks shorter than usdm rods so hoping it casts farther like a 6'6.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@BK-ks2sf Can't go wrong either way

[@dang3]

In your opinion, what would be the best reel to pair up with this rod if you plan on using 7 - 8 pound Fluorocarbon line most of the time for lake bass fishing as a replacement for your typical med-Lt or medium spinning rod? Also, would a Shimano MGL model perform better or worse than a similar BFS model for 7-10 pound line?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the SLX BFS as a budget option. It handles those bass lures very well and "better" reels, you would be paying for casting performance you may not really need

[@hometownguy7184]

Yo Hobie..I believe I may have stumbled on the holy grail ris to match with my 22 Alde..first let me say I basically only fish bass.so,I picked up a bass pro Johnny Morris carbon lite 2.0.it is a 6,'6.medium lite.rated 1/16 to 1/2.i have 6 pound braid on the reel.it cast and pitches 1/16 to 3/8 easy !..check it out bro..it cost 120 bucks at bps

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Not a bad setup. Sometimes store rods are pretty decent

[@hometownguy7184]

@@HobieWanKenobi ..I hate Chinese stuff,but it's nearly impossible to avoid.so until I get a custom made,this works good.

[@alexdashevsky2180]

I really don’t know what is good bfs reel. I have purchased Shimano bfs and and purchased RoRo bfs spool for this reel. Great reel. About a month ago purchased from Digitaka Alphas 800s plus additional spool RoRo light 7.5 gram. Really don’t like a Daiwa Alphas. Do you know good reel I can use for 2.5 grams to 5 from lures . Thanks Alex. Maybe I have to purchase a noodle rod . Any ideas please. Thanks and Happy Holidays

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The rod will play a factor in casting performance. As long as the rod loads well when you cast, that is usually a good starting point. Going to a noodle rod may hinder your intended performance. The Alphas SV 800s would do 4gr well. The Shimano BFS reel you have will handle your intended weights just fine. What type of fish are you targeting and, what type of lures.

[@alexdashevsky2180]

@@HobieWanKenobiI have purchased from Mudhole crb ul blank 1/16-1/4 oz 6 feet. Build rod and test it today. Blank is stiff. Look like maybe fro 7-8 th to 12 gr.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It gets to be frustrating finding a UL blank to fit your needs. Specs will often not tell how the blank will perform

[@tylerp1042]

Hey Hobie! Will this rod be decent for small jerkbaits in the 1/4 range? Be using 7lb line. Also wanting to pull double duty with small swimbaits 1/8 head

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This rod would be perfect for that. I been really liking mine and have even used it for finesse square bills for decent sized bass.

[@BassManStrikes]

The lower placed hook keeper stinks for Kayak Rod Holders, the one on the Cashion is perfect.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That makes sense. I didn't think too much into that.

[@jeffreylenz7314]

How many double foot guides are on that rod before it transitions to single foot guides?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think 1, 2 max. I will check later.

[@MrAntinsk8]

Hi. Did you try kastking valiat eagle II reel?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have not tried that reel.

[@draidt]

You will be pleasently surprised

[@jeffreylenz7314]

Would you choose this rod over the dobyns sierra finesse for power bfs rod with 8-10 lb fluorocarbon? Is one more Sensitive than the other

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd take the Cashion Icon BFS over the Dobyns with 8-10lb FC for power finesse fishing. Cashion feels a little more sensitive than the Dobyns.

[@ArthriticAngler]

Could you compare action to like the old sensalite

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This rod has more power than the sensalite. Idk actual difference but, from what I have seen from others, the sensalite has noticably less power and a softer taper

[@pitpit8080]

Do you think this rod could handle 1/2oz lipless cranks on the heavier side? Looking to get a rod that can handle 1/8oz bucktails but up to 1/2 lipless cranks

[@HobieWanKenobi]

idk about that. I will check. That would be pushing it. The taper would be nice for lipless baits though.

[@pitpit8080]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks! Was just wondering cuz it sucks bringing more than one rod wading in a river for smallies and walleye

[@ikashibimauler]

They have a 6'10" medium topwater jerkbait rod that would be absolutely perfect for that range. I use it for a lot of stuff in that range. I'm pretty sure it is the same mandrel used to create the blank for both the 6'10ML and the 6'10M rods with like 1 extra wrap of carbon fiber on the latter.

[@bassbarge]

What reel are you using?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The KastKing Kestrel Elite

[@bassbarge]

Thanks dude does the drag have the same sound as a spinning reel

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. It sounds pretty nice too

[@Twangtown7]

BTW, great name. Hobie-Wan.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks!

[@jeffreylenz7314]

Is this rod very light or is it tip heavy?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Even with the KastKing Kestrel (lightweight), I didn't find the Cashion Icon BFS to be tip heavy

[@kwowwandryan]

Great rod in the salt throwing DOA shrimp and salty finesse neds

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I bet. I like that this rod has power in the backbone still for those power finesse techniques

[@kirkmarsh241]

Hi Great Channel love all your videos I was hoping you could help me I have a new zephyr and I’m trying to find it is expensive starter rod for that real for smallmouth and largemouth bass can you help me please thanks for your time Kirk

[@HobieWanKenobi]

If you catch bass from 2-4lbs or, fish around weeds/cover, this rod is great for that.

[@Gospodin_Nikoi]

nice video man! l upload fishing videos too!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Good to see others share the love of fishing with the world.

[@mmmbass6068]

Great assessment as usual, and it looks like a nice rod, but no way this should be labeled BFS. And as a BFS channel, respectfully, I think this review is a waste of your precious time. Thanks anyway for your continued fantastic work.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I do think it it the upper end of BFS but, the rod does so well what it is intended to do, fish light lures around cover. 1/16oz jig plus small trailer isn't going to happen on a M bass rod with the same results. There are content creators that get paid for the narrative in their reviews. They push products and hype them up for their selfish gains. I reviewed this rod to see why Cashion was jumping into BFS and pushing it so hard. People asked me about it so, I was in contact with Cashion and said I will do a no-BS review with my own thoughts and opinions for a rod. I don't need another rod nor do I make videos to pay my bills. I review what I want and what the people may want. Cashion claims all this BFS hoopla and pushed some cringy promos of the rod. I wanted to see what the rod was about, and give the people some info without all the hype and "Yo, what's up everybody..." influencer crap. That is the very reason why you and other subscribe. I typecasted myself into a BFS channel but, I do so much more than BFS.

[@BassManStrikes]

It's a bass BFS rod designed for single hook applications mostly Ned rigs and it's main purpose is to eliminate having to use a spinning rod and reel and it excels at that BFS isn't all about trout fishing and casting super tiny lures.

[@BassManStrikes]

Check out my Cashion bfs Kestrel combo and a smallmouth bass , its Definitely BFS 😃 kzbin.infoTdgPlttJm7M?feature=share

[@mmmbass6068]

@@HobieWanKenobi I think throwing 1/16 oz lures is made possible by modern reels with light spools more-so than just the rod - yes you need a rod with a light tip, but you can find such a tip on an ML rated rod. Maybe I just view the whole concept in a different light. This Cashion rod is what i term “power finesse”

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The ML, yes. The L powered rod is similar to the Dobyns BFS rods