Unboxing the Shimano Curado BFS Reel: Get ready for finesse fishing

I buyt a lot of reels. And a lot of budget reels from Aliexpress too. But grabbed this Curado from Aamzon, had it in a few days, and was excited to take a look. How will it stack up against not only the cheaper reels, but also my premium reels from Shimano and Daiwa?
The Shimano Curado BFS (Bait Finesse System) reel is a high-performance baitcasting reel that is designed for finesse fishing techniques. It is a compact and lightweight reel that is built with advanced features to help anglers fish with precision and control.
You can get it here:
Some common features of the Shimano Curado BFS reel include:
MicroModule Gear System: A unique gear design that provides smooth and efficient performance.
Cross Carbon Drag System: A drag system that is designed to provide a smooth and powerful drag across the entire range.
Magnumlite Spool: A lightweight spool that is designed to help reduce the overall weight of the reel.
SVS Infinity Brake System: A brake system that allows for easy and precise adjustments.
X-Ship technology: A design feature that helps to improve the reel's overall strength and durability.
FTB Fine Tune brakes: Makes it easier to add or remove magnets to adjust braking force at many more level.
The Shimano Curado BFS reel is a popular choice among anglers who fish for bass, panfish, and other freshwater species. It is also suitable for saltwater fishing, targeting species such as Red fish, Seatrout, and smaller Tarpon.
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**My gear: LINKS and Favorite Sources BELOW!!!
Some of my links are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission each time someone buys using my link. It doesn't cost you any more, and it will help support the channel.
My Reels:
‘22 Shimano Aldebaran BFS: amzn.to/3CCEdaZ
Daiwa Gekkabijin PE Special: amzn.to/3ivl043
‘22 Daiwa Silver Creek TW Custom: amzn.to/3ZB9ogG
Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra: s.click.aliexp...
Shimano Curado BFS: amzn.to/3CzZim4
Tsurinoya Genius: s.click.aliexp...
Kingdom Micro Monster: s.click.aliexp...
Kastking Valiant Eagle II: s.click.aliexp...
Magnets for Dark Wolf Ultra Upgrade: ebay.us/RVsHKZ
My Rods:
Shimano Expride BFS (eBay): ebay.us/zyDxmF
Majorcraft Finetail Glass FSG-B410UL (Shimreels - eBay): ebay.us/pGNBqF
Lemoren Windshadow: s.click.aliexp...
Obsession MojoBass: s.click.aliexp...
Obsession Trout Sensation: s.click.aliexp...
AceHawk Venom: s.click.aliexp...
Mavllos Delicacy: s.click.aliexp...
Kuying Teton TTC662L: s.click.aliexp...
Jenko Double Down BFS from Bait Finesse Empire: baitfinesseemp...
Favorite Lures:
Nikko Helgrammite: amzn.to/3OwumaV
Dynamic Lures HD Trout: amzn.to/3EJnIcL
Weedless Ned Heads: amzn.to/3MrLXig
Mule Fishing: www.mulefishin...
Nikko Fishing: nikko-fishing....
Fishing Gear:
Waders Simms Tributary: amzn.to/3L8Id52
Dry Wading Boots: Simms Tributary: amzn.to/3k3p1tN
Wet Wading Boots: Simms Intruder (Discontinued): ebay.us/xPzJfB
Kingdom MicroFly Line: s.click.aliexp...
Video Gear:
Gopro Hero 8: amzn.to/3MotqTX
Insta360 X3: amzn.to/3CKELvi
Insta360 X3 Combo Kit (3 Batteries!): amzn.to/3kg4PIu
Deity V.Lav Mic for Gopro: amzn.to/3LcjcWO
gopro mic adapter: amzn.to/3vCrb8U
GoPro Cage: ebay.us/4Dt5qF
GoPro Harness (the newest version is so much better than cheaper ones!): amzn.to/3EDyvoM
Sony A7Riii: amzn.to/3k1j809
Deity D3 Pro Microphone: amzn.to/3xVub2O
Variable ND Filter: amzn.to/38dzpwb
Editing Software: Davinci Resolve (Free!): www.blackmagic...
#fishingvideo #fishing #bfs

[@alceja3522]

I bought one for trout season here in NorCal and I’m leaving it on for winter finesse. Worth every penny! Love how your sippin on a craft beer 🍺

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Great to hear. The more I’ve fished it the more I like it. It might be a great reel to upgrade to see how much performance I can squeeze out of it.

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

This reel is on my purchase list soon and that Jenko Double Down rod. Be my new crappie/panfish rig. Good review and thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I have the double down - great rod! Appreciate the comment.

[@jaggerthejag3694]

I don’t do any trout fishing or freshwater bass too much since i live in the coast of Cali but I do use the gekkabijin for sea bass Question though is this reel saltwater friendly ?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

The Curado BFS is absolutely saltwater rated. Something I didn’t mention as it’s not top of mind. But I will be using it and the Gekka in March in saltwater.

