Why I prefer PE or Braided Line for Bait Finesse Fishing - BFS

Why I prefer PE or Braided Line for Bait Finesse Fishing - BFS. So far my favorite lines are from Varivas. I simply just use their all rounder Varivas 4 or Varivas 8 PE line. If you are in doubt, start at 0.6 Gou!
Wanna Ask Sifu Jimbo a question? Drop me a comment below or shoot me an email!
Budget Crappie BFS Setup for Summer into Fall:
• Best Budget Crappie BF...
Budget Crappie BFS Setup for Coldwater:
• Tsurinoya Dragon C602U...
How I Setup all my BFS Reels: • How To Tune A BFS Bait...
Buy your Tsurinoya Rods and Reels and Varivas Lines at ‪@baitfinesseempire‬
www.baitfinesseempire.com
Please subscribe to my channel:
www.youtube.co...
---------------------------------------------
Top Pick Fishing Gears at Discount Tackle (Afil) - Check out all the fishing stuff I recommend at Discount Tackle! Come back once in a while as I will change things around!
discounttackle...
====Amazon Influencer List====
Here is a list of Items I recommend/use from Amazon. I change it up seasonally so that you get to see what I use:
www.amazon.com...
---------------------------------------------
My other Social Media Venues:
Instagram: / rawrfishing
Facebook: / rawrfishing
---------------------------------------------
Sponsors:
Bait Finesse Empire - for All your BFS needs in the US: baitfinesseemp...
Eurotackle (use RAWR for 10% off): www.eurotackle.net
Varivas USA (use rawrfishing during check out for discount): www.varivas.fi...
Keitech USA: www.keitechusa.com (Use "LY" during check out for 20% off)
Rapala: www.rapala.com
========Play Lists=========
New to fish finders and need help selecting a fishing finder for your kayak/boat? Check out my video as I explain what you should be looking for!
• How to Select the righ...
---------------------------------------------
Southern NJ got ton of Chain Pickerels. Check out my playlist as I often go for these awesome predators. They are the largest native freshwater fish to NJ waters.
• Chain Pickerel Fishing
---------------------------------------------
Check out my Unboxing and Tackle/Gear Reviews!
• Tackle Unboxing/Review...
---------------------------------------------
Check out my playlist full of Kayak Fishing Trips up to Spruce Run Reservoir in Central New Jersey! Large/Small Mouth bass, Crappies, Hybrid Stripers & more!
• Spruce Run Reservoir T...
---------------------------------------------
Want to see a map of the places I have published videos? Check this map out: dizivizi.com/m...

[@gregchilders7643]

You are the grandmaster of bfs. Your knowledge and information have helped me out immensely

[@rawrfishing]

Thank you for the kind words! Sharing is how we will grow the bfs community and market! So I will continue to pour my heart and soul until I can't do it anymore! Tight lines

[@franciscodreyer3736]

@@rawrfishinghi brother, great videos thank you for share. What size PE line you recommend for a Aldebaran on ultra light 6’9 on my rod specs say 0.3 - 0.6 can I go higher or stay in that range?

[@rawrfishing]

@@franciscodreyer3736 hi! I think those would work depending on what you are trying to do. Obviously the thinner the more fragile! So unless u need to get lures deep or throw super light lures, my go to is 0.6 and maybe 0.4!

[@franciscodreyer3736]

@@rawrfishing mostly saltwater fishing snook and reds.

[@rawrfishing]

@@franciscodreyer3736 I am not an experienced salt water angler for those specific species. But inshore smaller species, I would go with 0.6... It will likely run far too so add some more line! Lol

[@gpharned]

Thanks for your experience with BFS. I had trouble with my zepher reel back lashing with 4# mono. I had probably 150ft. By the end of the my kayak float trip I was down to 75ft. It casted much better without many troubles. I just put Sufix 832 6# braid on with around 150ft and had no problems with my setup. Thanks for the help!

[@rawrfishing]

Good stuff! Glad you were able to get it working! Keep the spool light for lighter lures!

