Dobyns BFS Rod - Sierra Series SUF 701c Review (BFS Fishing)

In this video "Dobyns BFS Rod - Sierra Series SUF 701c Review (BFS Fishing)", Hobie-Wan Kenobi tests the Dobyns Sierra Series 701c while BFS fishing for largemouth bass in clear water. Comparisons are made with the Dobyns Sierra Series SUF 700c (solid tip version) as well. This video is long but, has a lot of information about this rod and what features to look for with other BFS fishing rods.
This rod feel like it has a little more power than the 700c. The biggest difference is that this Sierra Series 701c has a more natural feeling tip versus the solid tip of the 700c. The 700c would excel over the 701c for dropshotting and other "visual" bite techniques. There is a lot of overlap between the two rods but, my choice is the 701c. I been really liking skipping micro jigs and lightweight wacky rigs under docks with the 701c. The rod has enough power to steer fish away from cover yet, light enough power to enjoy the fight with smaller bass.
The Dobyns Sierra Series SUF 701c is a great alternative to using spinning gear for bass fishing. BFS (Bait Finesse System) is new to the USA for mainstream anglers. I have been using BFS gear for over 10 years and I am glad to see more rod options for the USA market. One of the best uses for BFS gear is using fluorocarbon from 6-10lb. Most times, spinning gears gets a lot of line twists with fluorocarbon line and can cause many issues. The act of pitching to cover with a spinning reel is also cumbersome for most, as a baitcasting reel is more natural and allows for instant hooksets and better lure control. BFS gear is designed to put light lures around cover and in open water.
Bait Finesse Empire carries the widest variety of BFS and finesse tackle in North America: baitfinesseemp...
The “0” power rods feature a solid carbon tip that smoothly transitions into the lightweight graphite blank, the Dobyns Rods Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting Series can cast ultralight lures down to 1.5 grams while still having enough backbone to bring in that large bass you’re chasing after.
The “1” power rods feature a traditional tubular light blank build with a fast action.
BFS Fishing Playlist: • How to: BFS Setup

[@kentbrown5369]

I love these rods. I caught an 8 pound bass on my 740c a few weeks ago. The rod never felt like it was going to break and it had plenty of backbone to play the fish. Great rod especially when you consider the price

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think the rod gradually bending into the backbone with increased pressure really helps the rod's versatility.

[@leftyslugger2557]

Holy shit, for a 0 power that's quite a claim, what a beast of a rod...what would you recommend for the lure weight range?

[@pdfahie]

This is exactly the video review I needed, thanks so much!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BFSFISHINGCHANNEL]

I think bfs would’ve taken off earlier had Covid not hit. Personally, I was getting into just at the start and remember chatting with you and rawrfishing about the tatula 100 roro spool lol. Unfortunately, Covid and a kid put me out of commission for a while but things are opening back up and kid is getting a bit bigger. Just means it’s time to get back into the swing of things! Keep on makin the videos hobie! Glad to be a part of the journey and to be able to converse with you about BFS!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks man. COVID showed a pretty big uptick in fishing in a general sense. People had to find things to do that didn't involve crowed places so, fishing, camping and such gained popularity. Glad to have your as a subscriber.

[@MrLarrypad]

Good to see you out for bass! As far as the BFS push in the US, feels odd that all these BFS content creators were kinda left behind. Would have been cool to see you guys with the product announcements and such.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Bass fishing was all what I did years ago. For the BFS trending thing, you know these companies Googled "what is BFS" and came across my channel and others as well, watched our videos then made products. Almost no way they didn't see the content of BFS channels 😂. Either way, it is what it is I guess.

[@arcuriotv6894]

Very nice comparison of these too offerings. Hope your summer has been going well and your catching lots of fish. As per usual, looking forward to the next video

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for checking in. Summer has been pretty good. I decided to take a little break from filming to get out and enjoy some camera free fishing for a while.

[@arcuriotv6894]

Can't blame you there. Always nice just to do what we enjoy without all the other extracurricular activities getting in the way. Good for you! I've been quiet lately myself. So much garbage info and stuff out there it kind of kills the fun of it some ways. We'll glad to hear your still out there catching fish.

