9 Essential BFS Lures for Every Tackle Box
Introduction to BFS Fishing
What’s BFS All About?
BFS, short for Bait Finesse System fishing, kicked off in Japan. It started as a way to toss tiny lures to bass and trout hiding in clear waters. The idea was to get those delicate baits into tight spots on mountain streams to catch trout, and to present very small lures to highly-pressured bass.
BFS fishing is all about going small and light. Think fewer baits, more mobility. It’s not about lugging around a ton of gear but about being precise and in control with smaller baits. In this article I’m going to share some of my go-to BFS lures that every angler should have.
Table of Contents
Why BFS Gear Rocks
BFS gear has some sweet perks, especially when it comes to nailing those precision casts. BFS reels and rods are built for tossing tiny baits with pinpoint accuracy. You get more distance with thinner lines compared to traditional bait caster setups without needing to switch to spinning gear. This allows you to use a baitcaster for just about every technique and lure. And if you’re like me, you’ll eventually use BFS for almost everything all the time!
BFS rods come with a softer tip and solid backbone, perfect for casting small finesse lures while still having the ability to land the toads. Matching your rod to the baits you’re using is key to BFS success. You don’t have to go crazy like me, but I currently run 18 different combos – all BFS! (two have been added since this article.)
For more on BFS gear, check out my guides on BFS reels and BFS rod selection. Curious about the lines you can use? Visit my page on BFS line.
Must-Have BFS Gear
BFS Reels and Rods
Alright, let’s talk BFS (Bait Finesse System) fishing. If you’re serious about it, you need the right reel and rod. These aren’t your grandpa’s fishing tools. BFS reels and rods are built for casting tiny baits with precision. Plus, they fit snugly in your hand, making it easier to feel those sneaky bites and manage your lure like a pro. And man are they light! You can fish all day with no fatigue.
BFS Reels: What to Look For
- Shallow Spool: This makes it easier for lighter lures to pull the line off. You can probably even upgrade your current reel with aftermarket shallow spools for better performance.
- Clicker Drag: A lighter clicker drag helps you fight bigger fish on light tackle without snapping the line.
- Advanced Brake Designs: The modern braking systems on BFS reels are simply amazing. I find them much more consistent and easier to cast than the bitcasters made even just 5 years ago! Daiwa and Shimano both have proprietary brake designs that are phenomenal.
BFS Rods: What to Look For
- Sensitivity: These rods are super sensitive, so you can feel even the tiniest nibble.
- Control: Designed for precision casting and effective lure presentation, giving you the upper hand.
- Lure Range: This is the most important factor. match the rod rating to your intended Lure use. It’s why we have 3 different powers in the Kistler Hunt BFS rods I designed.
Want more details? Check out our guides on bfs rod selection and bfs reels.
Picking the Right Line for BFS Fishing
In BFS fishing, the line’s diameter matters more than its pound test. Japanese brands like Varivas use the PE or Gou rating to ensure consistency, where 1 Gou equals 0.165 mm in diameter. Typically, BFS fishing uses thin braided lines with a Flurocarbon leader.
Braid is known for its strength and thin diameter, making for longer casts and better hooksets. Usually in the 6-10 pound test range. But it is also easier to remove backlashes if you do happen to get one. This is especially helpful to beginners, but even use seasoned BFS anglers get one here and there.
Also, most BFS reels perform at their peak when loaded with about 50 yards of braid. More line adds weight, reducing casting effectiveness and distance.
For more on picking the right line, check out my guide on the best bfs lines.
By choosing the right BFS reels, rods, and line, you’ll up your fishing game and boost your chances of landing that big catch. For more tips and tricks, dive into our articles on bfs fishing techniques and bfs casting techniques.
Lure Recommendations for BFS
Alright, with the basics out of the way, let’s talk BFS Lures. Picking the right lures can be a game-changer. Here’s a rundown of must-have baits for your BFS tackle box.
Hard Baits for BFS
Hard baits are a BFS essential. These little guys pack a punch and can help you catch anything from bluegill to bass.
| Type of Hard Bait | Lure Weight (grams / oz) | My #1 Pick | Target Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crankbait | 2.8g / 1/8 | Lucky Craft LC 0.3 | Bass |
| Jig | 8.5g / 1/4 | Keitech M2 | Bass |
| Paddletail Swimbait | 5.5g / 7/32 | Keitch Fat Swing Impact 2.8 | Bass, Trout, Crappie |
| Topwater | 7g / 1/4 | Whopper Plopper 60 | Bass |
| Jerkbait | 4g / 5/32 | Dynamic Lures HD Trout | Trout, Bass |
| Inline Spinner | 3.85g / 5/32 | Panther Martin – Black with gold | Trout, Panfish |
| Buzzbait | 7g / 1/4 | HH Customs Cyclops | Bass |
| Chatterbait | 6.25g / 1/4 | Z-man Chatterbait Micro | Bass, Trout |
| Spinnerbait | 7g / 1/4 | Strike King Mini-King | Bass, Big Panfish |
These hard baits are lightweight and perfect for finesse fishing. They let you cast with precision and present your bait just right, making them irresistible to fish.
