Using My New BFS Setup On The Canal To Target Perch! It Was PAINFUL

In this episode, I head to the canal to target perch with my new BFS baitcaster and rod. Having only used fixed spools it was definitely a steep learning curve. In fact, it was a challenge just to get the lure to land in the water.
After a number of failed attempts and backlashes, I was rewarded with a fair few perch for my efforts.
If anyone has any tips on using a BFS setup then please do let me know.
Rod = Korum Snapper 6'6 BFS 1-10g
Baitcaster = Tsurinoya Dark Wolf KF 50s Ultra
Many thanks and hope you enjoy the video 👍
#bfsfishing #perchfishing #canalfishing

[@NetfishnChill]

Nice one getting into the bfs man . You'll get there with time and won't regret it at all . Not picked a spinning rod up since I got into baitcasters and bfs is just next level enjoyment . the lure up closer to the tip will help with casting much easier

[@UltralightLads]

Thanks mate. Cannot wait to get back out there and give it another go with the new knowledge that I now have. I'll check out your channel to get some more pointers 👍

[@telnoone691]

Mate one of the funniest clips I’ve seen It reminds me so much of my first time,it’s now in the back of the cupboard 😂😂

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers 😂 Its so difficult isn't it! Got slightly better at the end but I definitely wont be skipping it across the water anytime soon.

[@elwooddestiny11blues20]

Well done for giving it a go mate . As others have said less spool tension . Loosen it up . Next time you go out try 3 gram jig heads to get you started . The slightly heavier weight will help you lots . Dont bother with anything lighter until you get confidence and know what your doing . Also when casting try making sure you get that tip loaded and ping it out . The swing casts your doing wont translate well on BFS gear . Imagine you swinging a bat but flickling the tip at the end . Controlled is the key and loading that tip . Go for accuracy and distance will come naturally . I got loads of BFS gear and it is a lot of fun but you coming from SUL and UL will seem like a step backwards presentation wise . A 0.4g jig head , a 1" soft plastic and a SUL rod in the spring and summer for me and the BFS stuff comes out in the autumn and winter when the wind picks up . Tight lines .

[@UltralightLads]

Really appreciate your help, some great information which I will be putting into practice on the next outing. After giving it go I have a new level of respect for what experienced people can actually do with a BFS setup. Thanks again 👍

[@alexandernijman4784]

Thia ia good advice.

[@Deekm69]

I was in the same boat as you, this was my first ever baitcaster, pure coincidence i bought the Dark Wolf Ultra as well. The Ginger Fisherman also bought one. I used 10lb braid, a 5g jighead and didn't have any big backlashes but ive still to catch a fish. Great stuff! 👍

[@UltralightLads]

Really glad that I stuck with it. Still get the odd backlash but that's mainly from my lure accidently hitting the side of a wall etc. I want to try and learn a few different casting techniques if I can. Sure you'll get one to bite soon 👍

[@neilsutherland7383]

I still sometimes get in a mess with an Abu Ambassador and 60lb braid :) well done on mastering the BFS setups so quickly. Another great vid.

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers mate 👍 Only time I used a multiplier was off the boat and I had a birdsnest flicking it about 8 foot away from the boat 😅. Started to get a bit better come the end with BFS but I imagine it's easy to get complacent and forget that a backlash is just around the corner.

[@SmugCobra]

It can be a fast learning actually. Someone in the comment section mentioned about using the slow lure drop technique (adjust spool tension knob) - yes, do that. As for the brakes, that determines the distance of the cast. There's a sweet spot, and if u loosen too much, that's when backlash happens. Another thing that helps is u may wanna reel in more before the cast. Also, unlike spinning setups, it is not advisable to whip the rod hard when casting a baitcaster. It's supposed to be a relaxed swift motion. I hope it helps! Support from Singapore, cheers!

[@UltralightLads]

Thanks very much for your help 👍. I'm hoping to get back out in the next couple of days. I've now shortened the leader and lossened off the tension so there is no side to side wobble on the spool. I'll start with the brakes fairly high and work my way down from there.