[@percussionalobsecration6178]

Thanks for the video! I just ordered the 701 as my first "BFS" rod. I will be throwing things from Yo-zuri snap beans (1/16oz) to a 1.0 squarebill (1/4oz). The closest I had to BFS was a St. Croix ML avid casting with the shimano core, which can still throw a 3/32 Strike King bitsy pond minnow pretty well. I got into airbrushing small finesse crainkbaits this year and have caught more bass and panfish on these lures than any of the store bought ones I have tried. Thought it would be fun to move to BFS equipment instead of the spinning gear.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

BFS is a lot of fun. There are times spinning reels will be more beneficial but, can't compete with fun 😊.

[@arnemueller2112]

Good catches, well done. I bought my first BFS rod years ago (Majorcraft Benkei BFS) and it’s funny to see, how the USDM market finally jumps on this train. You can consider yourself as a true pioneer :)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching. My first BFS rod was made from a 6ft UL popping blank. It was such a joy to use. I since made that blank into a 7ft rod. As far as being a pioneer, I am glad to provide influence to the market...if I truly did 😂.

[@arnemueller2112]

@@HobieWanKenobi at least, your influence is by far more valuable than that of others with far more subscribers. I follow you for a long time and you are the only one whom I still follow. This should tell you something towards trustworthiness, skill and reputation ;) Keep on doing your excellent work and maybe someday it pays off 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks Arne, it means a lot. I appreciate the support.

[@zen2857]

@@arnemueller2112 exactly

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@Rodrigo Salinas V Thank you for the support

[@greenpighunter6930]

Excellent. Expecting a 740 & 691 in the mail tomorrow.

[@ShaneJMcNair]

You're correct, the BFS market is starting to gain some momentum here in the U.S.A. I still fish traditionally with standard gear, but I'm dabbling in BFS. 🍺🎣 Thank you for sharing...

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You have BFS on the radar though? Thanks for watching.

[@victorsimonsen921]

thanks for sharing love your gear reviews keeps me up to date on whats out there .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It keeps me up to date too 😆. Glad you like the videos

[@hafizzahari5662]

Keep doing the great work, this world needs more of it. 😁😎

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you! Will do! Thanks for watching.

[@geraldbalciarjr651]

I am learning a lot about BFS on your chanel keepup the good work,can not wait for spring.👍👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you are learning about BFS here. There is a lot of BFS content out there that people are making just to get views instead of helping people.

[@knq1]

Dude, your videos are invaluable. Thank you.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you like them! I make content to help people, not making hype to get views.

[@appalachianangler2074]

Looking forward to more BFS Bass fishing videos!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This upcoming year!

[@christopherlee4613]

Another great review on gears... thanks buddy 😁

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem 👍. Glad the you enjoyed the video.

[@jongkang1614]

“Do I feel salty about it?” “Sure a little bit”. Lmao!!!!!!! 😅

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Dang straight. I know these companies and pros came across content made by myself and other BFS creators. I'm being transparent in the video. The BFS trend will draw in the pushy and gimmicky crowd of course but, that will also create more products for us to choose from.

[@jongkang1614]

@@HobieWanKenobi I agree

[@mmmbass6068]

Braid all the way for my style. Great review.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I used to use only braid for BFS fishing. I found using the FC fits my style a little better.

[@BassManStrikes]

Ya braid without a FC leader in clear water is a no go. We have some ultra clear lakes down here in south east Wisconsin and the bass will not hit anything connected to straight braid. Stained or dirty water it's a different story 😀😁

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I always use a leader with braid beside frogging or flipping. Even in my tannic waters up by me

[@mmmbass6068]

@@BassManStrikes when i say braid all the way, i mean 100% of the time. Always use a fluoro leader.

