BFS Rod Recommendations Needed (short list included)

[p111]

Hi All;

 

I have a Majorcraft Benkei BIC-652 ML.  It is a great rod, but I need to be able to comfortably throw 1/8oz lures; this rod is 3/16-3/oz - it is stiff enough to make 1/8 too unforgiving on top of crappy distance.

 

Soooo...  I'm looking to add a BFS rod.

Here are the must haves:

-2 piece (or 3)

-throw 1/8oz lures reliably

-backbone (target species: smallies, largies, and crappies)

-no cheap chinese rods/alibaba

 

I'm leaning toward a JDM rod and the budget is flexible (willing to spend Megabass money if it is truly worth it - the jury is still out).

 

I will put an Aldebaran (18?) on it.  It will be my 'do everything" rod - I don't ascribe to the multiple rod mindset.

 

This has led me to consider the Majorcraft Benkei BIC-652 UL/BF.  While the low end is 1/32oz, the upper end is only 1/4oz.  While this  may likely work for 75% of my fishing, I'm intrigued by rods with a little more room on the upper end.

 

Here's my short list.  I'm willing to consider others.

 

Brand	model	length	lure wt	lure wt	specific model
abu garcia	eradicator	6'6"	0.8-14g	1/36-1/2oz	not available?
diawa	blazon	6'4"	1.8-11g	1/16-3/8 oz	C64L-2 BF too soft?
shimano	zodias	6'4"	2-7g	1/16-1/4oz	264UL-2
shimano	majestic	6'5"	2-7g	1/16-1/4oz
majorcraft	benkei	6'5"	0.88-7g	1/32-1/4 oz	BIC-652 UL/BF
abu garcia	salty stage	6'3"	0.8-8	1/32-9/32	XAJC-632ULS-BF KR-X
majorcraft	speedstyle	6'4" or 6'8"	0.88-7	1/32 - 1/4	SSC-S642UL/BF or SSC682L/BF
megabass	Levante	6'4"	1.8-11	1/16-3/8 oz	Levante F2-64LV 2P
megabass	orochi xxx	6'8"		1/8-1/2	F2.5-67K black themis
megabass	siglett
megabass	triza sparna	6'6"		1/8-1/2	F2-66XTZ Sparna
daiwa	tatula	6'4"	1.8-12g	1/16-7/16oz	642LFB CS-Q 2 piece

 

Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with any on the list?  Are there others I should consider?

 

Thanks!

[Tatulatard]

I've owned both UL and L majorcraft BFS rods from a different line.  If 1/8oz total weight is your goal the UL is a bit better but the L does it well too and can handle 1/4 oz with ease where the UL will struggle.  

[MickD]

A friend just built a BFS and likes it a lot, 7 foot 2 inch walleye spin blank, light power, moderate-fast action.  I think longer is better for BFS for better casting distance and longer flex for the cast.  Specs below, not that you are going to build, but as a guide to what works well.  It is actually what I would call a light power, not ML.  He casts neds well with it.  I tried it and it works.  Might have trouble finding a two piece.  A 7 1/2 foot 4 weight fly rod with the handle changed might work quite well if you can find one with what in fly would be called a fast action.  I'm not familiar with what is available in factory rods.

IMMWS72ML-TC (Rainshadow Immortal) Shad Raps / Lindy Rigging / Jigs / Slip Bobbers

7'2"

6-12lb.

1/8-3/8oz.

1

0.422

4.0

Fast

1.6oz.

ML

[p111]

1 minute ago, MickD said:

A friend just built a BFS and likes it a lot, 7 foot 2 inch walleye spin blank, light power, moderate-fast action.  I think longer is better for BFS for better casting distance and longer flex for the cast.  Specs below, not that you are going to build, but as a guide to what works well.  It is actually what I would call a light power, not ML.  He casts neds well with it.  I tried it and it works.  Might have trouble finding a two piece.  A 7 1/2 foot 4 weight fly rod with the handle changed might work quite well if you can find one with what in fly would be called a fast action.  I'm not familiar with what is available in factory rods.

IMMWS72ML-TC (Rainshadow Immortal) Shad Raps / Lindy Rigging / Jigs / Slip Bobbers

7'2"

6-12lb.

1/8-3/8oz.

1

0.422

4.0

Fast

1.6oz.

