Its time I give this BFS a real try.  I just have to figure out what Im going to get rod and reel wise.  I'll likely wind up with the Ark BFS reel, unless I can find a deal on a Kestrel elite.  

The rod is a little more challenging.  It needs to be able to throw a 1/16 head with a 2-3.5" swim/minnow roughly 50'.

Ive got it down to a few rods, but don't really know how they compare.  

Major Benkei BF 6'7 L F

Cork Tatula 6'10 L F

Ark Gravity BFS 6'8 L XF

Phenix Classic BFS L XF

Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 6'9 L F

Cashion Element Z2 6'10 ML F

If any of you guys have experience with 1 or more of these rods, let me know what you think.  

I really like the Phenix and Ark.  The solid tip of the phenix will be great for minnows and neds alike. The Major Craft is intriguing too, I just don't have any experience with them.

If you guys had to pick one, which one would you get and why?  

TYIA

 

Dobyns Sierra UF 701c, basically always has a 1/16 #2 head and 2.5-2.75 swimbait tied on. Probably caught close to 1000 fish with that combo just this year.

Is that the only (primary) thing you’re going to be throwing or is that the lightest thing you want it to be able to do?  My own BFS plan was for 1/16 oz plus a 3” Ned plastic (which isn’t exactly lightweight for a plastic) but also to throw some other things.  I started with the phenix ML and a kastking inexpensive reel.  It worked but wasn’t a light in the tip or fast enough action for me to really throw the lighter stuff.  I went to the Falcon 7’2” this year and it is exactly what I wanted- just the right thing for throwing a 1/16 head plus a 3” Ned or 4” senko.  Works perfect with an unweighted 4” senko or with a 1/32 Texas rig.  It will throw a 1/16 plus 2” twister out to 60’ no problem but it’s an overhead lob cast and not just a sidearm flick.  If you’re going to throw that all the time then this isn’t the rod but if that’s the lightest thing you’ll throw but will do other stuff more frequently then I would throw this one into the mix.  

This is an out of the box rec that I got from @bulldog1935 and it has been absolutely perfect; neds, minnow shaking, finesse swimbaits, finesse jigs, free rigs, tubes, kirashi, bayruf seek, br heads, spoons, etc.  I've landed loads of big fish on it (13lb laker today) in the last year plus throwing PE1 w/ 10lb shooter.  It's rated 1.5g-20g, has a solid tip, can let lures fly, and is plenty sensitive for bottom contact - it runs $205 plus shipping and tariff situation at asian portal right now and is usually hard to source.

 

Abu Garcia Salty Stage prototype Kurodai XKRC-73MLS-BF

https://asianportal-fishing.com/products/036282110861?_pos=22&_fid=ce375425f&_ss=c

 

Here's a write up in english....

https://fishingshop.kiwi/ABU-GARCIA-SaltyStage-KR-X-Prototype-Baitfinesse-Kurodai-XKRC-73MLS-BF/?srsltid=AfmBOoprPtZS8AKhlf9ingwMOiGD5SuH6VhJeRl3Xcodx_Sixm04QO7y

 

scott

 

13 hours ago, softwateronly said:

This is an out of the box rec that I got from @bulldog1935 

Abu Garcia Salty Stage prototype Kurodai XKRC-73MLS-BF

https://asianportal-fishing.com/products/036282110861?_pos=22&_fid=ce375425f&_ss=c

 

Here's a write up in english....

https://fishingshop.kiwi/ABU-GARCIA-SaltyStage-KR-X-Prototype-Baitfinesse-Kurodai-XKRC-73MLS-BF/?srsltid=AfmBOoprPtZS8AKhlf9ingwMOiGD5SuH6VhJeRl3Xcodx_Sixm04QO7y

 

scott

 

 

 

 

I thought this amazing rod was discontinued.  If it meets your budget,  it's a do not pass go rod.  

On 11/21/2025 at 9:42 PM, Peacedivision said:

Dobyns Sierra UF 701c, basically always has a 1/16 #2 head and 2.5-2.75 swimbait tied on. Probably caught close to 1000 fish with that combo just this year.

I like the Sierras, especially the solid tip models. I plan on using PE and the guides on the sierras are super micro.  

I've also heard that the 0 power moderates actually have a solid XF tip.  Once the 0 powers are underload they flex deep into the blank. 