[@Troy11194]

Glad i found your channel.. gonna get into bfs here soon. Subscribed

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Welcome aboard! Plenty of BFS knowledge here and much more to come

[@BassManStrikes]

I have the SLX BFS, works great on tiny 1/10oz Ned rig with a tiny zcraw. I caught a huge freshwater drum on the SLX BFS the other night.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the SLX BFS. My suggestion for a bang for your buck BFS reel that you won't "outgrow"

[@BassManStrikes]

@@HobieWanKenobi , yep I wanted the curado bfs but it was out of stock everywhere 😢

[@BassManStrikes]

@@HobieWanKenobi I also have a Fishband gh100 from a couple of years ago that still works pretty well 😀 the Shimano is way nicer though 😉

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLX BFS is pretty much the same thing.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Shimano and Daiwa are still top. Other companies are catching up though

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

Love your channel Obi-Wan❤. Which reel in your video has click drag? I hear it in the vid but not sure which one. Thanks

[@BassManStrikes]

Just got a Cashion BFS rod, taking it out tomorrow with a slx bfs.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Already? Thought they were shipping 01 August?

[@BassManStrikes]

@@HobieWanKenobi got mine early I guess :-) Check out the short on my channel :-)

[@BassManStrikes]

@@HobieWanKenobi Took it out this morning and landed a 27 inch carp with the SLX BFS 😁

[@abelabner]

Thanks again Hobie-Won "Lipo Blade" Kenobi grabbed a 701C from Tacklewarehouse holiday sale to go with Curado BFS, only used it once so far but great recommendation so far! One question, is the hook keeper bent off to the side a bit on your rod? Thanks again keep up the good work!

[@timothythompson6549]

I've been using the St Croix panfish series casting rod, and I've had a lot of fun with it. But I think the Dobyns may be more suitable for finesse bass fishing.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for sharing about the St Croix Panfish rod. I saw that a while back but, odd lure rating for a panfish rod.

[@timothythompson6549]

@@HobieWanKenobi that may be because it's not an ultralight rod. It's actually rated as a light.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I knew it was a light. The spec looked a little stiff from what I saw

[@christiecoopersellshouses5738]

Great video! Thanks 😃 I have a 6’8” ML Megabass Hyuga paired with a Curado BFS that I absolutely love! I’d like a 2nd BFS setup but haven’t found the right fit yet. Do you have any experience with the Dobyns SUF740c? I ordered one but returned it since it was so long and flimsy. More like a crappie rod than a bass rod. I suppose going with the shorter length 700c or 701c may have been a better match. I’ll primarily throw ned rigs and senkos, sometimes small crankbaits.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I fished a few of the Dobyns finesse rods. The 701c is my favorite. The power feels like bass rod, lighter side of power but, definitely not a crappie rod.

[@christiecoopersellshouses5738]

@@HobieWanKenobi, thanks so much for the advice 😊

[@rougaroux2359]

Hobie-Wan Kenobi just wondering if you were going to look for a more budget friendly bfs rod for crappie what would you get for the Zephyr? I’ve go a Shimano 7 foot Light action and I’m struggling casting 1/16oz jig heads with a Bobby Garland bait. When I can get a fair cast it goes hard left. I’ve tried everything I know to do with the breaks. I’m about to sell it and be done with bfs and go back to my spinning gear. And I’ve used the traditional bait casters all my life. I currently use the Shimano SLX DC for my bass fishing.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Phenix Classic BFS casts that type of setup. For more budget, could try an Ajing style rod from AliExpress. They are fast action rods with super light tips for finesse saltwater fishing.

[@payevhizmoney]

Hey Hobie Wan Kenobi! I recently purchased the 701c and the curado bfs. I noticed the spool bearings are pretty loud. What oil should I use on them? My curado did not come with any oil in the box. I have bantam oil from other Shimano reels. I also have TSI 321. What do you recommend? Is your curado kind of loud on the cast? Do you recommend replacing the spool bearings with an aftermarket option? I mostly use my setup for bass.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No need to replace the bearings if using bass lures. I like a thin oil like Hedgehog Alchemy Oil. TSI 321 people have used with great results...I never used it though

[@WhereWeWild]

