iFishband Clamber vs Curado BFS: Real World Testing BFS Reels (BFS Trout Fishing)

#troutfishing #bfsfishing #bfstrout
In this video, iFishband Clamber vs Curado BFS: Field Testing BFS Reels, Hobie-Wan Kenobi tests the iFishband Clamber against the Shimano Curado BFS to see what reel is better for BFS fishing. It is a long but worthwhile video. I have included "chapters" below if you want to skip around the video.
CLAMBER:
1:40 Creep AIM 46s (4gr)
8:43 Jackson Cyral (1.8gr)
12:08 1/32oz VMC Mooneye jig with Eurotackle Fat Assassin
CURADO BFS:
16:46 Creep AIM 46s (4gr)
19:52 Jackson Cyral (1.8gr)
24:18 1/32oz VMC Mooneye jig with Eurotackle Fat Assassin
LURES TESTED:
Creep AIM 46s (4gr)
Jackson Cyral (1.8gr)
1/32oz VMC Mooneye Jig with Eurotackle Fat Assassin (1.9gr total weight)
These lures all cast differently and test the brakes in a realistic sense for stream fishing. There are different ways to test the brakes for lake fishing and such.
This was an interesting shootout and I feel that it was surprising. The Clamber can cast really well. The spool is almost silent when casting too. There are a few things about the Clamber that I think are lacking in comparison to the Curado BFS. I do feel the Clamber is a big step forward for a Chinese Domestic Market (CDM) BFS reel.
Clamber Specs:
Shallow, ported spool (7.71g including stock bearing, 6.16g without bearing)
6.6 gear ratio
31.1in line retrieved per handle turn
Left hand or Right Hand models available
Capacities: 110m of 0.165mm line, 70m of 0.205mm line, 60m of 0.235mm line
9 ball bearings +1 anti-reverse
Max Drag 4.5 kg
150g total weight
Aluminum Frame and Spool
Carbon Handle
Casting Brakes: Non-dynamic magnetic brakes 0-10 with micro clicks
Audible Drag Clicker
Clicking Drag Star
Clicking Spool Tension Knob
Curado BFS Specs:
Shallow, ported spool (8.86gr, no bearing is on the spool shaft of the Curado BFS)
8.2 gear ratio
36in line retrieved per handle turn
Left hand or Right Hand models available
Capacity: 50yds of 8lb line
7 ball bearings +1 anti-reverse
Max Drag 4.5 kg
150g total weight
Aluminum Frame and Spool
FTB Braking System
Audible Drag Clicker
Clicking Drag Star
Bait Finesse Empire has a wide variety of trout lures and is looking to add to the collection. If you have any suggestions for trout lures, please comment below and Bait Finesse Empire will try to stock that lure.
baitfinesseemp...
Check out @Fishing Discoveries , @THE REEL TEST @raWr Fishing for their thoughts on the iFishband Clamber and other BFS reels.
If you want to see more BFS fishing content and have any suggestions for future videos, comment below what you would like to see.

[@rawrfishing]

Omg that rod is so hawt!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It fishes pretty nice too.

[@princessslaya8845]

Love the colors on brook trout in the fall. Good comparison video with a great day of fishing!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a good test for the reels. The micro bearings comparison will have some lighter lures but, also more casting shots for accuracy.

[@yep.fishing]

Yea but when you change the line from one reel to another you will shorten the line when you tienit onto the 2nd spool (joking)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

😂 wow....it's the same knot, just a sliding knot

[@yep.fishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi yea that's what I do too. Like a yoyo slip knot with some extra twists

[@chandlerlaurens741]

Do a video on BFS braided lines.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have some BFS braided lines I been meaning to try out. I like braid when casting tiny lures and also for lake fishing. I will go over how/when I use braid for BFS. Great video idea 👍

[@RonMTube]

Going back and forth between my Aldebaran (FTB like the Curado) and Hyper Micro I struggle to understand just what the braking differences are. I still backlash on both at times and don't find one to be much better than the other. My experience and skills are certainly not at your level. Thanks for the video.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I set my spool tension to have the tiniest amount of side to side play. I feel the FTB controls wind better. The Clamber seems to have the most potential but, to get those perfect casts, you have to make sure everything is set perfect and it is not windy.

