Spinning Vs. BFS: Which Reel Dominates for Finesse Fishing?

I originally wrote a version of this post for Wild Outdoors…

There’s a quiet thrill that comes with finesse fishing—those gentle casts, the soft bite of a cautious fish, and the heart-pounding moments that follow. But if you’ve felt that frustration when your gear just doesn’t seem right for those delicate presentations, you’re not alone.

Spinning vs. BFS: Many anglers find themselves at a crossroads: choosing between spinning reels for finesse and baitcasters for the rest of their fishing. If only they could get the benefits of their casting gear for finesse techniques!

Did you know? The Bait Finesse System (or BFS) originated in Japan as a way to cast lightweight lures accurately using baitcasting equipment traditionally designed for heavier loads. Switching to BFS has revolutionized how I approach finesse fishing.

In this article, I’ll dive into the specifics of both spinning and BFS reels — highlighting their strengths, revealing their weaknesses, and helping you decide which will give you the edge in finesse fishing scenarios.

No technical jargon here—just straight talk about what works when angling gets subtle and strategic. By the post’s end, picking up your finesse reel will feel like choosing your favorite lure from the tackle box – second nature! Keep reading; it’s time to enhance your game.

Key Takeaways

Spinning reels are easy to use and work well with light lines, making casting smooth and reducing the chance of tangles.
BFS reels allow for precise lure placement and control, which is perfect for targeting specific spots when finesse fishing.
Choosing between a spinning reel or a BFS reel will depend on whether you value ease of casting distance or precision in lure control more.
While both types have advantages, spinning reels can struggle with line twist and may not cast heavy lures as far.
BFS reels require more skill to master but can offer an exciting challenge and greater accuracy for experienced anglers.

Spinning Reels for Finesse Fishing

One popular option for finesse fishing is using spinning reels. These reels offer flexibility and ease of use, making them ideal for handling small finesse lures and providing a smooth casting experience.

With their lightweight design and simple operation, spinning reels are favored by many anglers for finesse techniques.

Advantages of Spinning Reels

So, you love finesse fishing. Maybe like me, you grew up using spinning reels almost exclusively. Here’s what makes them stand out:

Easy to use: Spinning reels are great for beginners and experts alike. They’re simple to handle and forgiving when casting.
Light lines work well: These reels excel with light lines, making them perfect for small finesse lures that require a delicate touch.
Fewer birds nests: Say goodbye to the frustration of backlashes because spinning reels rarely tangle like baitcasting reels do.
Versatile: Whether you’re casting into the wind or aiming for distance, spinning reels adapt to many situations without hassle.
Open-faced design: This feature allows for smoother line flow, usually offering superior casting distance.
Fast line retrieval: When you need quick action, modern high-speed reels let you retrieve your line at a speedy rate without much effort.

Disadvantages of Spinning Reels

Spinning reels are popular among fishermen. They work well with lightweight lures and finesse fishing techniques. Here’s why you might think twice before using them:

Wind knots can happen. These are tangles that occur as the line twists coming off the reel.
They may not cast as far. Heavy lures don’t go as far on a spinning reel compared to a baitcasting reel.
Line twist is common. After many casts, your line might get twisted and need fixing.
Drag systems on some reels aren’t strong, and the drag is working perpendicular to the line. This means it could be harder to fight big fish.
Reels might feel less balanced on the rod. This can make your hand tired after fishing for a long time.
Spinning gear sometimes costs more. Good quality combos can hit your wallet hard.
It’s a switch between Baitcasting and Spinning gear if you use baitcasters for your primary fishing.
Spinning gear is less efficient. You can get more casts per hour with Baitcasters.

BFS Reels for Finesse Fishing

BFS reels, or Bait Finesse System reels, are specifically designed for finesse fishing and offer anglers greater precision and control when using small finesse lures. These reels allow for one-handed casting and excel at casting accuracy, making them a popular choice among finesse fishermen looking to enhance their lure control.

Advantages of BFS reels

BFS reels bring a new level of excitement to finesse fishing. They offer the precision and control you need for small finesse lures.

Better accuracy: You can place your lure exactly where you want it. This is perfect when targeting spots under docks or near logs.
Smooth casting: These reels handle light lines with ease, making your casts smoother than ever before.
One-handed use: Casting one-handed is a breeze, leaving your other hand free to manage your boat or grab a snack.
Less tangles: Bait finesse systems reduce line twists and tangles, so you spend more time fishing and less fixing snags.
Fun challenge: Mastering these reels adds an exciting twist to your angling skills. Catching fish with them feels like a great accomplishment.
Lighter gear: They are part of lighter rod and reel combos, which means less fatigue after hours on the water.
Enhanced sensitivity: BFS reels enhance the feel of every nibble and tug on the line, helping you react quickly to bites.

Disadvantages of BFS reels

BFS reels may not handle heavy baits like larger baitcasting reels. They could be prone to backlash when using heavier lines or lures.