[@wishkor1]

Love the info. I'm thinking about getting into bfs but I don't like having a bunch of rods so when I get rid of this light spinning rod I'll be buying a nice bfs setup 😊

[@rawrfishing]

when it comes to BFS fishing, you'll end up having at least 3 rods, one UL, one L and one ML! BFS is very specific and different reels will work better for specific rods. But glad you have enjoyed this informative video. Let me know if you have any more when you are ready to jump onto the bandwagon :)

[@RworldKM]

For the longest time I've always used Sufix 131 4lb test for BFS mainline. By far the most abrasion resistant line I've used. The true break strength is closer to 9lb test. Currently I'm trying out other lines. Sunline X Plasma Asegai at P.E 0.6 is so far satisfactory. Trying the P.E0.8 one next.

[@rawrfishing]

I wanna try some sunline too as they offer em at Discount Tackle. 131 sounds interesting too. Hope the diameter is accurate!

[@pacman_17]

Looking forward the the TSU Genius review. It'll be tough to beat the DWU. The best price to performance BFS reel. I really like the DWU frame, it's very comfortable in hand. Except for that screw notch at the front of the real near the main gear.

[@rawrfishing]

Definitely will not beat the DWU given the weight of the spool and the position of the braking module. Even when static, the ftb is amazing. That's why Roro spool got a conversion for abu reels so there is no spool plate and an attachment so there is a static ftb braking module where you can add or remove magnets!

[@pacman_17]

@@rawrfishing I didn't know Roro even sells a full brake conversion kit. Shimano's FTB has inspired a lot of clones. Hopefully there will be more innovation in lighter spools and dynamic braking.

[@rawrfishing]

Let's see what companies in China wanna speak with Jimbo on an interesting braking idea :)

[@markuskuebler9294]

The DWU is a great reel beats my micro monster , spro freestyle , Kastking zephyr and DMK Alphas easyly. With thinn braided line from Varivas or Kingdom it is really dream to cast light lures. You are absolutly right Jimmy !

[@rawrfishing]

Love the dwu! Still one of the best even tho the dynamic braking doesn't work on the left. I am wondering if the CDM world would just make a similar static braking that inserts into the spool like the ftb

[@axelmontano]

Hey there, I'm looking at buying my first BFS reel and have heard great reviews about the DWU. Is the GENIUS the exact same, better, or worse than it?

[@markuskuebler9294]

@@axelmontano Perhaps you can check Angling with Aron he rewievs both of them.

[@davidwilliams1805]

Another great video buddy! Some good helpful information! Keep up the good work. And as always, #raWrFishing rocks!!!

[@rawrfishing]

Thx mate! Can't wait to get back out with the PE line instead

[@AsianVideoGamer]

I prefer power pro braid lines for everything I use. I usually use 8lb for BFS but I had even thinner lines before but they do break easier. Not from the fish but from like abresions

[@rawrfishing]

Thinner braid does have it flaws. But you definitely know what ur fishing water and styles are like and gotta use what works for ya! I haven't touched power pro in years lol...

[@lukediepfishing]

I do the same. It's not necessarily the brand but because power pro is an x4 braid.

[@noobpyrotech9991]

Glad you got a chance to use the tri polymer. I have used it and really like it. Its my favorite mono so far. I did get some Varivas mono and braid recently as well. I will compare the varivas and the kastking mono later on. I did get the green BFS trout PE 0.6 and the 0.08. I have a Zephyr and Elf I hope to put to good use.

[@rawrfishing]

It's an interesting line as I used to like their Copolymer line, but didn't realize how thick they were compared to Japanese line. Not sure what the 3rd material is... But they are just being fancy with their marketing naming. It's just a Copolymer line to me, but I do like the thin diameter. Will definitely see me use it as leader material only for now.

[@vincentlivoti4184]

​@@rawrfishingJimmy you ever try McCoy Copolymer line? It's good stuff.

[@rawrfishing]

Never heard of it, too many lines on the market lol

[@vincentlivoti4184]

@@rawrfishing they have been around for a long time. Never heard of them until last year have it on 3 reels. Works great and very strong line.