Dude you gotta rip that plastic of your cork and U40 seal it up it’s giving me anxiety… 🫣😂 Lol great video I just got one of these rods, now I need to pick a reel, I’m thinking the SLX bfs but not sure yet, they’re all pretty tough to get your hands on these days, especially in the lefty XG gear ratios which I’m not sure if I really need or would be cool with the lower gear ratio. 🤔 If you have any recommendations on the reel definitely let me know I appreciate it. You seem completely out of your mind with this stuff like I am so I’m gonna go ahead and hit subscribe. 😎😁🤙🏽 Keep up the good work!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I was waiting for U40 to seal it 😂. The Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW is a good fit for this rod for bass techniques. The SLX BFS is great f bass fishing but, Shimano seems to be slow at restocking lately

[@WhereWeWild]

@@HobieWanKenobi Hahaha nice! 😃🤙🏽 I lay that stuff on the cork day one out of the shipping tube like a psycho. 😂 And interesting, I’m more of a Shimano guy really haha love Daiwa too but mostly have been torn between the SLX, Scorpion or Curado for this one. Just have been on the fence about waiting to find an XG, or if I am too impatient for that and should just grab the lower gear ratio in stock and be fine with it 😂

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@WhereWeWild Wait for the higher ratio, especially if using plastics and such

[@WhereWeWild]

@@HobieWanKenobi Yeah… that’s what my brain says too unfortunately 🤦🏻‍♂️😁 Hopefully I’ll find one sooner rather than later, it will kill me not to use this new rod when it arrives, I’ll be out there running the MGL 70 half spooled up. 😂🤙🏽

[@davidcicetti8421]

Great video! New to bfs bass fishing. Which rod do you think is best for casting 1/10, 1/15, 1/20th oz Ned rigs?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Phenix Classic BFS is better to cast those lures. The Dobyns will have a little more power overall.

[@LoganWolf1984]

Which one of these rods would you recommend to throw small hard baits in the 3-7 gram range? If neither one, what BFS rod would be a good for these little baits? I have the 700 and like it for just about anything. The tip on this rod is something special though. Thanks and again, I like the video.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That 700 could work fine with mono line for hardbaits.

[@alansarpy]

Love the channel ... what BFS rod would you recommend for small swim baits and and top waters ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have a new video explaining this.

[@fantasticleese]

Great bfs content.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks you. It is much appreciated man.

[@viper4hdz]

Great video by the way! I usually fish from the bank. I’d like to get your opinion on the SUF 691C, I believe the only difference might be the length.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That is the biggest difference. I think the taper is similar. I think the butt was cut to give the shorter length so, It MIGHT seem slightly slower in taper than the 701

[@McVeyMcFarm]

Great Review! I'm going back and forth between the Dobyns 701c and the BP JCT66MLTF CarbonLite series rod. The 701c is rated up to 5/16 of an ounce while the Carbonlite is good from 1/16 all the way up to 1/2 ounce. I fish 5" Senko's 75% of the time which would put me over the weight limit on the 701c ... Any thoughts on which one might be best for me or any experience with the CarbonLlite series? Planning to match the rod up with a Curado BFS reel!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Cashion Icon BFS 6'10" ML would be perfect for the 5" senko. I haven't used the CarbonLite at all so, I can't speak on that rod. You can overload the Dobyns a little and be fine. Depending on needs for backbone, the Cashion has more backbone.

[@billcoerver4583]

Just ordered one to go with my 700 and 740C

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They are pretty nice rods. The softer taper does allow more versatility at the expense of power.

[@alansarpy]

Hey Hobie... which of these two rods has the softer tip for throwing 1/16 ounce baits ?? I notice the Phenix 701 seems a tad stiff and now I'm considering one of these Dobyns rods... Thanks!!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Phenix Classic BFS is softer than either of these Dobyns rods and better suited for those baits.

[@alansarpy]

@@HobieWanKenobi thank you picked up the phenix and Dobyns 701 .. got the best of both worlds

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Either way you couldn't be worth but, you got both so...you are right!

[@kylemayer8486]

If you get a chance, try the Legit Designs 6'6 light stand up. It's a beautiful rod for hard baits.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have seen a few others use that rod. Seems pretty legit.

