Getting into BFS

[sjs2002]

I am looking to the get into the BFS scene to try out and see if is for me. I already have a 7' light powered moderate action St. Croix rated from 1/16 to 3/8oz. I have a Curado 70 on another rod but want something that can handle lighter baits. I have done some research and not sure if I wanted to buy the $60 reels on AliExpress. Not sure how long they would hold up with use. I would like to get something relatively easy to find in the U.S. My reels are in the $200 range so its not much for BFS but I could upgrade later. I would like to stay under $200 for now. I have heard recommendations on buying a Fuego and getting a shallow spool and bearings. How would this suffice as a BFS setup? Are there certain platforms that would make converting to BFS easier or better? The setup would be used mainly for smaller bass, trout, crappie, etc. Thanks for your time!

[Hobie-Wan Kenobi]

Welcome to the world of BFS.

Biggest factor is the size lures you are throwing. There are spool options for your Curado as well.

Look around for a used Alphas AIR on here or on the auction site. The Rays and other chinese spools arent bad for 1/8oz. Going below that, I really feel the difference between the Chinese spools and a dedicated BFS reel. I use a Daiwa T3 with a Ray's spool and it does well for throwing cranks like the Rapala UL series.

Bearings will help you out. Almost forgot to mention.

If the St Croix rod you speak of is a Legend Inshore, those are pretty nice for BFS.

[jvelth74]

Kuying Teton SUL and UL rods are cheap and easy to cast with bfs weights. Those are not long casting, but those are easy casting, and fun rods with fish.

If you find finesse spool to your current reel, that should be good purchament. And yes, there are cheap finesse spools in Ali for Fuego. Fuego + finesse spool should work.

[Fishing4Fun]

My advice for what it is worth is this:

1. Buy a Pixy variant from the original line not the PX SPR, for under $200

2. Buy a Majorcraft UL BFS rod for under a few hundred

3. Get a light braided line or small mono around 6 pound test

Fish this with the baits you have in mind. 1/8 to 3/8 should be aces with this setup. If you have the desire to push the limits under 1/8 try a set of BFS bearings from HH Studios. If that doesn’t do it then a specialty spool would be next.

For the used going rate of pixies and Majorcraft rods, you can get this outfit for well under $300. Bearings another $20 ish and a specialty spool under $100.

[poisonokie]

∆∆∆ Sound advice on the rod and line. I would think however that finding a used Alphas or SS Air would be easier and ultimately less expensive than a Pixy, especially since there will be no need to change the spool or bearings which, mark my words, you will want to do with the Pixy. Just my 2¢.

[Carlos Carrapiço]

The PX SPR doesn't have other compatible spools unless one changes the breaking system.

[poisonokie]

The PX SPR doesn't have other compatible spools unless one changes the breaking system.

That confused me at first too, but he's saying any Pixy other than the SPR

[Fishing4Fun]

The PX SPR doesn't have other compatible spools unless one changes the breaking system.

Read my post. Anything BUT the PX SPR

[sjs2002]

Thanks for the advise everyone! I did consider another spool for the Curado 70 and I think it is from Avail for $100 but forget where. I also think I have to remove the brakes from the original spool and put it on the BFS spool to work. Plus I already have it on another rod I like which is why I am thinking of another reel. For now I think I am going to stick with the rod I have but will keep in mind the other rods mentioned when the addiction grows. The St. Croix isn't a Legend series but the Mojo but wish it was. When I put the Curado 70 on it I was able to bomb 1/8oz Rooster Tails pretty far, plenty satisfied. However, when I switched to a 1/16oz Rooster Tail the rod loaded it fine but the reel was finicky. I could spend time to tweak the reel to make it adequate but this is where my urge to get a BFS reel came to. So I know I want to able to cast that well and other lures around the 1/16oz range. Sounds like I should stay away from the Pixy SPR besides that I do not know much of the Daiwa models. I am open to being schooled on Daiwa reels and Shimano for that matter. I think when its said and done my budget will be more than I originally thought. Thanks!

[1nutinthewater]

I use a Tat CT with $40 DIY spool loaded with 6# fireline ultra 8 and throw 1/8 oz all day long for trout with ease. Prefer this over a Calcutta Conquest BFS HG I had and sold. Paired with the Teton 662 its a great trout set up.

[chrisg_sdcf]

I use a Tat CT with $40 DIY spool loaded with 6# fireline ultra 8 and throw 1/8 oz all day long for trout with ease. Prefer this over a Calcutta Conquest BFS HG I had and sold. Paired with the Teton 662 its a great trout set up.

Is 1/8 oz the lowest the Teton 662 can handle? (Is the 662 Light or Ultra Light?). How long did it take to get it from China?

[1nutinthewater]

I use a Tat CT with $40 DIY spool loaded with 6# fireline ultra 8 and throw 1/8 oz all day long for trout with ease. Prefer this over a Calcutta Conquest BFS HG I had and sold. Paired with the Teton 662 its a great trout set up.

Is 1/8 oz the lowest the Teton 662 can handle? (Is the 662 Light or Ultra Light?). How long did it take to get it from China?

The 662 is light- rated 2-10 G. I also have the 642 which is Ultra light-1-4G but it is a spinning rod i use for crappie. They do make the 632 which is the UL cast version. Shipping from China is about a week.

[chrisg_sdcf]

I use a Tat CT with $40 DIY spool loaded with 6# fireline ultra 8 and throw 1/8 oz all day long for trout with ease. Prefer this over a Calcutta Conquest BFS HG I had and sold. Paired with the Teton 662 its a great trout set up.

Is 1/8 oz the lowest the Teton 662 can handle? (Is the 662 Light or Ultra Light?). How long did it take to get it from China?

The 662 is light- rated 2-10 G. I also have the 642 which is Ultra light-1-4G but it is a spinning rod i use for crappie. They do make the 632 which is the UL cast version. Shipping from China is about a week.

Thanks

[DirtyD64]

I use a Tsurinoya Proflex 2 with a Zillion SV TW and DIY spool. Works good for me for 1/8 and okay for 1/16 with plastic even. I don't suggest anything but light braid though, I use 6lb Sufix 832. Really fun relatively cheap setup that catches fish anywhere.

[chrisg_sdcf]

I use a Tsurinoya Proflex 2 with a Zillion SV TW and DIY spool. Works good for me for 1/8 and okay for 1/16 with plastic even. I don't suggest anything but light braid though, I use 6lb Sufix 832. Really fun relatively cheap setup that catches fish anywhere.

Is it ok with treble hooks or is it too fast?