[@vincentlivoti4184]

They also make braid and fluorocarbon

[@nevillebrianmcmaster5918]

Hi Jimmy What length of leader do you use Varivas braid what is your suggestion Varivas mono do you it What is the thinnest braid and mono do you suggest Thanks for all your advice like watching all your videos full of information and tips

[@rawrfishing]

I ususally use around a rod length for my fishery. Leader length will depend really in the fishery. BFS fishing, I use anywhere between 2 to 10 lbs. But maybe even a short leader of 20 lbs for toothy guys. PE line.. I use 0.4 to 0.8 for most bfs and power bfs could be 1 gou and higher. Really depends

[@nevillebrianmcmaster5918]

Hi Jimmy What length of line will you recommend for bank fishing Thanks mate

[@rawrfishing]

Depends on your fishery and the lure weight range you are casting. Keep it less. If it's lighter and feel free to add a bit more than what I suggested in this video if it's heavy! It's something you need to fiddle with. But generally 125 to 150 have not failed me

[@GrnBltSniper]

1.) Wouldn't PE have more of a chance of warping a spool since it is stronger with no stretch? The plastic line would stretch when it got tight, before warping the spool. Either line can warp a spool being a fool. 2.) I am curious what leader knot you use? Micro guides on bfs are a real pain even with a tight fg knot. I find that the knot rubbing on the guides affects casting distance as well as my sanity. 3.) 150 ft of what tripolymer vs the top of the line PE you use? I personally like seguar tatsu. It's still however almost triple the diameter of the same strength braid I use. *8lb .235mm to PE's 0.085mm. 4.) Braid is susceptible to wind knots and absorbs water. Much more so with the lighter, and thinner stuff. Flouro is heavier and whips through wind easier. It also doesn't absorb water. I really like running braid but hate the knot ripping through the guides. I really like the tatsu flouro but wish it was lighter/thinner. I've heard good things about the verivas mono but haven't got the time to test it.

[@rawrfishing]

1. While an angler can warp a spool being a fool with either line.. Stretching line does more!

[@rawrfishing]

2. Albright knot and fg knot. Micro guides doesn't belong on bfs in my opinion. I owned one and never will I buy another one with it.

[@rawrfishing]

3. Tripolymer line from Kastking. I was just testing sample lines. I like Varivas

[@rawrfishing]

4. Not all PE line is equal... While PE get wind knots, less likely on bfs unless ur lure create line twists from casting or swimming. Mono absorbs water.

[@GrnBltSniper]

@@rawrfishingi agree, a mistake ive made twice haha

[@OCDFishing87]

Great vid I love kastking silky8 I want to try varivas though

[@rawrfishing]

I have not tried that line, but most of their old lines were too thick. Only braid I have tried that is thin is the destron. Affordable too. But Varivas is way better when it comes to strength, diameter and color retention

[@GoldenTroutBFS]

Not sure if this is the right way, but I always mark max spool by having the line centered in the level wind eye no matter what length it ends up and seems to help with distance and backlash... But, I also fear leader knots going through rod eyes and I know plenty of people have no problems.

[@rawrfishing]

If you max a spool, you will may have added too much weight. That is what I am saying. This will vary depending on brand and model. Tight lines

[@carfreak614]

After watching your videos for a bit, you've convinced me to to get a BFS setup. I was looking at the Dark Wolf Ultra you suggested and was hoping for a Tsurinoya Dragon II rod but I'm having issues finding a 7' rod in stock. Do you have another suggestion for a good rod in that price range? It will mainly be used for Crappie here in Ohio and I'm trying to stay under $250 for the combo. Any suggestions would be appreciated !

[@rawrfishing]

The Dragon rod 7ft Light have been, unfortunately, discontinued! It saddens me that Tsurinoya have decided to do this. You can get the slightly shorter version 6'6" version when it gets back in stock. The Kuying Teton 662L would be a good budget option that many folks loves Alternatively, if you want a high end rod that is also discontinued, but at discounted price, the Jackson blast beat Makimono special is a great one. JDM quality right there!

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Great video! Do you use leader with your PE bfs setup? If so what test?

[@rawrfishing]

Thanks. Always use leader for sure! That depends on what my setup is. I run 2 to 8lbs usually. Maybe times I use a short 20lb for toothy guys.

[@Wednesdayswithjae]

Why do you choose Varivas 4? Why not Varivas 8? Is the 4 strand better than the 8 strand?

[@rawrfishing]

4 got stronger abrasion resistance and is more economical. 8 is smoother for longer and quieter casting.. But more expensive.

[@psychoblitzer]

Dumb question but how do you know the actual distance amount of line that is spooled onto your reel

[@rawrfishing]

@@psychoblitzer not dumb! It's important! I use a line counter like this amzn.to/3zzjVjM

[@psychoblitzer]

@@rawrfishing awesome thanks, I hope that was an affiliate link I just ordered it

[@rawrfishing]

Thx! Yes indeed! Helps fund my content creation! Thank you!