Does your 701 have a solid tip?

23 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Is that the only (primary) thing you’re going to be throwing or is that the lightest thing you want it to be able to do?  My own BFS plan was for 1/16 oz plus a 3” Ned plastic (which isn’t exactly lightweight for a plastic) but also to throw some other things.  I started with the phenix ML and a kastking inexpensive reel.  It worked but wasn’t a light in the tip or fast enough action for me to really throw the lighter stuff.  I went to the Falcon 7’2” this year and it is exactly what I wanted- just the right thing for throwing a 1/16 head plus a 3” Ned or 4” senko.  Works perfect with an unweighted 4” senko or with a 1/32 Texas rig.  It will throw a 1/16 plus 2” twister out to 60’ no problem but it’s an overhead lob cast and not just a sidearm flick.  If you’re going to throw that all the time then this isn’t the rod but if that’s the lightest thing you’ll throw but will do other stuff more frequently then I would throw this one into the mix.  

I'm looking for a more traditional BFS, than the American BFS style blanks that run a little heavier. Ill end up throwing really light cranks, JBs, twitch baits and pencils, but the majority of the time it will primarily be throwing a lighter plastic with a light head.  I would like it to be able to throw 1/20 and plastic, if it can throw a 1/16 thats good enough.  I fish a lot of 1/16 oz micro bucktails and 1/16 mono guard spins.  Sadly Reins discontinued the 3" bubbling shakers, the best straight tail trailer for the keitech micro jigs, hopefully they are still available on the JDM.

My budget is about $200 for the rod, but if its perfect I would go a little higher.  

After our conversations in the past, the Cara was considered immediately.  I want to spend about $200 on the rod.  If i was looking for a heavier BFS for neds, little swing heads, micro jika rigs and what not, the recommendations and excitement of trying a new brand out would be worth the extra $.  I've heard the Cashion BFS described the same way as the Cara, in that they will throw some of the lighter stuff, but the sweet spot is 1/8-5/16.

 

5 hours ago, softwateronly said:

This is an out of the box rec that I got from @bulldog1935 and it has been absolutely perfect; neds, minnow shaking, finesse swimbaits, finesse jigs, free rigs, tubes, kirashi, bayruf seek, br heads, spoons, etc.  I've landed loads of big fish on it (13lb laker today) in the last year plus throwing PE1 w/ 10lb shooter.  It's rated 1.5g-20g, has a solid tip, can let lures fly, and is plenty sensitive for bottom contact - it runs $205 plus shipping and tariff situation at asian portal right now and is usually hard to source.

 

Abu Garcia Salty Stage prototype Kurodai XKRC-73MLS-BF

https://asianportal-fishing.com/products/036282110861?_pos=22&_fid=ce375425f&_ss=c

 

Here's a write up in english....

https://fishingshop.kiwi/ABU-GARCIA-SaltyStage-KR-X-Prototype-Baitfinesse-Kurodai-XKRC-73MLS-BF/?srsltid=AfmBOoprPtZS8AKhlf9ingwMOiGD5SuH6VhJeRl3Xcodx_Sixm04QO7y

 

scott

 

Sounds almost too good to be true, but I believe it.  I might look into one in the spring to mess with weakfish, fluke and schoolie bass, especially if they can fish a wander 80 or underwalker 85. 

@GetFishorDieTryin no the 701 is a standard tubular tip fast action.

@GetFishorDieTryin- yeah, from what you describe the Cara isn’t the one for you.  I love it for what I’m using it for, but if I was throwing a 1/16 oz plus 2” plastic all the time I would want a lighter tip.  

Falcon Cara BFS is a ML rod and handles total* lure weight 1/8 oz to 3/8 oz perfectly. 

If the total* lure weight is less then a 1/8 oz you need a rod rated light. I solved this by getting the Phenix BSF rod that cast 1/16 oz  to 1/4 oz lures.

Tom

* total is actual lure weight with hooks and whatever else is attached weighed on a gram scale.

Tom

harrumph.  

FWIW, I’d save up a few extra bones and get the Curado BFS over the Gravity reel. I had both and found the Ark to be a little squirrelly and hard to fine tune for various lighter lures. I have Aldebaran BFS and Daiwa Air TW reels - and the drop off to the Curado BFS is minimal, but a bigger step down to the ARK. 

