Looking for the right BFS blank/rod?

[MickD]

There is a lot of discussion on this forum about BFS, bait-cast finesse system.  With regard to the issue of the most appropriate BFS rod characteristics, I submit the following:

-           The most important characteristic in casting, whether spinning or bait-casting, is to match the power of the rod to the weight of the lure being cast.  This allows the rod to efficiently and effectively store and release the energy generated by the casting motion.  Too little rod power and the rod is overloaded and “collapses” on the cast.  Too much power and the rod doesn’t store much energy, and it’s like trying to cast with a broomstick.

 

-          Next is the action.  It seems the fishing community is equating action speed with rod quality, and effectiveness.  Everyone wants a fast or an extra-fast action.  The faster the better.  But this is wrong.  The action should be tailored to the task that is the most important, and with BFS, the task is casting light lures as far as is practical.  And the best action is not fast or extra-fast as they are usually defined. 

 

-          One should keep in mind that the subjective descriptions of action (slow-moderate-moderate fast-fast-extra fast) and power (ultra light-light-medium light-medium-medium heavy-heavy) are not consistent.  Therefore, they are not accurate. Not dependable.  Even within the same manufacturer’s line, there are inconsistencies.  CCS, Common Cents System, is an objective measuring system that allows us to accurately compare and select blanks and rods that are the best for their intended use.   I will be using CCS numbers for the rest of the discussion.  For more information on it search the internet for “Common Cents Rod Rating System.”

 

-          Now to the meat.  Rainshadow has recently introduced two blanks that make a lot of sense if one builds his own rods and is looking for the right BFS blanks. They are the REVS72L-3 and the REVS72ML-3, members of the Revelation line of blanks which I consider a real “sweet spot” balancing performance and price.  Interestingly, they are travel blanks, three piece 7 foot 2 inch length blanks.  Rainshadow calls them “fast” action; I call them “moderate fast.”  The CCS action angle, which is the CCS number that describes action is about 71 degrees.  Many “crankbait” rods are from 65 to 70 degrees.  “Hotshot” rods are over 80 degrees.  A familiar rod to many, the St. Croix Legend SCV70MF is about 75 degrees.  The action of these blanks makes them easy to cast accurately, with the timing of the line release not being as critical as it is with blanks most call “extra-fast,” about 80 degrees. 

 

-          The power is described accurately, in my opinion.  The L is about 270 grams CCS, or an  ERN (Effective Rod Number- think of fly rod weight numbers)  of about 11.9, and the ML is about 400 grams, or an ERN of about 15.1.  The previously mentioned St. Croix is about 465 grams, 16.9 ERN.  I have cast the spin-built  ML with 3/16 oz. Ned jigs with a Ned on, and it does wonderfully, getting very good distance with good accuracy.  It should do well as a BFS for similar weight lures.  I plan to use it casting light jigs to bones in the Bahamas.  If one is looking for lighter lures, maybe the L would work; I expect it will. (   CORRECTION:  I have now cast them both and the total lure weight was .230 ounces.  I get the feeling that the rods could go both higher and lower in weight and still perform well.  ) Link to the blanks:  https://batsonenterprises.com/revelation-rx7/revelation-rx7-3-piece-travel-bass-freshwater

 

-          Bottom line, if you want to build a BFS rod, I think Rainshadow has a couple good options for you.  If you buy a finished rod, go long, and go light.   And hope you got it right.

 

-          If you want to really understand the rods you have, build yourself a CCS rig.  If you need some tips, let me know in a message.

[spoonplugger1]

I could easily go to using the Rainshadow IMMP70UL-TC, IMMP70L-TC, or IMMP70ML-TC as BFS blanks, I own the 70UL and love the thing, if the NFC P700 X-Ray and others weren't $55, including the taxes, when I bought them, it would be a place I'd go again. For me, if you're fishing more than 1/4 oz. you're not fishing BFS.

[BassinBrett]

I have built 3 BFS rod this winter with NFC blanks.  I built a DS 760-1 (HM) as a BFS set up and it is sweet.  I also built a MB 661-1 (HM) but have not had a chance to fish with it yet but casting around the yard it seem like it has potential.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On 3/27/2024 at 3:56 PM, spoonplugger1 said:

I could easily go to using the Rainshadow IMMP70UL-TC, IMMP70L-TC, or IMMP70ML-TC as BFS blanks, I own the 70UL and love the thing, if the NFC P700 X-Ray and others weren't $55, including the taxes, when I bought them, it would be a place I'd go again. For me, if you're fishing more than 1/4 oz. you're not fishing BFS.

I have to agree with your definition of BFS. Many MH casting rods are rated 1/4-3/4oz. 

[dv616]

I have a hard time seeing a 400 gram power rod being BFS.  That is a Senko or soft plastic jerkbait rod, 1/4 oz jighead weight territory for me (my main use of St. Croix 7’ med power spinning rods).  I agree on the under 1/4 oz as the heaviest for BFS.  I am shooting for 1/16th or 1/8 oz jig head weights for BFS. 

[Lead Head]

I built a NFC Delta DS 6107 into a casting rod specifically for Ned's. The soft xf tip let's me cast them great and it has just enough backbone to turn a decent fish out of cover. It's also a really good light top water rod, getting impressive distance when chasing schooling bass in the summer.

 

It's rated 1/8-3/8. I need to weigh a TRD and a 1/15oz jig head, there is a decent chance I'm over 1/8oz. The 2 weeks I'm using it for top water I'm definitely over 1/8, but I'm looking for distance in the schools.

[MickD]

On 3/29/2024 at 10:00 PM, Lead Head said:

I need to weigh a TRD

.145 oz, a little more than 1/8 oz. 

[Huckfinn38]

RodGeeks C256ULF, C260lf, and C266MLF.  You can get the carbon 4 version as well but its more expensive.  I have personally built on the C256ULF and the C260LF.  Good rods that easily throw 1/16th oz.

Personally if I built another one it would be the C260LF with tintanium guides.  

Also an option is you can find a 6ft 4wt fiberglass fly rod cheap on Ebay. Makes a fun 3 pc BFS rod.

[MickD]

I am not familiar with that fly rod, but most fly rod blanks are too "floppy" and soft, too slow action, to be good rods for other applications.  They usually have CCS action angles around 60 degrees, and about 70 is optimum for most light spin and BFS builds, IMO.  

 

I have built two rods for spin based on fly rod actions, and while they do well for distance, they are so "floppy" short cast accuracy is a challenge.  I highly recommend blanks with AA's about 70, designed for cast or spin.