BFS Rod Selection: How to Choose the Perfect BFS Rod

Getting the Hang of BFS Fishing

Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing is catching on with anglers who love the finesse and precision it offers. Not to mention it’s just a fun way to catch both large and small fish! COmpared to BFS rod Selection, finding a good BFS reel is easy! There are just so many possible options on the market when it comes to BFS rods. And a lot of potential disappointment!

Whether you’re a pro or just getting your feet wet, knowing the ins and outs of BFS fishing can simplify finding that perfect rod for your style of fishing.

What’s BFS Fishing All About?

BFS fishing started in Japan and is all about using light gear to present small lures to target highly pressured fish. It’s perfect for tight spots like mountain streams and super-clear waters where fish are extra wary. And int these days of forward-facing sonar, I’m sure a lot of the big fish in your local lakes have become even more highly pressured.

BFS rods are made to work with lightweight reels, thin lines, and tiny baits, making them great for catching bass, crappie, and trout. And for all the focus on whether BFS reels can cast down to 1 gram or whatever low-weight bar someone chooses, the reality is no real is going to cast a certain weight if the rod isn’t matched to that lure size.

Why Go for BFS Fishing?

BFS fishing has a bunch of perks that make it a favorite for many. Here’s why you might want to give it a shot:

• Accurate Casting: BFS rods and reels let you cast with pinpoint accuracy, which is super handy when you’re aiming for fish in tight spots or near cover.
• Ultralight weight: Using lightweight rods and reels means less strain, so you can fish longer without getting tired. Some of my BFS combos weigh less than 7 ounces for rod and reel combined!
• Feel Every Nibble: The best BFS rods are super sensitive, so you can feel even the tiniest bite. This is key when you’re using small baits, especially when targeting big fish.
• Multi-species application: BFS fishing works for different fish like bass, crappie, and trout, making it a versatile choice for various fishing trips.
• Near Invisible Lines: Light lines in BFS fishing are harder for fish to see, so they’re less likely to get spooked.

Want to dive deeper into the details of BFS fishing? Check out my detailed guide on BFS fishing techniques.

BFS fishing has pushed rod technology forward, with many brands offering top-notch options for this style. In fact, when I designed the Kistler Hunt BFS rods, Trey Kistler’s comment to me was “These blanks broke the mold.” While some brands are just making lighter versions of their exiting bass rods, some brands like Kistler, Abu Garcia, and Megabass are truly crafting BFS-specific rods.

BFS is the Bait Finesse System, so knowing the basics of BFS reels, BFS lures, or BFS line and leaders will help you make the most of your new BFS rod. They all work together.

Picking the Perfect BFS Rod

Alright, let’s talk about picking the right rod. BFS rod selection is like choosing the right tool for the job—get it wrong, and you might end up frustrated. So, let’s break it down and make sure you get the best rod for your needs.

Rod Action: Why It Matters

Rod action is all about how much and where a rod bends when you put pressure on the tip. Knowing this can seriously increase your casting ability, your hook-up rate, and the percentage of fish you land.

• Extra-Fast Action: Bends just at the tip. Perfect for quick lure movements and solid hook sets. Think of it as your go-to for pitching and flipping for bass.

• Fast Action: A bit more flexible at the tip. Great for casting into tight spots and working baits like topwater lures, jerkbaits, or hollow-bodied frogs.

• Medium or Moderate Action: Bends more towards the middle. Ideal for straight retrieve fishing with spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and crankbaits. These rods are great for sweeping hooksets when fish grab the bait from behind.

• Slow Action: Bends throughout the whole rod. Best for baits with treble hooks or lures that need straight reeling for vibration, like crankbaits and spinnerbaits. These rods let you feel the vibration and give hooks time to set properly.

It seems like a majority of the Bait Finesse rods on the market are fast or extra fast. But here’s the BFS rod selection secret most people overlook: Moderate rods are best for most bait finesse applications. Longer, more moderate rods compensate for head shakes and forceful runs of large fish better with the light lines used in BFS> It’s like having an extra shock-absorber in the system.

Fast rods became popular with bass fishermen primarily because they allow more forceful hooksets. But with finesse techniques, that’s the last thing you need to worry about! So if you tried a couple fast action rods and were kind of “meh”, ook for some more moderate options, like the ones I have listed below.

Rod Power: Matching the Fight

Rod power is about how much force it takes to bend the rod. This is crucial for handling different fishing situations and the size of fish you’re after. Here are the traditional rod powers you’re probably used to seeing:

• Ultra-Light Power: Perfect for small fish and delicate presentations. Think trout or panfish in streams and small ponds.

• Light Power: Good for small to medium-sized fish. Works well with light lures and lines, making it great for finesse techniques and smaller baits.

• Medium Power: A versatile choice that handles a range of fish sizes and lure weights. Ideal for bass fishing with various lures like spinnerbaits and soft plastics.

• Medium-Heavy Power: Offers more control for bigger fish and heavier lures. Great for fishing in cover or targeting larger bass and pike.

• Heavy Power: Built for big game fish and heavy lures. These rods have a lot of backbone, perfect for techniques that need powerful hooksets and pulling fish out of dense cover.

But honestly, most of that goes out the window with BFS. Why? Because rod Power is not standardized. One company’s Light might be another’s Medium or Ultralight.

With no standards, it is more important that the rods are consistent across a given manufacturer. Megabass, for example, has power ratings from 0 to 10, which also correspond to the powers from UL to XX-Heavy. Kistler rods are rated across the entire family of rods, which is why the Hunt BFS are rated from 2X down to 4X (as in 4XUL!)