[@Dmitro_70]

I have a regular Clamber, not a BFS, a great coil for my money. Recommended for catching European perch, pike and zander 🤙.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It's a pretty solid reel. Some areas need work but, very good start for a BFS reel.

[@vivianeviviemadoracao6202]

Parabéns pelo seu trabalho ficou muito legal que Deus abençoe suas vidas grandiosamente bela pescaria lindo lugar tenha uma boa noite abençoada por Deus!🙌😇👍👏👏👏

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@swissfishingpro4656]

Great video and beautiful trout! I was just wondering where you usually get your spool bearings for either the ifishband clamber bfs or the curado bfs from? I'm from switzerland and also live there but i've had troubles finding micro spool bearings that fit either of these reels and that are getting shipped here. Thanks a lot! Kilian from Swissfishingpro

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like using Roro bearings. Good performance and a great price.

[@jimoque]

Ur video shows clamber much better than curado. U just cast the curado side cast and overhead casting, even so it still backlash.. with clamber u managed to flip cast with the rod.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I didn't attempt to flip cast with the Curado BFS other than in the intro/music part. The Curado BFS is capable of it. I cut out the nastiest backlash I have had with a BFS reel on a routine cast with the Clamber. Both are good reels. Clamber has more potential but, the brakes make the reel VERY sensitive to changes in casting (wind, angles, lure...)

[@chris_2413]

What was that frog you mentioned?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Jackson Cyral. This one is the sinking version. It is meant to be worked faster on the surface.

[@davidohlert4754]

Dang I love watching your videos man you go so indepth and I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you great content

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You are welcome!!! Thanks for watching

[@stephentaylor4643]

great imformative video

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you! I had so much footage but, I had to cut it down and I was left with a 31min video haha. Next one wont be nearly as long.

[@pjoter1921]

Really nice! The rod od swsome. Can You write more about its? Action, power and price 😉 Best regards

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

Hey Hobie Wan . Great video . I was wondering if you knew how i could get my Daiwas alphas air tw to cast 1 gram lures with better distance and accuracy . I have lots of different bfs and trout casting rods and can cast on a few of them but the accuracy and distance isnt great . I can cast 1.5 gram weight with the soft body trout magnet lure ( about 2 grams in total ) accurately and the distance is good but back lashes happen unless im back hand casting only which is not ideal . Im using 2lb fluorocarbon line straight through (0.12 diameter ) and about 30 to 50 meters on the spool . Any ideas of upgrades i can do ? I have cleaned the stock bearings only . I look forward to hearing from you .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

1gr is a tall but achieve task. The stock bearings are already pretty good. A small performance upgrades would be switching to micro bearings. I use the Roro AX24 spool (standard and thicken) and those spools cast pretty light. The stock spool is impressive but those spool give a small edge in the lightweight casting world. Stick spool is more versatile but, you want lightweight.

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

@@HobieWanKenobi Cheers for your reply Hobie-Wan . I prefer faster action rods and my major craft finetail Area rod is an extra fast action . I love it . But for 1 gram lures its seems to load too fast for the spool . It causes the spool to spin too fast for 1 gram lures and im getting back lashes . When i increase the brake settings by just one click , the backlashes are easier to manage and more rare but it then pulls to the side and distance is reduced too much . I will definitely try the Roro spools and micro bearings . Cheers for your suggestions . I have the Tsurinoyo trout elf rod which is very slow actioned and soft . i think this rod could cast 1 gram with the changes you mentioned . Its great at casting but makes setting the hook a nightmare . Even with treble hooks its very bad . The perch i fish for in the UK have harder mouths than trout . Maybe its a case of the rod is not suited to the species i fish for than the rod being a complete noodle . Maybe for trout its a good rod with their softer mouths . I have a few other rods but they are not worth mentioning as 2 grams is the lowest they will cast . Guess im saying that maybe i need a knew rod too . Hahahahahahaha .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Using braided line can help with the hookset with those softer rods. Seems like you have a great analytical approach to fishing.