10 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

FWIW, I’d save up a few extra bones and get the Curado BFS over the Gravity reel. I had both and found the Ark to be a little squirrelly and hard to fine tune for various lighter lures.

I guess this comes down to the eye of the beholder and casting mechanics/styles. I have both. Mine's actually the SLX BFS which is the JDM equivalent to the Curado and, with all other elements being identical like line and rod, I find the ARK to be far more consistent and controllable with lures under 5 grams, especially soft plastics. In my hands, switching from light mono or fluoro to braid mainline definitely helped the SLX, but it also helped the ARK which only reinforced the gulf in performance. Oddly, with about 120' of line, my Alpahas 800S is just as capable as the Curado/SLX where it's at its best, IMO. I wanted to like it, but I don't use it where I was hoping to use it most. I don't throw a lot of aerodynamic trebled hard baits which is where it does quite well, but which reel in the class doesn't?

On 11/23/2025 at 9:24 PM, casts_by_fly said:

@GetFishorDieTryin- yeah, from what you describe the Cara isn’t the one for you.  I love it for what I’m using it for, but if I was throwing a 1/16 oz plus 2” plastic all the time I would want a lighter tip.  

I was really tempted to go with a Cashion or Falcon, but in the end I figured i would see how the new Tatulas are.  Eventually Ill get a heavy BFS or ML (1/8-7/16) casting rod for light shakey heads, light rubber jigs and those little 3/16 and 1/4oz crankbaits that crush in the winter and fall.

On 11/24/2025 at 7:48 AM, FryDog62 said:

FWIW, I’d save up a few extra bones and get the Curado BFS over the Gravity reel. I had both and found the Ark to be a little squirrelly and hard to fine tune for various lighter lures. I have Aldebaran BFS and Daiwa Air TW reels - and the drop off to the Curado BFS is minimal, but a bigger step down to the ARK. 

That's strange.  My buddy swears his Gravity can match or outperform the Curado in most practical applications.  He really disliked the curado for its weight and sketchy stock performance with tiny baits, like 1/32 Trout magnets. 

For me the curado would probably work well enough, I just don't see the sense in spending another $80 for no major advantage.  

If I was paying full retail, I would get an Alphas BF or SS Air.

Its either going to be a Gravity or Kestral, possibly a Kestral elite. 

3 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

He really disliked the curado for its weight and sketchy stock performance with tiny baits, like 1/32 Trout magnets.

Trout magnets shouldn’t be a casting standard. Lures under a gram don’t cast well on anything. Sometimes acceptable for a given user, but never well.  For the way many use a trout magnet, they really should use a heavier head, but jig head makers tend to put far too large (and thick) hooks on most jig heads so users throw things like 1/64 oz heads for smaller species just to get smaller hooks when the advantage that small head is really in fall rate and their retrieve never takes advantage of it beyond the initial drop.

 

Some people don’t like using floats with BFS, but when using a trout magnet I really like their small peg floats to take advantage of their inherent subtle action. And the bonus is even a small float can double your casting weight.😁

 

The TW exclusive Cashion UL is a great super light bait finesse stick.

 

 

One thing I have learned, is to let the rod tell you what it can throw.  My main BFS rod is a rod that no one would really look at for BFS.  Its a 7' Talon XMW rated for 8 - 15lb line.  Talon does not provide weight ratings on their blanks, just line ratings.  I bought the Curado BFS reel before I had purchased a BFS rod and loaded it with 6lb FC Sniper.  I threw it on that Talon and started experimenting to help me try to decide what type of BFS rod I wanted to purchase.  Boy I am glad I did too. I had zero intention of keeping this setup this way, but this combo will sling a Karashi a country mile.  The rod loads 1/8 - 1/4 oz baits beautifully.  It would not work for baits getting down to that 1/32 weight range, though.  So, it probably falls more in that power BFS category.  I have also fished the LC 0.1 and 0.2 FTS on this setup without any issues.  Those are 1/16 oz baits.

19 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I was really tempted to go with a Cashion or Falcon, but in the end I figured i would see how the new Tatulas are.  Eventually Ill get a heavy BFS or ML (1/8-7/16) casting rod for light shakey heads, light rubber jigs and those little 3/16 and 1/4oz crankbaits that crush in the winter and fall.