[@kevinwoolner954]

Definitely a new learning curve trying bfs for the first time, touch wood haven’t had many bad back lashes , had a 7 lb 9 ounce pike on my bfs kit , 5 gram casting weight rod , never seen a rod bend like it did on that fish , caught it on a 2 gram chub rig , nimble crayfish, 2 . 5 inch

[@abelabner]

I agree with the other commenters, IMO opinion you need to have a smooth fluid motion and have the settings correct. Also the correct line, rod, and reel set up for a given bait. I always used bait-casters my whole life so it was quite an easy transition for me. There is a youtube video from Daiwa Australia team that really shows you how to fluidly cast a bait-caster IMO an excellent tutorial video. You definitely must be sure the bait you are casting will load the rod tip! Keep it up mate, when you get it you will love it, cheers!!!!

[@markevansangling]

I’m using the same setup. The rod is ok but it’s more of a power bfs, more suited to 3g plus then something like a Squirmz or TRD, the rod doesn’t load up well enough on the really light and small stuff. I have my Dark Wolf ultra set on 2 for the brakes and spool tension knob set to just eliminate side play.

[@UltralightLads]

Yes I'll be ordering a 0.6 to 7g for my lighter stuff and then keep the snapper for the heavier craws etc 👍. Good excuse to get another rod I feel 😀

[@TheEssexAnglerYT]

Nice video mate, what helped me to cast was practising in my garden, I know it sounds silly! Use a method called pitch casting, I actually have a few videos of me learning how to do this, once you've got it, you'll feel confident in no time!

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers. Yeah, practising the basics a fair amount now and seem to get far less blow ups, unless I unexpectedly hit the side of a bridge. Pitch casting would definitely have its place as it would be handy for getting underneath the overhanging trees on the canal. Might start off with a lure that I am willing to lose though 😁👍

[@jasonrenshaw9010]

I have exactly the same set up, but i was used to baitcasters - HOWEVER, it was a steep learning curve for me as well as i was used to chucking large lures. Never hand it go on the path though. Tight lines.

[@UltralightLads]

Yes it was some achievement 3 times in a row 🤣. Luckily I was aware that it takes awhile getting used to casting lighter lures, otherwise it might of ended up in the bin. Meant to be a good setup though! Just got to learn to use it now 😃👍

[@jameswigglesworth5406]

I'm so annoyed I wasn't there to laugh at you!

[@UltralightLads]

Its a good job you weren't! I would of been casting over you every single flick 🤣

[@peteredwards1528]

I did consider buying a BFS combo but I've been using fixed spool reels now for the best part of five decades so I doubt I will change now

[@UltralightLads]

It took me a fair amount of time to get used to the BFS combo. However, I do feel that my casting is now more accurate, and I don't really get backlashes anymore unless I do something silly. It works well for fishing in canals, but like yourself, I cannot see myself ever moving away from fixed spools for my beach fishing. I kind of think that if it has worked for 50 years, then why change your style now. 👍🎣

[@oxfordlureangler9592]

Not bad for first attempt. Don't give up just takes practice.

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers mate. Looking forward to getting back out there and giving it another shot.

[@lionelgray]

Best thing I found was to use a heavier lure first, set the reel up first then go for it. Using really light lures straight off isn't the best if you've never used a baitcaster before. Also watch out for the weather, bfs on a windy day is a nightmare.

[@UltralightLads]

Yes I think next time I'll start with my ned rig which is about 5g and then work down from there. Guessing the wind would cause resistance which would result in backslashes. Thanks for the help.

[@lionelgray]

I fished the canal today and blanked so you're well ahead of me. It was quite coloured and flowing a bit so that's my excuse. Good luck with the baitcaster, once mastered it's great fun. The wind does cause issues as it slows the lure down so you have to be ready to feather the spool with your thumb, can get messy.

[@davidkimberley4730]

Treat yourself to a Draggon when you order the bearings! Cheers!

[@thomasread8318]

Stick with it mate, you won’t ever put it down when you get the hang of it. By far the most accurate setup you will be landing on a 20 pence piece every time bud

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers mate. Really enjoying the BFS and have not used anything else on the canal since purchasing the setup. I am getting better and very rarely have backlashes now which is nice. I do need to experiment which other methods of casting as currently I just stick with the side cast.

