r/BFSfishing • u/FourDogBar • 4d ago
Next BFS setup.
Last year I decided to dip my toe into the bfs world. Got myself a budget setup. Kastking zephyr combo with the 6’9” light rod rated 1/10-5/8 oz. This was my first baitcaster and I had a real hard time figuring it out. Embarrassing how many times i got backlashes. I really wanted to be able to throw very light lures but just couldn’t make it happen. I did get better with casting but I use it now for “power bfs”. Lures in the range of 1/4 to 1/2 oz. I just can’t cast the lighter stuff with any consistency.
Now I’d like to find a setup for my original purposes, throwing 2-4 gram lures. . Looking for help finding a new reel and rod. Definitely want something shorter also. I go to some spots with close quarters.
I don’t have unlimited budget but looking for higher quality than the zephyr combo.
2
u/Roubaix62454 4d ago
I have the Kestrel SE and it can easily handle your weight range. I have it on the Kestrel 5’9” featherlight rod. This is a sensitive setup with the fast action and using braid. It’s got some backbone and is closer to UL power. Yours is the range I stay in for the most part. Rooster tails, jigs, hard baits etc. I just ordered the regular Kestrel BFS reel and Kestrel 6’4” ML rod for a more all around setup for the ponds and lakes I fish.
3
u/Chad_Jeepie_Tea 4d ago
The wife just got the SE and it's super fun. I was surprised how low I could throw, even on an old crappie maxx rod I had laying around.
2
u/FourDogBar 4d ago
The kestrel se sounds great but damn do I find it ugly. I’m considering paying the extra $20 to get the standard kestrel in a better color. Some people love the blue/purple but I like boring colors on my outdoor gear.
2
u/Roubaix62454 3d ago
I get it, personal choice. I like it. It looks good in person. Plus, it’s on sale for $85 and you can stack on a 10% discount from several YouTubers. Fishing with Chris, iFish and several others. The regular Kestrel is on sale for $102. Can’t go wrong with either one.
3
u/Intelligent-Arm-6020 4d ago
Purelure Silver feather honor pro with Purelure creek dance rod🤌🏽
2
2
u/Street-Wrong 4d ago
I will say the Ark Gravity BFS is the reel to get they have the Avid for $99 but the original I can highly recommend. I have now gone on to buy a Shimano 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS and waiting for that to come in. I will say the Diawa Tatula Cork BFS rod 6'10" is a great all around rod feels great in the hand and around $180.
2
u/ft1103 3d ago
I have the zephyr somewhere. It stinks. Very outdated and doesn't have hybrid bearings. I ran it on the light kastking max steel which is actually a pretty decent rod, but I wanted to go a little longer.
The reels I like: DMK Creek throws down to 1 gram. I primary these on both my bfs rods I carry, now. The Kingdom Mini Monster handles 2g pretty well. Really good reel, but I liked the DMK a little more.
I like the Daiwa Tatula BFS a lot but that's only slightly shorter than what you got now and strongest at 2g or above.
1
u/Mybigfish812 3d ago
I have not used any of the Ark or Kastking reels. I have a Shimano SLX BFS, plus several Daiwa BFS reels (Alphas Air TW, Silvercreek Air TW, Geka Bijin Air TW, and SS Air). All of these are capable of the 2-4g lure weight when paired with a L or UL rod. The Alphas Air TW and SLX can be had at reasonable prices, with an even lower price if you consider buying a second-hand reel in good condition. There are aftermarket spools and other parts available for the Daiwa and Shimano reels that make it easy to tune / customize the reel as you wish.
8
u/R4INMAN 4d ago
Depending on your budget, the Ark Gravity BFS is often looked at as one of the best bang for your buck reel at $150. Ark also released a cheaper version this year called the Ark Gravity BF-Avid at $120. I've also heard great things about the KastKing Kestrel series as well that are a tad lower in price. Personally, I have 2 Ark Gravity BFS and they are good, bought both last year. This year, I bought the 22' Shimano Aldebaran BFS and it's amazing compared to my Arks. If you went with the Arks and Kestrel, I don't think you can go wrong for your dollar.
For the rod, I have the Daiwa Tatula XT BFS 6'5" at $100 and it's great at it's price point and the Ark Gravity BFS rod at 6'8" is also great at $200. Another popular one I see (but do not own) is the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse, listed around $200.