That's strange.  My buddy swears his Gravity can match or outperform the Curado in most practical applications.  He really disliked the curado for its weight and sketchy stock performance with tiny baits, like 1/32 Trout magnets. 

For me the curado would probably work well enough, I just don't see the sense in spending another $80 for no major advantage.  

If I was paying full retail, I would get an Alphas BF or SS Air.

Its either going to be a Gravity or Kestral, possibly a Kestral elite. 

I got the Kestrel Air MFS a couple weeks ago and it casts incredibly. It is an amazing reel for the price. $99 on Amazon when I bought it. I got the Kestrel 6'9 L 3pc casting rod also and the rod is fun, very fun, actually.

18 minutes ago, Drew03cmc said:

I got the Kestrel Air MFS a couple weeks ago and it casts incredibly. It is an amazing reel for the price. $99 on Amazon when I bought it.

$63 flash sale for LH model.

KastKing Kestrel Air Micro Finesse Casting Reel, Ultralight Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Easily Casts Lures Down to 0.5 Gram, Backlash Prevention Brake, 7.6:1 Gear Ratio, 2+9+1 Ball Bearings(Left Handed – 7.6:1) - KastKing Fishing Gear Sale

Shimano BFS Aldebran is phenomenal reel JDM prices $244.

In disagree the Ark limited Ed BSF reel is difficult to keep adjusted, it has 3 adjustment functions and when set it stays set for your lures it’s well worth $150.

Keep in mind BSF rods have more micro guides then standard rods and not sure how they accommodate braid with a leader? The Falcon Cara BSF is ML and can cast Megabass Karashi with ease. Lighter more air resistant lures the Phenix 7’1” BFS excels.

Tom

2 hours ago, PhishLI said:

$63 flash sale for LH model.

KastKing Kestrel Air Micro Finesse Casting Reel, Ultralight Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Easily Casts Lures Down to 0.5 Gram, Backlash Prevention Brake, 7.6:1 Gear Ratio, 2+9+1 Ball Bearings(Left Handed – 7.6:1) - KastKing Fishing Gear Sale

Hell that's not a bad deal. I roll lefty too. Is that a good reel? 

8 minutes ago, Rockhopper said:

Hell that's not a bad deal. I roll lefty too. Is that a good reel? 

This guy has all the good stuff and strikes me as honest. He likes it for UL duty.

 

7 hours ago, Rockhopper said:

Hell that's not a bad deal. I roll lefty too. Is that a good reel? 

I love mine. I'm taking it out here this morning.

On 11/26/2025 at 4:17 AM, brophog said:

Trout magnets shouldn’t be a casting standard. Lures under a gram don’t cast well on anything. Sometimes acceptable for a given user, but never well.  For the way many use a trout magnet, they really should use a heavier head, but jig head makers tend to put far too large (and thick) hooks on most jig heads so users throw things like 1/64 oz heads for smaller species just to get smaller hooks when the advantage that small head is really in fall rate and their retrieve never takes advantage of it beyond the initial drop.

 

Some people don’t like using floats with BFS, but when using a trout magnet I really like their small peg floats to take advantage of their inherent subtle action. And the bonus is even a small float can double your casting weight.😁

 

That's the whole point of a BFS system is to cast ultra-light lures.  There are plenty of reels that are marketed with the capability of casting baits under a gram. 

Can't speak on the others but I have a 7'1" Phenix BFS classic and I love it does great for what I ask it to do. But I'm not the biggest BFS fisher so take it with a grain of salt. I'm sure others are much more experienced with BFS

Here's my 2 main setups:

Note that I'm chasing Floida largies and never know how big I'm lucky enough to get. The lightest power I use is ML rods.

1- Kistler KLX ML, 7', 1/16-3/8. Curado BFS Reel, upgraded spool bearings, 10 lb braid. This is dedicated For neds, usually 1/32 weight, 2/0 ewg and hula stix

2- Its a salt inshore rod:

Falcon Clearwater, 6' 7"

ML, moderate, 1/16- 1/2. Dream Tackle BFS reel, 10 lb braid. Small cranks, finesse jigs, finesse spinnerbaits etc. Because it's a salt rod it has a terrific backbone mid rod. It proved itself: 8 lb largie in sparse vegetation. I love them both!!