Limited line capacity can be an issue for long – distance casting and when targeting larger fish.
The learning curve for mastering BFS reels is steeper than with spinning reels, especially for beginners.
Precision casting with BFS reels requires more practice due to their sensitivity to variations in lure weight and wind conditions.
Cost of quality BFS reels can be higher on average compared to spinning reels, making them a significant investment for finesse fishing enthusiasts.
Maintaining optimal brake settings on some BFS reels demands continuous adjustments and attention, which might not suit all anglers’ preferences and styles.
Compatibility with specific rods tailored for BFS fishing might limit versatility compared to more widely adaptable spinning reel setups.

Key Differences: Spinning vs. BFS

The key differences between spinning reels and BFS reels lie in their line management, casting distance, precision, and control. While spinning reels excel at managing line twists and tangles, BFS reels offer greater casting accuracy and lure control for finesse fishing techniques.

Line management

Effective line management is crucial for finesse fishing. With spinning reels, the line is easy to manage due to the open spool design and smaller diameter lines. This allows for smoother casting and reduces line memory, making it easier to handle small finesse lures with precision.

On the other hand, BFS reels offer exceptional control over the line thanks to their adjustable braking systems and fine-tuned spool tension. This enables anglers to make precise adjustments according to different lure weights and wind conditions, enhancing casting accuracy and overall control during finesse fishing techniques.

By mastering effective line management techniques specific to each type of reel, anglers can significantly improve their finesse fishing experience by optimizing control and precision when handling small finesse lures in various environmental conditions.

Casting distance

When it comes to finesse fishing, the casting distance is a crucial factor. With spinning reels, anglers can achieve impressive casting distances, especially when using ultralight spinning reels for small finesse lures.

The design of spinning reels allows for smooth and long casts, giving anglers the advantage of reaching distant spots where finicky fish may be lurking.

Precision and control

On the other hand, BFS reels offer remarkable precision in casting shorter distances with finesse and accuracy. These reels are adept at targeting specific areas with finesse lures due to their ability to control the speed and distance of casts effectively without sacrificing accuracy or control.

BFS reels provide exceptional precision for one-handed casting, allowing anglers to accurately place their lure in tight spots where finesse fishing thrives. The combination of a fine-tuned brake system and lightweight design enables unparalleled control over lure placement and presentation. BFS reels also offer a very smooth drag, and most of them have an audible drag clicker similar to spinning reels.

When to Use a Spinning Reel for Finesse Fishing

There are three scenarios when a spinning reel may still be the best choice for finesse applications.

Float Fishing: If you like to float jigs for trout or crappie, or use a float & Fly technique for smallies, a spinning set-up may still be the best choice. The micro-guides on BFS rods are typically too small for a bobber stopper to slip through, and I don’t find BFS gear to cast well with a long length of line between the rod tip and the lure. But a lot of guys use BFS for crappie.
Vertical jigging: whether it’s a drop shot, spoon, or blade bait, if you’re vertically fishing above fish from a boat or pier, I think spinning gear is better suited. The guides on the bottom just make sense in this case. But fishing a drop shot on a retrieve? BFS is awesome.
You need insane Max Distance: a great spinning combo will outcast a BFS rig for distance. So if you really need to go long with that hair jig, stick with your Stella on an elite spinning rod like a Loomis NRX or a Kistler Nitranium.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer spinning reels or BFS reels for finesse fishing, both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Consider the specific demands of your fishing style and target species when selecting your reel.

I have fully made the switch to BFS from spinning. I did not pick up a spinning reel in all of 2023. I caught 12 Personal Bests (“PB’s”) in my first full year using BFS. And honestly, it’s taken my joy of fishing to even higher levels, even on days when the fishing is tough. Every fish is a blast on bait finesse.

Don’t underestimate the impact of adopting the Bait Finesse System in your fishing journey – it might just be the game-changer you’ve been seeking!

FAQs

1. Why choose spinning reels for finesse fishing?

Spinning reels are great for finesse fishing because they offer easy casting, versatility with different lure weights, and smooth drag systems.

2. What makes BFS reels suitable for finesse fishing?

BFS reels are ideal for finesse fishing due to their lightweight design, precise casting control, and ability to handle light lines and lures effectively.

3. Can I use spinning reels and BFS reels interchangeably for finesse fishing?

While both types of reels can be used for finesse fishing, spinning reels are more suited to longer casts and handling lighter lines, while BFS reels excel in precision casting with ultralight lures.

4. What type of fish is best targeted using spinning or BFS reels in finesse fishing?

Spinning reels are favorable for targeting larger species such as bass or trout during finesse fishing, while BFS (bait-finesse-system) reels work well when targeting smaller or more elusive fish like panfish or crappie.

5. Do I need specialized skills to use spinning or BFS rees efficiently in finesse fiahing?

Efficiently using spinning or BFS reel doesn’t require extensive skill but rather practice at mastering the nuances of each reel’s features specific to the technique being employed in your chosen type of water body.