[@lewisthelureangler]

Hi mate, just a bit of advice, you had your spool tension too tight which is the knob in the left, that’s why every time you cast it wraps to the left or right

[@UltralightLads]

Thanks for the advice mate. Should I adjust it so that it has a fairly steady drop? If it hits the water and there is overrun then is that to loose? Cheers for your help 👍

[@lewisthelureangler]

@@UltralightLads if it over runs as small amount after dropping it straight down it’s set right, when you’ve got it set right just forget it’s there and use the brakes on the right to adjust accordingly to casting weight

[@UltralightLads]

Perfect that makes sense. I will put it into practice on the next session. Thanks again mate

[@lewisthelureangler]

@@UltralightLads your more than welcome, it took me a while to get used to BFS, keep up the great content 👍🏻

[@makeorwellfictionagain3553]

That slow drop thing is like using the spool tension as a brake. They are two separate things. Set the spool tension to minimise side to side play then adjust the brake to the lure. Lighter lures or ones that have a larger surface area like light cranks will need more brakes, heavier more aerodynamic lures typically need less. You won’t get the most out of the reel if your using the spool tension as a “assist”.

[@leftmono1016]

Very interesting video! Never understood using baitcasters, especially with light lures. Lots of my casting is under arm flicks, short distances but tight in and around cover. Trusty fixed spool reel is perfect for this. So easy to flick out a 1.5g jig head with pretty much no effort from the rod. No resistance from the braid off the spool. I have tried a baitcaster for larger pike lures, couldn't believe how easy it was to backlash. After a few casts my thumb slipped on the wet spool and that was a complete disaster. Swapped straight back to the non-trendy fixed spool. I'm sure with lots of practice I'd be fine. But still can't see the advantage. Especially in tight spots.

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers 😃. Totally understand what you're saying. I think it might be like why I switched from bait to lures! Or used to opt for the hard setting for my computer games. Definitely met my match as it is a steep learning curve but I like a challenge, just not the backlashes 😂 It's certainly not for everyone but I do like the idea of using a casting rod and baitcaster. Hoping I can get as confident with it as I am with a fixed spool then I can flick between the two to mix it up a bit 👍

[@leftmono1016]

@@UltralightLads - it certainly is a challenge! And I can see the attraction in that sense. I’ve subscribed so that I can see how you progress. Good luck 😀👍

[@UltralightLads]

@@leftmono1016 Cheers much appreciated 👍.

[@davidkimberley4730]

Read the 1 below 1st Trout spoon or 3 gram weight. Have a look at raw fishing & The reel text on KZbin & consider a spool bearing upgrade Needhams specialist tackle. I think the reel is prounanced 'soo rin oi ya'

[@UltralightLads]

Yes that's a good idea. I guess having a lot less drag on the lure would make things a little easier. I actually got my reel from Jamie so I'll take a look now. Thanks for your help mate 👍

[@beautifulfishing]

Lovely canal mate. Do u mind sharing the name? Looks great for walks or cycling. Cheers

[@UltralightLads]

This was filmed on the Bridgwater and Taunton canal. If you enjoy your cycling then you have a 14 mile stretch to explore 👍

[@lewisthelureangler]

Also when you cast you want the lure to be closer to the tips will drastically improve distance

[@UltralightLads]

Yes I am going to use a shorter leader next time as the knot was slightly catching the end eye.

[@stuatherton1459]

Wouldn’t of filmed my first attempt 😂 it’s a steep learning curve

[@UltralightLads]

🤣 it was a total disaster. Although I did hit the water a couple of times 😂. It certainly is steep learning curve but slowly getting the hang of it now.

[@scantec01]

Baitcaster heavy lures ,spinning rod light lures, use a baitcaster for pike , zander.

[@UltralightLads]

Love the idea of a baitcaster but think it's going to take be some time to master.

[@abelabner]

I have to disagree respectfully, here in FL USA using Curado BFS with Majorcraft benkei L 8 lb 8 strand braid to 6 lb FL leader 6-8 FL bass on 3 inch swimbaits is a blast, drag clicker screaming, working the fish until she's ready to come say hello then revive and release and repeat. No wind knots etc...supreme distance and accuracy when you get it down, also great on high pressured bodies of water. Keep it up mate cheers!!!@@UltralightLads

[@davidkimberley4730]

You're at the bottom of a steep lurning curve. But WELL DONE. 'Breaking off to the left' when casting suggests you have, too light of a lure, too much breaking set or a lure that's got poor aerodynamics (appendages sticking out). Try throwing a 3 gram

[@UltralightLads]

Cheers. It actually felt like everything I knew went out the window and I was learning to fish as a kid again. Even down to working the lure felt different. Definitely makes sense, pretty sure I had the tension knob up to high as I had a very slow drop on the lure.