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

@@HobieWanKenobi Unfortunately the local London canal im currently fishing is too clear for braid . Its like tap water and even using 4lb braid with a 2lb fluorocarbon leader I was getting less bites . 4lb braid tends to dig in a little for me at times and the knot catching on the guides on the cast can be a real pain . This season i have switched to 2lb fluorocarbon straight through and have definitely noticed a huge increase in the numbers of fish im catching . My approach is learning from trial and error as what works for some , doesnt work for everyone . I have made a few purchases based of a KZbinrs videos (not you ) only to be disappointed or realise it doesnt suit where im fishing or the species im targeting . Im still learning . Your content is excellent and highly educational . I always enjoy your videos and always look forward to the next one . Im currently considering a major craft finetail glass rod for my next bfs rod . I checked out various forums but cant find many people that fish with one that have gave a review . I will be going for the longest model they do as it would be for the canal i fish . If it can cast as low as 1 gram I will be happy . If it does , then i will purchase a second , shorter major craft glass rod for small stream and rivers . This is something i know you can give advice with . What rod length would you suggest for wading small rivers and streams Hobie-Wan ? I look forward to your reply . Cheers for your time .

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like rods around 5ft or shorter for streams. the shorter length gives me more control and reduces the chances of me snagging an overhead bush or bush on my rear portion of my cast.

[@triqpham]

Wow, this place is stacked with trout. Very nice.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I was surprised too. A lot of really nice ones too.

[@FocusAndEnjoyCreekFishing]

Very Very professional insightful review !

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Comment below that lures do you want to see during the micro bearing shootout?

[@SasquatchTX]

How about a Trout Magnet or Crappie Magnet

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I can do something similar to that. I have some micro jigs that are similar to the trout magnet.

[@woodchuckforestry293]

If you ever get those rods made-up, I'd buy one!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I am sorting a few things out before selling them.

[@FocusAndEnjoyCreekFishing]

Just not understand Why Curado has 8 gear ratio as a finesse reel, does finesse fishing need Very fast reeling in?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

My thought is that BFS in it's truest form (finesse bass plastics) does best with fast gear ratios to hurry the lure back after working a specific target (stump, dock...). This also helps to get fish away from cover quickly so they don't tangle your lighter line in cover. Lastly, the lures commonly used in BFS have little resistance so, the extra power isn't needed to winch the lure back. Shimano saw the Curado BFS being a finesse bass reel so, the above was applied. The SLX BFS and Scorpion BFS have a 6.3 option in the same platform as the Curado BFS.

[@FocusAndEnjoyCreekFishing]

@@HobieWanKenobi probably it's what you said. thank you for insightful reply. I think Curado BFS is not a 100% finesse reel in the strict sense.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

It isn't but, it is really good. It does very well with upgraded bearings.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@BedBass&Beyond Roro Micro Bearings, size 733 for both spool bearings.

[@eugenejohnson8635]

How much are them rods

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I will be doing a full video on them that will cover a lot of details.

[@The_Multi-species_Angler]

Finally watching!! Glad you did this.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I am glad I did it too. I got some time in with micro bearings on both...what a competition.

[@williamericjohnson]

Where can I buy one of those Jackson Cyral

[@HobieWanKenobi]

A few Japanese shops have them.

[@rickyfitsgerald577]

Curado or fishband Who win?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Curado does overall for me. Clamber is a little better at casting lighter lures.

[@rickyfitsgerald577]

@@HobieWanKenobi so the clamber is little bit “practical”? I need to cast 1g to 6/7g lure How reel you recommend to me for a long time bfs using Curado or clamber? Don’t know theclamber but in this video look very good, also durable? Or with using in time result more breakable?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@rickyfitsgerald577 If casting 1gr and less, I would look into a different reel. You would need a light spool and aftermarket bearings to be most successful

[@rickyfitsgerald577]

@@HobieWanKenobi yes im suspecting that, but know a good base to start isimportant

[@shroomhealth8496]

Awesome vid. What rod are you using?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That is a rod from my custom series I been working on. It's a awesome stream rod. More to follow on the rod in future videos.

[@ميمونيسوع]

روعة يا صديقي

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you. I am happy you enjoyed the video.