[@HenriVineFishing]

Great review on the reel. I like how you go into detail and weigh the grams difference between the other reels. It's a beautiful reel! I received the notification that you subbed to my channel. Thank you very much. Congrats on 1k subscribers! 👍💯

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thank you, and always happy to find another channel to enjoy!

[@RamonOutdoors]

CONGRATS ON THE 1K!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Thank you!

[@letufamily]

1 k, good job😉 I am waiting 3 k this year 😁 PS: great reel ( i have one) this year i will try a daiwa😁 keep going.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I'll do what i can, but with support from friends like you - I'll do well. And have a lot of fun!

[@robertjones371]

I've used one for a little over a year now and it outshines all my others. Super smooth drag! I replaced the spool with the roro spool and I typically cast a donkey tail jr on a 1/32 jig head and I have caught everything on it. I have it setting on an Acehawk CU double and it pairs perfectly.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Awesome to hear your experience. So far I can see the Roro spool being a good upgrade on this. Might have to try that myself. But it is a nice reel for sure!

[@johnsfishingjourneys]

I just ordered the genius and the CU double. Gonna see how kind it will be to my 9yr old to start casting. He has incredible hand eye coordination so we shall see. No Aaron you can't have too many reels. lol.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@johnsfishingjourneys Awesome to get them started young! I've always considered the CU double - just never pulled the trigger!

[@robertjones371]

@@AaronHuntFishing I love all the Acehawk rods I have. I have 2 cu doubles, an AngelWing, and a Lurestar Sigima.

[@hookalounge]

Try the roro cb26 spool on it… unbelievable upgrade, perfect figment and allows it to be 95% of what the Aldebaran is.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

So I've been hearing. I think this year might be more about reel upgrades than new reels. ;P Appreciate the tip!

[@robertlancaster5004]

Just bought one a few days ago and it’s def better in the upper range of bfs

[@AaronHuntFishing]

You probably know, but there are 2 magnets that are removable. Going to do that and see how it feels for lighter stuff, but I defintiely bought it for the upper range and bass fishing in general.

[@intermarer9145]

Did yours come with the two vials of oil? Got mine today, but it didn't have them.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

SHimano has stopped including oil in their reels. I have bought a couple in the last year that had a note in them explaining. Shameless plug - the Kistler BFS reels will have a bottle of oil in them. :)

[@intermarer9145]

@@AaronHuntFishing Alrighty, I see. Thanks for taking the time to reply :)

[@The_Multi-species_Angler]

I use mine for Lily pads until I switched the spool and bearings tested the trout that's a video for the future. I got it on the shimano freegame xt. Looking for to the videos!!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

I'm definitely leaning towards the heavier side, but the lighter spool has me intrigued. I'll check out the rod too. Thanks, man.

[@The_Multi-species_Angler]

@@AaronHuntFishing I missed what rod you said shimano something.

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@The_Multi-species_Angler I think I had planned to get the Zodias, then considered the Poison Adrena. Maybe considering something else right now. Sooooo many rods to choose from....

[@hangry7284]

@Angling with Aaron would you consider pairing with a Shimano Majestic XT? I just picked up one of these reels and am combing through all of the options as well!

[@AaronHuntFishing]

@@hangry7284 Assuming it's the BFS XT - absolutely. But even the "L" rated Majestics look nice.

[@dkk-lb1kp]

Well Aaron the BFS GOD!!!! You will love that reel trust me. But can you tell me why I can’t cast anything 2.5g far with my Aldebaran 2022 I’ve seen you and other. But for me nope

[@AaronHuntFishing]

First 2 thoughts are the rod is holding you back or the line. I usually run 40 yards or less on the spool as well. And it's usually a very smooth casting motion.

[@dkk-lb1kp]

@@AaronHuntFishing Thanks I will try that. I use 5 pound size 0.05 PE line with a 4 pound leader line. The rod is a UL 7ft

[@troggybyc9278]

are the curado bfs reels off aliexpress legit?

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Probably - the Daiwa's I have gotten have been legit. Just follow the tips I give in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ-ciap7aseAg68

[@lennymachowski5660]

So you mention its pretty difficult to adjust the brakes. you open the side plate make a comment about the spool. close the side plate and move on. so ridiculous. i guess you either dont know how to adjust brakes or your too enamored about how the color of the reel looks or its weight. highly disappointed in the review. moving on to more detailed channels

[@AaronHuntFishing]

Sounds good dude. Check out @thereeltest for detailed specs and break downs. It wasn't a review - it was an unboxing. I do my reviews after weeks or even months of actual fishing with the reel. It's a first impression. Visuals and tactile performance is what it's about. My opinion. My channel. Glad you checked me out and realized I'm not a specs guy - I'm a fishing guy. So even when I do a review, probably not going into the level of detail you want. Appreciate the comment too. But saying I "dont know how to adjust the brakes?" It is PHYSICALLY hard to move the dial. Doesn't require much knowledge or asessment to tell this is the tightest brake dial I've experienced..... Congrats on being the first rude troll on my channel in over 250,000 views..... Some would say that means I've finally made it! :P Have great fishing season my man.