Jackson Kawasemi Rhapsody: 4'11 Ultra Light Carbon BFS Trout Rod (BFS Trout Fishing)

In this video "Jackson Kawasemi Rhapsody: 4'11 Ultra Light Carbon BFS Trout Rod (BFS Trout Fishing)" Hobie-Wan Kenobi talks his experiences with this BFS trout rod made by ‪@studiojackson‬.
Even though fiberglass rods get all the love in BFS trout fishing, there are many times I prefer a carbon rod over fiberglass. Carbon rods are much more sensitive, and they generally allow more control of the fish. This model of the Kawasemi Rhapsody has a higher lifting point, allowing me to fish jigs around cover such as downed trees or cut banks and have immediate control over the fish.
Carbon rods twitch minnow style lures better in my hands. The hookup ratio is a little lower but, can be mitigated by using monofilament/nylon line.
For panfish and bass BFS fishing, the Kawasemi Rhapsody has been very fun. This BFS rod is sensitive enough and has a great taper for bluegill, crappie and bass.
If you fish with micro jigs, soft plastics or other contact baits, carbon is definitely the way to go!
The Jackson Kawasemi Rhapsody is available at Bait Finesse Empire: baitfinesseempire.com/product...
For the Conquest BFS and all other JDM Gear, Digitaka Discount Code: K63
Rod Length: 4’1″
Pieces: 2
Power: Ultra-Light
Action: Fast
Line Rating: 4lb MAX - 0.6 PE MAX
Lure Rating: 6g (1/5oz) MAX
Rod Weight: 96g (3.39oz)
The headwaters of rivers and mountain streams are often found in rugged environments covered with brush, making it difficult to comfortably fish. In such places, anglers can find gorgeous native trout, and often the larger ones are hiding in the most difficult-to-reach pockets. Casting a lure to those tight “unreachable” points, and attracting mountain fish, for many, is the absolute pinnacle of bait finesse fishing pleasure. However, it is also true that clearing obstacles and fighting against the terrain can be the most stressful situations for anglers.
With this in mind, Jackson designed the Kawasemi Rhapsody Rod Series to be free from stress in these difficult situations. Carefully selected lengths that allow you to concentrate on your cast without being distracted by the surroundings of overhead tree branches, boulders, and grasses. Furthermore, by designing the actions of these rods so that each model plays a different role, anglers can fine-tune their techniques and diversify their lineup of useable finesse lures.
By utilizing Fuji SiC-S guide rings, the casting ability of lightweight lures, which are often used in trickle-style waters, has been further improved upon. While heavier sinking minnow lures with a fast initial velocity can be cast further by allowing line to smoothly pass through the guides after release.
Sometimes, the surrounding cover and terrain require that the angler cast with a sidearm or underhand technique to clear a branch, but with the support of this rod, it is possible to deliver the lure accurately every time with ease.

[@davidphamily6536]

😂 I thought you were behind the tree! But you were actually leaning against it 😂

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That is that Riparian Camo 🕵️

[@hafizanzahari159]

Superb video as usual 😁

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@arnemueller2112]

You know exactly what you are talking about. Well done and brilliantly explained 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Wasn't too bad without catching any fish 😂. Thanks for watching as always.

[@1970prapor]

I mainly use fast and extra fast action Japanese rods for saltwater fishing, but I always enjoy watching 👀 your videos 🤙.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Glad you like them! Thank you for watching.

[@seeforever77]

I finally got this rod out fishing with an Aldi 22 on the Mississippi River backwaters. It was stellar! We were in 4-9 feet of water with scattered weeds, so it was a game of casting or pitching a 1/16 oz jig and plastic to the holes and lanes weeds then keeping the jig deep back to the boat. It had no problem with 9” bull gills and 12” perch. The 4# fluorocarbon transmitted every peck. Next up will be crappies in the laydowns.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I really like this rod. Versatile and, great to take to a stream or lake. 9in gill is not joke either

[@hobieweston6247]

i love your content Hobie keep doing what you do. Many kisses, xoxo Hobie.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks Hobie!!!

[@seeforever77]

That rod sounds like a winner. Might be just the ticket for fishing crappie jigs around river snags and laydowns.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I didnt really think of that but, it would be awesome for pitching laydowns for crappie.

[@seeforever77]

Thanks, and I just ordered one from BFE! It was my puzzle’s final piece. (for now) 😊

[@HobieWanKenobi]

My puzzle is never complete 😂

[@baitfinesseempire]

Excellent review Hobie. Jackson always puts out a top notch product. The Kawasemi Rhapsody rods are not only great quality (as expected from one of the top JDM trout brands), but they also hit the nail on in the head with the variety of actions needed by modern native/stream trout anglers. And to top it off, they definitely look the part of a nice JDM trout rod. 👍

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That's true. I like the 4'7" telescopic model too. The tapers are the most versatile I have used in a carbon BFS rod.

[@l3on_pav3l]

nice content ❤ always exciting to see trout fishing ✌️

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Thanks for watching. More to come

[@Damokles7777]

Nice Video! :) I use the Smith Troutin Cast Tactics TT-48 with the 23 Conquest bfs. Great rod, maybe similar to the Kawasemi Rhapsody (also Carbon) and an interesting baitholder with magnet, that works pretty good.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Carbon rods definitely have their place. I really like them for jigs and also areas there could be bigger fish mixed in.