[@William-Bill-Munny]

For me as an original Curado owner I can say replacement parts just recently dried up. As for made in China gear, good luck on getting replacement parts or the materials holding up over exposure and time.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think between the terrible resale value and QC, a lot of Chinese reels aren't worth getting. The Clamber is pretty nice though. I'd take the Curado BFS over the Clamber.

[@William-Bill-Munny]

@@HobieWanKenobi yeah the Clamber is good for a kid who may drop it overboard or for anyone looking for cheap technology copied from other sources. Although made in Japan or Taiwan and a few Made in America are good to purchase if you want to teach them how to maintain a reel for many years of enjoyment. Heck I still have my 1960's Mitchell spin cast reel haha - it has seen better days but I can still get parts and I can practically work on it blindfolded.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@William-Bill-Munny That is always a consideration.

[@sjtxxxx]

@@HobieWanKenobi But in China, the Clamber is half the price of Curado BFS.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@sjtxxxx I totally agree. The Clamber with the Chinese price is worth it. Not in the USA for the prices they ask

[@bobu-san7139]

Thanks for this, Just came over from Rawr. I have a Clamber but was considering adding a Curado to my arsenal.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Curado BFS has better braking. Clamber has more lightweight casting potential. If casting 2.5gr and above, Curado BFS.

[@23640631]

@Hobie, where can I purchase the kind of rod you are using in this video?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I will be doing a release video in the near future about the rod.

[@23640631]

@@HobieWanKenobi . Thank you!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You are welcome.

[@Pavlov_Pavel]

@@HobieWanKenobi thank you

[@РОСТИНВЕСТ]

Добрый день, что у вас за удочка?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This is a custom fiberglass rod I built.

[@arnemueller2112]

Man…what a nice water. Is this a beaver dam you are standing on? By the way….Good to see, that even you backlash sometimes. This rod seems to be really slow, perfect to load these light lures appropriately. Well done Hobie. Just as a side note…what happened to your Frogg Toggs wader and don‘t you fear ripping your wader when kneeling down on both knees to unhook the fish? Is this a neoprene wader? Greetings from Germany!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. A beaver dammed up a many spots along this small section of stream. I backlash more frequently than in this video 😂. I always try to push myself and my equipment to the best of its abilities. The Frogg Toggs waders were a little short for me a limited my mobility. These Simms G3 waders fit a lot better and they are more durable. I am kneeling in soft sand during this video.

[@andreashollander4648]

Hi Arne , fishing in Germany too.... Fishing on beaver dams in Germany is probably not an option for us. LOL

[@arnemueller2112]

@@andreashollander4648 indeed. I would really love to fish Hobies waters. They look absolutely stunning.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

@@arnemueller2112 You have HUGE perch in Germany. I have always wanted to catch those type of perch.

[@andreashollander4648]

@@arnemueller2112 Yes even testing a reel is difficult because of the continuous disturbance of fish taking the lure.... Wish I had those problems.

[@artaddictt8624]

Can curado bfs handle 1.5gram micro spoon?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Yes. I think it would handle that weight better with micro bearings though.

[@artaddictt8624]

@@HobieWanKenobi thank you.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem. Glad I could help. 👍

[@ArthriticAngler]

What else competes with curado in that price range? My curado is lonely… and love watching that glass rod,

[@HobieWanKenobi]

SLX BFS 😂.

[@mcl560]

👍👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thank you.

[@TailDancer_55]

Another excellent video! Wondering how the aldebaran and diawa compares to these? I know they are more expensive but in the same environment you are fishing in?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

The Clamber is pretty nice. Daiwa and Shimano have more dynamic braking systems that deal with wind better than the Clamber. I was walking a creek last night with the Clamber fishing how I normally do for trout. It was really nice for those mid-range casts and I could keep my lure trajectory pretty low.

[@خالدالخالدي-د8ك]

There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I learned something new today.

[@خالدالخالدي-د8ك]

@@HobieWanKenobi 👍🏼

[@RonMTube]

@@HobieWanKenobi you're a born diplomat. LOL

[@arnemueller2112]

@@RonMTube indeed :)

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I attempt to be open minded and create a welcoming environment for all to be comfortable.