[@richarddeboer8934]

You talk lots about BFS . . . but only see birdnest and overruns ? I cast 2 grams easy even 1 gram full spool 0.06 even on 2 to10 gram rod no solid tip. This could be better even 0.7 _ 7 gram rod, but 20 yards plus is not bad for most part. Don't know why you also still having this rejectory issues ?

[@rawrfishing]

Sorry I don't understand your comment. I simply showed why I like PE and why I restrict the amount of line on a spool as not all reels perform well with too much line as they add weight. And to be exact, I was helping a viewer as I replicate his issue... This was someone else's problem... Not mine as I properly adjust the amount of line for specific reels and my fishing setup. Tight lines

[@bruce1779]

Jim do you use a leader with the .8 Varivas braid? If yes what knot and how in the world do you work with line this fine? Thanks in advance.

[@rawrfishing]

Always leader! Braid is fragile im many ways. I use the Albright knot or reverse Albright knot. Both are easy and pretty thin

[@kkong_]

​@@rawrfishinghi i wonder do u use carbon leader or mono. and witch strength as 6lb? 8lb? and how long the leader is? 10m or 20m

[@RJ210Fishing]

i was wondering which line you would recommend for ultralight bfs. i currently have my flight feather casting reel spooled with 3lb ray fishing feather nanobraid pe but i see it has been discontinued. i typically throw trout magnets and 1/32 oz jigs on this setup. what line would you recommend that comes close to giving me the same performance i get with my current line. another reason i liked this is that the 3lb line had a .04mm diameter which i have not been able to find in any other line. thanks and any info is greatly appreciated!

[@rawrfishing]

0.04mm diameter is extremely thin! Not sure if I use anything that thin before... Thinnest I have used is 0.4 gou from Varivas. Their Avani super premium PE line.. Salt finesse line up and that is 0.1mm diameter., but they do go down to 0.2 gou! That is 0.076mm

[@rawrfishing]

AREA Super Trout Master Limited - Super Premium PE X4 Mark Edition got 0.15, 0.175 and 0.2 gou! Might be something to look into!

[@RJ210Fishing]

@@rawrfishing thanks so much for the info!

[@RJ210Fishing]

@@rawrfishing im trying to find a line that is a bit more cost friendly and was thinking about running the trout magnet sos 4lb straight. have you tried running something like this while still being able to cast trout magnets?

[@rawrfishing]

I am a PE guy for BFS as it keeps the spool light. Never tried, but go for it! Share back with what you find out :)

[@thomasburns8375]

so do you still use a leader? or just straight baid or pe

[@rawrfishing]

Leader for this instance

[@BCastilloPhotography]

What are your thoughts on braid vs mono for spinning reels and ultra light fishing?

[@rawrfishing]

I don't do spinning reels. But PE is good cuz it keeps the diameter of the spool larger for a longer period of time with thin line, which allows longer casting.

[@aldev2548]

Just a question but have you used ester line like varivas es2 or is it to little breaking strength for bfs ps. New to bfs fishing

[@rawrfishing]

I haven't played with Ester line yet. I found that I enjoy PE line and been exploring PE lines for the past few years. Will continue to use PE line!

[@aldev2548]

@@rawrfishing then try varivas double cross it’s a hybrid ester pe 8x line if you haven’t already it’s been my favorite braid for a year now

[@greyson8035]

What’s your favorite braided line

[@rawrfishing]

Varivas 4 PE

[@greyson8035]

Thank you

[@thesonorandesertangler]

I just got the Phenix Classic BFS and I can't tie leader knots without it getting snagged in the micro guides. So, I've been thinking of going straight mono or flouro 4lb to 6lb range.

[@rawrfishing]

Micro guides stinks for that reason. I think micro guides are overrated. But some folks love it. I put away my dobyns for that reason. But fg knot and Albright knot seems to work well for me when I do use it

[@thesonorandesertangler]

@@rawrfishing How is the Jenko BFS rod with leader knots? I just put in a backorder from TW for one. I have the Dobyns and the Phenix BFS rods, which both have micro guides, so yeah I've been mostly using straight braid with no leader on my Soloking Acura. The Dobyns micro guides are still workable for me with a FG knot, but I can't seem to figure it out for the Phenix rod. They went real small on the last guides, which is where my knot gets snagged. I just ordered an Alderbaran, so I'm leaning on spooling that reel with 4lb-6lb flouro and keeping the budget reel with braid for topwater. Luckily, I'm not really throwing super tiny baits. Mostly in the 3gram range, so it's not as frustrating as it could be. I really, really, really like the sensitivity o the Phenix Classic BFS rod. Just wish the guides were regular sized.