And power isn’t the only factor in a rods ability to handle big fish. The taper of the rods flex, the way the carbon fibers are laid up, the quality of the carbon, the diameter of the blank, the spine orientation, all of these factor into how much “backbone” a rod will have.

So While my lightest Hunt BFS from Kistler is rated at 4XUL and can throw lures down to half a gram, it caught my largest Smallmouth last year, and my largest Largemouth this year (so far). Both times I was shocked how big the fish was when I got it to the surface, because the unique design of those rods allows the backbone to progressively stiffen up, and it doesn’t feel much different than fighting a fish on a ML rod for me.

Here’s all the combos that I entered the summer fishing season with this year:

Top BFS Rod Picks

If you’re just getting into BFS (Bait Finesse System) fishing, The proper BFS rod selection can make all the difference. Here are three rods that anglers rave about.

Kistler Hunt BFS 6’8” 3X Rod

First up is the Kistler Hunt 6’8” 3X rod. Yeah, I designed it and it’s got my name on it, so is it really a surprise that it’s my favorite? This one casts like a dream and handles everything you throw at it. It’s versatile and reliable, making it a must-have for any angler. If I had to choose just one of the five Hunt BFS models, this would be my “ride or die.”

A note on the action of these rods: they are softer feeling than most, and the action does not conform to the existing industry standards. I designed what I wanted – and the result was something pretty unique. But there’s a reason pretty much every review is a Five-star, and that many people end up buying several of these once they try them!

You can read the reviews and check them out on the Kistler website.

Megabass P5 Destroyer F2-60X Cliffhanger

Megabass makes a solid lineup of P5 Destroyer rods, many of which are suited for BFS. Everyhting from the F0 to the F3.5 models will work – each for different things. I find the Cliffhanger (or Criffhanger LOL) to be the best for all around BFS.

Abu Garcia Bait Finesse Eradicator Slow Taper Special 66

Last but not least, the Abu Garcia Bait Finesse Eradicator. The biggest issue with this rod? It’s rarely in stock! They also make an assortment of rods, which are traditionally more salt-water BFS focused. So you get much longer options.

And they are 2-piece rods in most cases. Which is either a plus or a minus depending on your perspective. I personally love the added sensitivity of a one-piece rod for those delicate bites.

Check Out These Affordable BFS Rods That’ll Up Your Fishing Game

Picking the right BFS rod can make your fishing trips way more fun. And I get that we all have a different budget. So if the best rods aren’t in the cards for you, here are some affordable options that will get you enjoying BFS this weekend.

You’ll also notice most of the budget options are considered fast Action. It’s just a trade-off you make, but they still work great.

AceHawk CU Double BFS Rod

The Acehawk CU Double BFS rod is a favorite among budget bait finesse fishing fans. I even recently wrote an article including it in the ultimate budget BFS combo.

This rod is 1.8 meters / 6 feet long with a moderate-fast action carbon blank, perfect for tossing lightweight lures. And it comes with two tips, a Light and UL, so it gives you a little added versatility.

The Ace Hawk CU Double is typically around $40 from AliExpress.

This rod is great for catching trout, perch, crappie, and bluegill. Want to know more about bfs lures for these fish? Check out our article.

Handing Magic L

I’ve used a handful of the Handing rods. This Magic L was the first, and when it’s on sale it is pretty hard to beat its value. Even at a regular price, it’s a great rod.

It sells for $49 on Amazon.

This rod is perfect for trout fishing and can also handle small pike and finesse bass. For more tips on bfs casting techniques, visit our guide.

Kistler Kyrios Medium

This is becoming my new budget favorite for “Power BFS” – throwing 1/4 to 1/2 ounce lures. Bonus points it’s from an American, Veteran-owned business. Plus, it’s white! It looks super sharp! And so far, I have yet to get skunked when this rod is on the trip with me!

Is it on the same level as my Hunt BFS rods? No. But it is better than any other sub-$100 rod I’ve used.

Also, this is probably the only rod of the Six I listed that is likely more of a bass-focused rod, rather than being an all-around BFS rod. Partly because it’s not truly a BFS rod. But it just works so well I had to share it as an option.

the Kyrios is also available on Kistler’s Website.

By checking out these BFS rod options, you can find the perfect match for your fishing needs. Whether you’re after trout, perch, or bass, these rods have the features to make your bait finesse fishing experience awesome.

Tips for Optimizing Your BFS Setup

Getting your BFS (Bait Finesse System) fishing gear just right can make a world of difference when you’re out on the water. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your BFS setup.

Matching Rod, Reel, and Line

Pairing your BFS rod, reel, and line correctly is key to better performance. First, make sure your reel balances well with your rod. A balanced setup feels comfy and won’t tip over. You Should be good with a BFS reel on any of the rods above.

Next, spool your reel with good-quality braided line in the 6-8 lb range. Braided line gives you great sensitivity and casting distance, which are must-haves for BFS fishing. To connect your mono or fluorocarbon leader to the braided line, use a Uni knot or Double Uni knot for a strong hold.

And finally, set your drag properly on the reel. Remember, BFS reels have lighter drag systems overall, so it may not be unusual to hear a bit of drag slippage when you set the hook on a big fish. You don’t want to snap off that 7-pounder on the hookset, do you?

And speaking of hooksets – you’re going to be using light line AND lighter wire hooks on these finesse baits. You’re not trying to drive a 4/0 EWG into a fish’s jaw. The right hooks on BFS lures almost instantly penetrate. And be careful – they’ll do the same to your skin too.

For more on picking the right gear, check out our guides on bfs reels and bfs line and leaders.

By following these tips, you’ll be all set to optimize your BFS setup for a better fishing experience. Happy fishing!