[@kylemayer8486]

@@HobieWanKenobi got it for jerkbaiting rock bass, but it's got a 4.5lb smallmouth and a 30" pike under its belt.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@kylemayer8486 That's what happens. Get a finesse rod and the big fish hit.

[@dcrane4]

How do you think the 6’9” would do? I like shorter rods but that 701 looks super nice. Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It's basically the same rod but shorter. You may feel a slight less backbone but, the upper part of the rod is the same-ish.

[@lynoj777]

Hello! Nice video!!! Baitfinesse empire ships to USA? I got a Daiwa gekajiiin loaded with 6 lb flouro, which one would be best, the 700c or the 701c. Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Bait Finesse Empire is based in the USA. I prefer the 701c

[@ProstheticsandOrthotics]

What do you think about this rod for Ned rigs and 1/8 oz ball head with 3.3 inch keitechs? Will be chasing river smallies

[@ifishcatfish]

my spinning version was the same. Maybe bass dudes like this kind of action, but i personally hate it. The main blank is ML power at minimum.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Companies ratings always vary. I find it stiffer than my St Croix 7ft Lite blank but, not too far off

[@baitfinesseempire]

It was definitely tuned for the bass guys, who want a little more backbone with their light tip. The 650c has quickly become my go-to pond hopping rod for urban bass fishing 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That 650 looks perfect for ponds and maybe wide rivers with bigger trout/walleye

[@ifishcatfish]

Honestly its kind of a stretch to push these rods in the BFS category. Gluing a solid tip on top of a bass rod is a bad approach to BFS. I will bet you money nobody in that company has fished with an Ultralight rod and they cannot begin to understand whats the point of ultralight blanks. For them this ML blank is the very bottom of acceptable range : )

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@ifishcatfish The 701c is a tubular tip. There are also different types of BFS rods. Bass BFS rods are generally faster taper with a little more power in the backbone. Trout rods are generally more moderate action. I am a huge steward of BFS fishing and not falling into the marketing hype. This rod feels similar to many JDM bass BFS rods. If you don't fish bass and prefer perch or trout, a softer rod will do better. Dobyns says these rods are good for panfish too, I disagree...unless they are big panfish 😂

[@OffTxueFishing]

Before I buy , how does it handle throwing 1/16 oz and 1/8 oz lures ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Pretty good overall. I think 1/16oz is kinda pushing it though. I will be doing a review of a similar rod here pretty soon. May be worth waiting for that one.

[@LFGM24]

Dam Hobie Wan…….. u a BFS - OG, you missed the boat….. could’ve been the first in the States to bring this out to the masses and maybe even have you own line of rods. Next time you’re in to a Japanese technique that’s niche don’t hesitate and keep the secrets to yourself. Bring it the people and make MONEY !!!!!! Unless of course you prefer to stay low key and money isn’t a motivation. Which is all good. I’m glad BFS is an actual thing. It’s cool. I’ll say this though. Honestly….. this BFS craze I wouldn’t say was solely a Japanese thing anyway. Perhaps the gear and and tackle yes, but fishing light lures on bait casting gear isn’t really that unusual. Plenty of people don’t live near big bodies of water and only fish small ponds and streams and I myself have used 6’ casting rods throwing lite jigs and husky jerks, shallow cranks, and light too water lures even back then. Sure the rod and reel weren’t labeled BFS but I was essentially fishing very lite on casting gear. But I like the direction it’s going and the market is growing .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I don't do it for the money. Funny thing is that I get messages from people asking a ton of questions then, then go make videos about it 😂. I know of at least 3 KZbin channels that started making BFS content after asking me a ton of questions. Two of them definitely milk the trend of BFS for their own personal gain. I haven't even monetized this channel. My bills get paid without spamming promotions and making annoying hype content just to get clicks. I have been offered many opportunities to have input on rods. I have tested prototypes and have given input to rod manufacturers. Putting my name on a rod would have to be a product I have 100% confidence in. Good product, good price and reflects what I believe in.

[@LFGM24]

@@HobieWanKenobi I respect that. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s obviously a passion and you love it so enjoy it. Thanks

[@seanhung14982]

Would you throw a size 5 shad rap or other finessy crankbaits on this?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yeah. The action is soft enough to cushion as well.