[@rawrfishing]

The Jenko doesn't have any issues. Regular guides for sure ;)

[@loganwright3423]

I use seaguar exclusively and it's been great. I haven't really had a problem with distance. I already cast to the very end of my hookset range.

[@rawrfishing]

What do u use exactly? I have been looking at that brand too

[@Plee92]

Briad is easier to cast but im to lazy to tie leader knots lol

[@rawrfishing]

Lol, I love tying knots! U just need to practice a few and it will come 2nd nature. I can make a video of all the knots I use for bfs if u are interested

[@Plee92]

@@rawrfishing do it

[@rawrfishing]

@@Plee92 alright :)

[@MegaTechno2000]

Try the six-turn Surgeons Knot it's very easy.

[@rawrfishing]

Too thick of a knot tho

[@1jimif]

I can't find any other videos talking about messing up a bfs spool by using mono. This has me wondering if I'm making a mistake using Sufix advance 6lb Hyper CoPolymer on my new Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS. I've only fished with it once and got snagged and broke off by pulling, I didn't find any damage to my spool, but seeing this video scared me to the point that I checked lol. Are you sure about this claim and how come nobody else even talks about this. Watermelon and rubber bands I get what you're saying, I just don't think it's true...FishOn...jimi Edit:Please post a link to the page where the guy warped his curado spool by pulling on a snag with monofilament, I did a search on KZbin and this is the only video I've seen that says anything about this. That said next time I get snagged I'm going to break the line with a dowel or something because you have made me paranoid lol

[@rawrfishing]

Am I sure? Yes! Not sure why there are no videos about it, but You can see ton of examples on forums and FB groups. Perhaps one of the biggest reason why there isn't any videos that talks about it is probably because bfs just gotten mainstream. Not many ppl ran into this issue to portray it on YT. Most ppl who ran into it isn't a content creator. But, if you like, You can do a test with a cheap bfs reel and spool! :) I would do this if I get enough super chats to pay for the experiment lol

[@1jimif]

@@rawrfishing Thanks for getting back so quickly! I tried to put a reddit link here but I guess KZbin won't let you put links in the comments because it wouldn't post. It was basically a link to a posr that said crushing a bfs spool with mono or braid is a wives tale and he did an experiment to try and damage one. He had pictures and measurements and showed no damage. I found the link doing a duck duck go search. Thanks for making so many bfs videos I'm going to watch more of them right now....FishOn....jimi

[@rawrfishing]

All links shared here gets flagged as spam and will show up 3 to 5 days later under my spam comments to review. Experiment would be best done with many different reels, rods and lines. But there was just one post about their spool and it was warped good!

[@andersbomortensen757]

Why is no one talking about the Daiwa 22 Silver Wolf SV TW PE Special 1000?

[@rawrfishing]

Because it's expensive... But I do want it :)

[@andersbomortensen757]

@@rawrfishing 👍🫣😊 of course

[@IceAce150]

We are on the same page for mainline, I was wondering how long is your leader?

[@rawrfishing]

Rod length usually unless micro guides. Then just 1 ft if that is the case

[@deebz22]

Kast king braid is trash. It pops so easily.

[@rawrfishing]

KK line is cheap. I have experienced a few line snaps before using the 6lb destron, but for the price, it's great for what i do. I always use leader so that the braid won't get compromised. Varivas for the win

[@deebz22]

@rawrfishing Onyx Braid is the same price and way better I have it on everything from my Aldebaran BFS to my Antarres DC. Kastking braid gets wet fades instantly and thins out like yarn. If u use small treble baits it will literally get stuck between the braid strands

[@rawrfishing]

@@deebz22 screw piscifun. It's a thieving company that steal ppl videos even when you told em not to take your video. They can go suck a dead fish!

[@skymag2247]

Have you tried sunline sniper flurocarbon i was braid only couldn't get on with fluro then i tried the sniper in 5lb breaking strain game changer 👌

[@rawrfishing]

Not yet. But it's good stuff. You see, everyone gets the FC material from seguar... But everyone mix and or cure their lines differently. My favorite lines are from Varivas, but next in line is most certainly sunline stuff!