[@DrinkWetPoopFishing]

caugh 4lbs rainbiow using the acehawk cu double, aldebaran bfs 22, 3lbs varivas mono. was a fun fight.but i didnt have a net so landing got a little hairy. nice vid. I might chekc out this rod.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That would be a crazy fight. No net makes things super difficult 😂. The Handy Pak Net I have is really nice and hard to forget 😂

[@raymondjohnson6496]

5’11’ be awesome rod

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think so too. allows for bigger rivers and even better for panfish as well.

[@robo2909]

Another good video, as always! Always so precise and informative. You talk about fishing with smaller jigs. What type of lures and what weight jigheads do you use ? I barely fish jigs in small rivers as I get caught in the bottom so much (you usually use jigs to fish deeper and slower, right ?) Any tips ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I usually fish jigs in slower deeper water or, in deeper pools in rivers. I vary the weight depending on what I want to do. Usually use a 1/16oz tungsten jughead with a small plastic. this gets me sitting on the bottom or slowly tumbling in current. If I more so want to drift, I use a bulkier plastic to get carried my the current

[@haikmovsisyan1788]

Nice review! I’d like to know your opinion on Major Craft Finetail Works Tune rods. I already have Finetail Glass rod, so I’m thinking of getting a new one, and my choice is between Kawasemi Rhapsody and Finetail Works Tune. I understand that probably they are quite different rod (glass vs graphite), but overall what would you recommend for small fast mountain streams?

[@avocato2829]

Hey Hobie, amazing video as always; relaxing and educational. I was hoping you could help me choose between this rod and the new 2024 Shimano Trout One NS. I doubt you’ve tried it, but just based off specs and brand, etc… which would you say is a better option? I plan on getting 2 of whichever I end up picking (S and BC). Thanks in advance.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I like the Trout One NS rods. They will be a little less power than the Kawasemi Rhapsody rods if that helps

[@Slow_Stream]

May I ask what is your recording cam?

[@yep.fishing]

Side question, what are the small abu round reels for?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

People tune them mostly for trout fishing.

[@user-yi4mk5ji1o]

Добрый день смотрю ваши ролики все очень все очень понятно даже для меня не понемаюшего по английскому хотел спросить вас совеку какую палочку посоветуете для BFS CALCUTTA ловля окуня на воблер

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Most anglers would prefer a longer rod for perch. I know there are many European anglers who post online about their tackle.

[@MrLarrypad]

How does the rod handle smaller fish? Looks like is does mid to bigger fish nicely. I agree with you. I fish a lot of jigs and carbon is much better

[@HobieWanKenobi]

With mono, it handles smaller fish ok. I'd go with a lighter for for tiny trout like 5-6in but, anything bigger is okay.

[@MrLarrypad]

Good to know. I'm usually in a pickle when fishing in rivers that have brook trout and bigger browns. I'll look into this rod. Thanks

[@ichphan]

I'm very curious about the 4'7" telescopic model. The guide move each section or the guide move freely?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I have a video on the 4'7". The guides move freely and are pushed into place when extending the rod

[@Cliffhume]

How does this rod compare to your Jackson telescopic rod in terms of action and casting ability?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Action is slower in the tip half for sure. Overall, the telescopic is slower but, takes more force. The casting is faster with the telescopic rod.

[@517piper]

Great video - New to BFS ( I have never done it ), I purchased a Shimano calcutta conquest - Looking to buy a rod to pair with it. would this rod be a good place to start. Thanks for the info - Newbi , Cheers'

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I think so. This rod is pretty versatile and can cover most BFS fishing you would come across.

[@517piper]

@@HobieWanKenobiPerfect - Going top place an order - Maybe you could suggest a starter set of gigs to buy also - I come from the deep sea fishing world

[@HobieWanKenobi]

What do you mean gigs?

[@EddieLindsay681]

I have this rod come from BFE but I don't know if its going to meet my needs. I hate that there are no standards when it comes to power and action. I'm looking for a rod to fish very small streams for stock trout in the 8 to 12" range, I usually fish small minnows in the 3.5 to 5g range.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

This rod will be on the upper end of what you said for fish size. Make sure you use mono to help a little with the smaller fish. Are you looking for carbon or fiberglass rod?

[@EddieLindsay681]

@@HobieWanKenobi I’m not against fiberglass at all. Not new to fishing or BFS but have never done the small stream fishing

[@mr.chadwick1049]

Im looking for a rod 5' and under that has a supple tip like a glass rod but is carbon. What would you suggest?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Jetslow Twig. Best rod I have used that fits that description.

[@HobieWanKenobi]

I will be putting up a video soon on it

[@mr.chadwick1049]

@@HobieWanKenobi I'll keep an eye out for the video. Thank you

[@mr.random8447]

What happens if you throw heavier lures on Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

You run out of line 😆

[@thatonebeone]

hows that rod and conquest balance ?

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Really nice. I like how the reel seat works with a reel this "big". Trigger is comfortable as well. The rod's weight in the handle helps quite a bit with keeping the tip feeling light and lively.

[@philliplawson2932]

Looks like a nice Rod but 96 grams is pretty heavy for a carbon rod!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

Most of that weight is in the handle so, it is very balanced with any reel I mounted on it.

[@philliplawson2932]

@@HobieWanKenobi Awesome Thanks for the info!

[@HobieWanKenobi]

No problem. Glad to help

[@vin18m]

If this came in a 6ft, or even a 5’10” I’d be all over it

[@HobieWanKenobi]

That would a great option. Keep the same taper and just make it longer. Still a pretty sweet rod.