[@SyaidanYakob97]

Can you review Daiwa Alphas CT SV 70? I’ve seen not much info about than reel can be bfs or not

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have not used that reel. I reviewed the Daiwa Steez CT. The spool should be similar and it casts really nice.

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

What Dobyn’s BFS model would you recommend for targeting crappie? I’d be throwing 1/32-1/16 beetle spins and casting to specific structure in and around cypress trees. I already purchased a Shimano BFS reel, just looking for that perfect rod. How about that Jenko BFS rod? Thanks for any help.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I wouldn't recommend one of these Dobyns BFS rods specifically for crappie. In a pinch, they work but, not ideal. I haven't used that Jenko rod but, could be a better option.

[@abelabner]

Yes nice and healthy full bellied babies!!!!!!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This was late summer too

[@toddlester8063]

Which rod would would recommend for smaller crankbaits, like 3/16 or 1/4?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Cashion Icon BFS 7' Light

[@toddlester8063]

@@HobieWanKenobi thanks! What about between the Sierra 701 and 700?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@toddlester8063 Either one will work

[@toddlester8063]

@@HobieWanKenobi Hi sorry to keep asking questions, but I have one more. You mentioned the Casion 7ft Light for small cranks. How does that rod handle single hook baits like a small 1/0 texas rig for example?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@toddlester8063 I haven't done much testing in that situation (open water ends late October for me). I did use a few open hook finesse baits such as a Ned Rig and it was fine. I used it in more open water with 7lb fluorocarbon. If using braid, I am sure it could do light Texas Rigs with thinner/easier to penetrate plastics

[@ownvideofootage]

What kayak or canoe is that?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This is a Hobie Pro Angler 17T. This may be the last video you see with it.

[@michaelangelo6947]

What do you think about the Curado BFS reel?

[@jawsmod]

How does the 701 compare to a Casion. I’m in Texas so, it could be a 1.5lb fish or a 6+.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Id go with the Cashion. More meat for sure that will help you down in the land of giants

[@ZoofSkillzFishing]

Please help. I purchased a 6ft UL bait casting rod from AliExpress. It is full, carbon and super whippy. It is a soft action. I paired it with the Piscifun Phantom S BFS reel... I can't seem to get any proper distance... It's weighted for 0.5- 5g and takes 4lb line...

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Try casting with a gentle motion and gradually use less brakes

[@ZoofSkillzFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks for the advice... It's much appreciated! 👍

[@baitfinesseempire]

PIscifun Phantom S is not a proper BFS reel. The spool is too heavy and the braking system is centrifigul. You will likely need to change to a proper BFS reel with a light spool and magnetic brakes.

[@ZoofSkillzFishing]

@@baitfinesseempire Thank you for that crucial information. I'm from South Africa and I tend to fish saltwater, which means that I risk the chance of hooking into some extremely tough fighting fish such as GTs etc. I don't know the first thing about BFS to be honest! I'm hoping to apply the equipment I got for saltwater. Hopefully, everything goes to plan.

[@ZoofSkillzFishing]

@@baitfinesseempire What would you categorize the Piscifun Phantom S baitcasting reel as, out of curiosity?

[@letufamily]

i love both 😅braid and fluorocarbon 😁depends where i fish 🙈

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Same here. I like fluorocarbon overall better but, braid is key for certain techniques and is more versatile overall.

[@kosmophon]

So which one for crankbaits? The 700 or 701?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the 701 all around for most things. The 700 casts lighter lures ever so slightly better.

[@kosmophon]

@@HobieWanKenobi Ah ok. But the 701 is the one with the stinger tip right? Unfortunately Dobyns has no infos about that on their webside.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@kosmophon 700 has the solid "stinger" tip. 701 is the normal tip

[@kosmophon]

@@HobieWanKenobi If you could chose one: Which would you use for crankbaits?

