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My BFS Journey so far

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Over the past few years, I've developed a deep passion for trophy panfish angling. Initially, it was a challenge to transition from using baitcasting setups for bass to focusing on catching trophy pan fishing. Ultra-light to micro-light spinning setups were now the norm. The smaller the bait I used, the more trophy master angler fish I was able to tag. It soon became clear that using smaller baits was the key to success in my pursuit of trophies.

So, I decided to shelve the baitcasting setups altogether and instead put together microlight spinning rigs. These rigs allowed me to cast tiny jigs and slip float systems over long distances. And let me tell you, the effort paid off! The trophies started pouring in. It turns out that lighter and smaller setups were the way to go. Not only did I catch more panfish trophies, but I also started reeling in larger gamefish like largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as channel cats.

As I continued to explore different angling techniques, bait finesse systems caught my attention. Currently, I own a Kast King Zephyr BFS reel and three rods, all of which are marketed in Asia as bfs spec rods capable of handling baits as light as 0.6 grams. Surprisingly, the two lightest rods, priced at $20.00 and $40.00, have exceeded my expectations with a fun factor performance score of 4 to 5 stars out of 5. These rods are perfect for slip floating casting at distances of up to 80 feet with floats/splitshot as little as 4.5 grams.

One rod that stands out basically as a UL bass finesse is the Shimano Sensilite 7-foot rod, priced at around $40 to $50. It offers specifications comparable to the highly recommended Dobbs BFS-rated rod, which costs around $200. Looking at the bargain, I chose the Shimano rod and it has proven to be a perfect ultra-light bass fishing combo. I've had great success using Ned rig jigs weighing 1/16 ounce for fun battles with smallmouth bass. The fun factor is definitely a solid 5!

The other two rods are clearly suited for my slip-float way of fishing for panfish. They are

Fire Phoenix Ultra Light Fishing Rod Carbon Fiber Casting UL Solid Tip Bait WT 2-8g Line WT 2-6LB Lure Fishing Rods

Ali Express

Mavllos DELICACY UL Fishing Casting Rod with L.W 0.6-8g/0.8-10g Hollow + Solid 2 Tips Ultralight Carbon Fiber Bait Casting Rod

ali express

In conclusion, using the slip float with the bfs system has been incredibly rewarding for me. It has allowed me to enhance going forward my angling experience and hopefully will achieve greater success in catching trophy panfish and other gamefish.

I am currently putting forward a video reviewing these products.

Good fishing everyone!

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Comment by John Sheehan on December 2, 2023 at 2:09pm

Great read Slip! I have an old Sensilite 5'5" rod I have long used with 2-4#test for small stream Trout and bank Fishing for panfish from shore and it has served me well. 

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