ML

Interesting thought on the fly rod, thanks.

[softwateronly]

47 minutes ago, p111 said:

Hi All;

 

I have a Majorcraft Benkei BIC-652 ML.  It is a great rod, but I need to be able to comfortably throw 1/8oz lures; this rod is 3/16-3/oz - it is stiff enough to make 1/8 too unforgiving on top of crappy distance.

 

Soooo...  I'm looking to add a BFS rod.

Here are the must haves:

-2 piece (or 3)

-throw 1/8oz lures reliably

-backbone (target species: smallies, largies, and crappies)

-no cheap chinese rods/alibaba

 

I'm leaning toward a JDM rod and the budget is flexible (willing to spend Megabass money if it is truly worth it - the jury is still out).

 

I will put an Aldebaran (18?) on it.  It will be my 'do everything" rod - I don't ascribe to the multiple rod mindset.

 

This has led me to consider the Majorcraft Benkei BIC-652 UL/BF.  While the low end is 1/32oz, the upper end is only 1/4oz.  While this  may likely work for 75% of my fishing, I'm intrigued by rods with a little more room on the upper end.

 

Here's my short list.  I'm willing to consider others.

 

Brand	model	length	lure wt	lure wt	specific model
abu garcia	eradicator	6'6"	0.8-14g	1/36-1/2oz	not available?
diawa	blazon	6'4"	1.8-11g	1/16-3/8 oz	C64L-2 BF too soft?
shimano	zodias	6'4"	2-7g	1/16-1/4oz	264UL-2
shimano	majestic	6'5"	2-7g	1/16-1/4oz
majorcraft	benkei	6'5"	0.88-7g	1/32-1/4 oz	BIC-652 UL/BF
abu garcia	salty stage	6'3"	0.8-8	1/32-9/32	XAJC-632ULS-BF KR-X
majorcraft	speedstyle	6'4" or 6'8"	0.88-7	1/32 - 1/4	SSC-S642UL/BF or SSC682L/BF
megabass	Levante	6'4"	1.8-11	1/16-3/8 oz	Levante F2-64LV 2P
megabass	orochi xxx	6'8"		1/8-1/2	F2.5-67K black themis
megabass	siglett
megabass	triza sparna	6'6"		1/8-1/2	F2-66XTZ Sparna
daiwa	tatula	6'4"	1.8-12g	1/16-7/16oz	642LFB CS-Q 2 piece

 

Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with any on the list?  Are there others I should consider?

 

Thanks!

 

I recently bought 2-piece MC Days rods (692M 702X), and have been blown away by their quality.  If you stick MC for a L or UL maybe look jdm sites because the 2-piece eliminates any shipping charge making the days about $30 more than benkei.  This is the one I have an eye on...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144928268072?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kDevXC_LRPq&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

scott

[kingmotorboat]

Add phenix recon elite ml it’s 7’2 and will bomb a 1/15 oz ned no issues

[Junger]

I have both the Benkei 6'7L and 6'5UL. They both have the same action, and really don't load up when you're casting a 1/8oz lure like a noodle trout rod would. But the 6'5 definitely handles a 1/8oz lure better than the 6'7 but with the right reel, a shallow spooled BFS reel. I have creek fished with a 1/16oz johnson minospin with the 6'5, and it casted pretty well and I'd say that is the more realistic lower range, not 1/32. I've caught 20" redfish with the 6'5UL and it handled them just fine.

 

I also have the MC Volkey 6'7L with a Curado BFS, and this is my 1/4oz perch/shad rod. It has a more parabolic action than the Benkei series.

[FishTank]

I can't speak for 2-piece rods but I have the Megabass P5 Kasumi Six Eleven and the Criffhanger. Both good rods, both well made and both can handle an 1/8oz lure but my favorite rod to fish for BFS is the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700c. It is definitely made cheaper but for BFS lures, it's just fun to fish. I can throw whatever on it, from crankbaits to soft plastic.  I can tell it's not a rod that is going to hold up long term but it brings in the fish on my kayak without issue. 

 

When looking at BFS rods from Megabass, I considered the Siglett and the Triza model and looking back I wish I would have gotten the Siglett instead of the Criffhanger. I still may get a Triza but not sure which will suit me for a travel setup yet. This may be next years project. 

[MickD]

1 hour ago, p111 said:

Interesting thought on the fly rod, thanks.