[@jimt5683]

Which one for crappie

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I'd go with a different rod specifically for crappie but, the 700 would be a better choice over the 701

[@OffTxueFishing]

Does it feel a bit more stiff than the 700c?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yeah. Not a big difference in the butt section. You can feel it in the tip/upper section though

[@OffTxueFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi So the 700c would be a bit better handling lighter lures then?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Very slightly. I have another rod coming in soon that is a contender with this Dobyns rod. I will post about it soon.

[@OffTxueFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi awesome!

[@CrazyCranker]

Which rod is best for nedrigs?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Dobyns 701c for me. Better control and delivery

[@CrazyCranker]

@@HobieWanKenobi Thanks!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem

[@Anglermania1010]

I like videos fhising frend

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you stopped by. Please come again.

[@GaryAnderson87]

Are the guides too small for braid to leader?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Not if you are using say 10lb braid to a 6lb leader or so.

[@youngn3237]

Can you detect every bite with this rod?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I can detect all the bites I can feel with this rod 😆

[@lymphy12]

BFS is entering marketing gimmick era. It was small stream gear originally, not sure what makes this rod "BFS".

[@baitfinesseempire]

BFS started as a bass technique. Fairly stout rods with super light tips. Used in Japan to fish highly pressured fish hiding near structure. The advantage was the accuracy and pulling power offered by casting gear vs spinning. The Daiwa Pixy series of reels were the OG factory ready reels for the technique. The actual term BFS came from Shimano with the OG Aldebaran BFS reel in 2012. In fact Shimano owns the term and if you look at their JDM rod lineup, only bass rods are ever labeled as BFS. 👍

[@lymphy12]

@@baitfinesseempire Id say Daiwa Millionaire and Isuzu were OGs that started it before labels edit: the once that have side of the spool exposed for braking/control

[@HobieWanKenobi]

They were definitely ahead of their time. Bait Finesse Empire is pretty much spot on. Started as a bass technique for pressured fish around cover. The branch off for stream fishing happened after. Now, anglers are using it in saltwater and even for panfish.

[@baitfinesseempire]

it depends on how "technically correct" you want to be. Technically it means the same thing it meant in 2012. Bass casting gear used for finesse techniques that would normally be relegated to spinning gear. Shimano uses the term BFS to denote this on their bass rods. Other JDM brands like Major Craft who label their finesse bass casting rods, but not their trout casting rods, with "BF" are of a similar mindset. You don't, to our knowledge, see "BFS" or "BF" labels on saltwater, trout, etc. rods in Japan. Of course bait finesse is much bigger than Japan now, and globally that very specific definition is not as strictly adhered to. As far as Bait Finesse Empire and what we consider "bait finesse" or not... We tend to stick to the broader more general term used globally, with the acknowledgement that that's not the Shimano copyrighted definition. If it's a baitcasting reel and a casting rod and you're casting weights that would normally be used only on spinning, it's good by us no matter what action the rod is, or species you're chasing. All this is to say... Labels don't matter. Have fun, enjoy your fishing, try new things.

[@lymphy12]

@@baitfinesseempire Interesting, I agree on broad term, but it doesn't quite fit rods the same. We need a new term for short "flicky" rods that are perfect for casting in tight spaces.

[@ricomartinez1770]

Fish has some herpes, must be an Edmond-bass

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The gift that keeps on giving.

[@OlExtraRegularBass]

You weren't doing it before it was cool, you were doing it WHEN it was cool. Now it's lame-stream.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Cool was a sarcastic term I used. The social media hype for everything these days is dumb. How many videos do we need with in your face product pushes with hype music?

[@OlExtraRegularBass]

@@HobieWanKenobi I know, I definitely don't use lame -stream in a serious manner. But yeah, I wish I'd been around for the pixy days which I think you were?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@OlExtraRegularBass Yeah. The Pixy was great for it's time and has a small following still. I like faster gears and the reels nowadays smoke the Pixy for BFS. The Pixy is still great for mag-BFS

[@OlExtraRegularBass]

@@HobieWanKenobi I just think it's a damn sexy design, and I've seen some seriously tweaked examples that are awesome. I didn't even know it was slow. I only started fishing at all five years ago, so.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@OlExtraRegularBass Slow by today's standard. The fastest ratio is 6.8 but, 7.2 gears can fit from the Alphas.