Soft Plastics for BFS
Soft plastics are another BFS staple. Pair them with jigheads or small jigs, and you’ve got a versatile, fish-catching machine.
| Type of Soft Plastic | My #1 Pick | Target Fish Species |
|---|---|---|
| Finesse Worms | Yamamoto Senko (Wacky Rigged) | Bass |
| Small Craws | Mule Fishing Burro Bug | Bass, Panfish |
| Tiny Swimbaits | Mule Fishing Minnow | Any Gamefish |
| Micro Grubs | Mule Fishing Horsefly | Bluegill, Trout |
| Ned Rigs | Z-man TRD and Micro TRD | Any Game Fish |
Soft plastics mimic the natural movement of prey, making them a hit with fish. They’re especially handy in finesse fishing, where subtlety is key.
For more tips and tricks on BFS fishing, check out our article on BFS fishing techniques and get the most out of your BFS gear.
BFS Fishing Adventures
Reel in Success with BFS
Switching to BFS (Bait Finesse System) gear has totally transformed my fishing game, especially when I’m after bass and trout. Imagine this: you’re at a pond, usually pulling in 1.5-2lb fish, and suddenly you snag a 3+lb beauty on your BFS setup. Maybe even a 6 pounder! The thrill is off the charts! The light line and sensitive rods make every catch feel like a big win, giving you a unique experience compared to the usual spinning gear. Plus, I’ve noticed I catch more fish with BFS lures, making it a fun and effective way to fish.
I’ve caught at least 14 PB’s (Personal best fish) since switching 100% BFS a few years ago. A couple of Largemouth, a Spotted bass, a handful of different trout, a crappie, a perch, Peacock bass, and more. Could I have landed them on conventional gear? yes. But the real question is would I ever have hooked them without using BFS?
Tips and Tricks from the BFS Community
Fishing with BFS lures is a blast. Catching bluegill, trout, and bass on this setup is just plain fun. BFS shines in almost every situation. The finesse approach lets you make precise casts and gives you better control, which is super handy in tricky spots.
Here are some tips and tricks for fellow BFS fans:
- Pick the Right Lures: Small crankbaits, soft plastics, and micro jigs are your best friends.
- Master Your Casting: Smooth, controlled casts are key. BFS casting is a bit different from traditional baitcasting.
- Play with Line Types: Fluorocarbon and braided lines each have their perks. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, while braided lines give you more sensitivity. I prefer braid with a fluoro leader.
- Maintain Your Gear: Keep your equipment in top shape with regular maintenance.
For more in-depth advice, check out our articles on BFS fishing techniques and BFS gear organization.
Stories from the BFS Community
Anglers everywhere are raving about BFS fishing. One fisherman shared how he catches way more fish with BFS setups compared to traditional spinning rods in the same spots (Bass Resource). Another described the rush of catching bass in shallow, calm waters with BFS gear as simply exhilarating.
If you’re new to BFS or want to up your game, our article on tips for straightening curly hair offers some great advice and recommendations from experienced anglers.
Future of BFS Fishing
Growing Popularity of BFS
BFS (Bait Finesse System) fishing is blowing up lately, and it’s easy to see why. This technique is perfect for those bass lakes where fish are getting smarter and harder to catch. According to FishUSA, BFS is gaining traction in America thanks to cool tech like forward-facing sonar and more folks picking up rods.
When I first gave BFS a shot, I was blown away by how well it worked for catching bluegill, trout, and bass, especially in shallow waters or difficult times of year like winter. Traditional methods can scare the fish, but BFS? It’s like magic. Plus, it’s a blast to use. Brands like Daiwa, Shimano, St. Croix, Cashion, Kistler, and Dobyns are creating rods and reels just for BFS.
Evolution and Trends
BFS fishing isn’t just about reeling in fish; it’s about the whole experience. With gear specifically designed for BFS, fishing has become more refined and efficient. Companies are constantly innovating, rolling out new BFS reels and BFS rod selection to make your fishing trips even better.
One cool trend is seeing BFS being used for all sorts of fish and environments. It started with bass and trout (which came first is kind of like the chicken and the egg), but now folks are using it for pike, crappie, even saltwater angling! This versatility is making BFS even more popular. The precision and control you get with BFS gear make it a great alternative to the usual spinning setups. And every fish can be a fun catch, regardless of size.
The future of BFS fishing looks promising, with tech and gear getting better all the time. The BFS community is growing too, with more forums, blogs, and social media groups where anglers share tips, techniques, and stories. Curious about different BFS techniques? Check out our section on bfs casting techniques.
As BFS keeps evolving, I can’t wait to see where it goes. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, BFS offers a fun and unique way to fish. Want to dive deeper into BFS? Don’t miss our articles on bfs in freshwater and bfs in saltwater.