I built a 7 1/2 foot 3 wt fly rod into a spin and while it does work well on the cast, it is a little sloppy feeling, and it's a "fast" action fly rod.  Which would be called moderate in spin and cast blanks.  So finding a fly that doesn't feel too sloppy will be a challenge.  If 2 piece is an absolute requirement, then fly might be the only choice.  The walleye spin blank I mentioned (one piece)  is probably about as good as it gets for BFS.  It is light enough in power to load fairly well on the cast  and yet has just enough power to not be overloaded by decent sized fish.  It's a fine line one is walking finding the right rod for BFS. 

[Darth-Baiter]

the BFS Triza is the Aello.  F-Zero.  i havent casted one, but i played with one at the store.  it is etherial.  light!

 

i would be lying if i said that the fact that such a cool and costly rod that comes in a flannel pouch didnt bother me.  it comes in a flannel pouch!  

 

i carry my Triza in a cardboard tube.  classy.  hahah.

 

 

[MontclairDave]

6 hours ago, p111 said:

short list.

Ha! That’s quite a long short list. Looking forward to seeing the replies. BFS is definitely my next reel and rod purchase. 

[dave]

I just had a couple custom rods made for lures rated down to 1/16 oz. by a custom builder in PA.  You'll be pleased big time by what you get for what you pay.  JLS Custom Rods.  I use a Scorpion BFS, I tie on a Reaction Innovation Lil Dipper (literally tie on a dipper with no hook) and cast in the yard with ease.

[ATA]

Is it for lakes or streams or both?

[wisconsin heat]

I built a bfs rod on a CRB 6’ L blank. Bombs a 1/8 oz rooster tail.

 

if you don’t go custom, and want a rod that will cast 1/8 oz and under, I’d honestly look at Chinese market rods (Ali express). Many more options than American market and not as much $$ as JDM rods.

 

 

[DaveT63]

1 hour ago, dave said:

I just had a couple custom rods made for lures rated down to 1/16 oz. by a custom builder in PA.  You'll be pleased big time by what you get for what you pay.  JLS Custom Rods.  I use a Scorpion BFS, I tie on a Reaction Innovation Lil Dipper (literally tie on a dipper with no hook) and cast in the yard with ease.

I'll second the custom build from JLS Custom Rods.  Not the same, but he built me a rod once and the quality and craftsmanship were impeccable.  He will build it to your specs, including choice of blank, reel seat, guide train, color, everything you want, at a reasonable price.

 

Also, don't forget about DVT.  He's a sponsor on here and does great work as well.

[WRB]

Dobyns SUF 650C Ultra Finesse Casting rod, 1/16-5/16 oz.

Tom

 

[p111]

15 hours ago, ATA said:

Is it for lakes or streams or both?

both

[Tatulatard]

On 5/4/2023 at 8:22 AM, softwateronly said:

 

I recently bought 2-piece MC Days rods (692M 702X), and have been blown away by their quality.  If you stick MC for a L or UL maybe look jdm sites because the 2-piece eliminates any shipping charge making the days about $30 more than benkei.  This is the one I have an eye on...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144928268072?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kDevXC_LRPq&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

scott

This is de way. 

[ATA]

10 minutes ago, p111 said:

both

Ok the 6' to the most 6'6" nothing longer than that. My stream rods are 5'6".

[p111]

ok, getting closer.  Well, the list is becoming shorter.

 

Does anyone have experience with the Abu Garcia Salty Stage Kurodai?  I have seen a few posts by @bulldog1935 which, due to its huge window of weights, may be good.

 

I think I'm between that and Expride, as they both are rated above 1/4oz on the top end, which is where MajorCraft falls short.

[jonas]

Hello,

 

Which one did you end up buying?

I have the same scoop of rods in mind right now. I want a 6"5' rod that can handle 1/32-1/2 lures.

I mostly fish with jighead and carolina rig out of the BellyBoat. Occasionally I also use a drop shot or ned rig. 

Side note: I mostly fish for perch, zander and pike as I'm from Europe

[Bigbox99]

The benkei UL should do the trick.

[JN94]

Check out the Ark Genesis lineup. All 2 piece rods and they've got 3-4 bait finesse models if memory serves me correct. I own the 6'9" rated up to 1/4oz and like it