Bait finesse systems, also known as BFS fishing outfits, quickly became very popular in freshwater bass fishing and are now gaining popularity for trout – and don’t think a BFS equals an ultralight outfit.
There are similarities, sure, but there are also important distinctions, and once you become familiar with them, it’ll be clear as day why you should bring a BFS trout fishing rod into your rotation.
First, the Difference
Bait finesse systems, like ultralight outfits, are in fact specialized to present very light lures on line that’s specifically matched to the rod, reel, and bait. A BFS is the whole system including the rod, reel, line and lure with a very specific method to approaching the target species.
However, bait finesse systems are about much more than just “downsizing” the presentation. It is an entire system that is precision-matched for superior castability, lure presentation, and retrieval designed to appeal to a trout’s natural behavior.
With that said, here are just a few reasons that a trout BFS outfit can benefit you in your pursuit of wild, wary trout.
Superior Castability
Because the lure and line are matched to the rod and reel in a BFS system, you’ll enjoy superior castability, not just in terms of distance but the ultimate accuracy, with a specifically designed BFS trout fishing rod.
These outfits are designed to cast and fish very light lures, as light as 1/16 of an ounce, even in a wind and with a current. This is especially true when you choose a rod with a more moderate action, which will be slightly more forgiving, not only for back-handed casts, but for playing a hooked fish.
More Forgiveness, Higher Land Percentage
If you select a BFS outfit spooled with line that’s tuned to it and lures that are tailored for it, you will experience greater forgiveness when casting and presenting the lure, as well as a potentially higher percentage of landed fish.
Fighting a trout on a more moderate BFS trout fishing rod will yield greater forgiveness as the trout breaches the surface and thrashes its head in an attempt to spit the lure. Not only is the more moderate action less likely to rip the trout’s fragile mouth, but will maintain proper tension on the line as the trout thrashes, making it less likely that you’ll lose the fish, especially if you are using barbless hooks, as many trout BFS anglers who chase wild trout do.
Accuracy and Control
A BFS trout fishing rod and reel will give you much greater accuracy and control over bait presentation and cadence, especially if fishing a spinner or trout minnow (such as a light stickbait or jerkbait).
This is especially true if you are fishing a BFS baitcasting reel. A baitcasting outfit is not only capable of more precise casting placement, and the spool can be engaged the second the bait hits the water, eliminating slack line and resulting in a more natural, lively presentation, especially in the clear, swift moving water most wild trout inhabit.
Additionally, a baitcaster will afford greater control over the minnow or spinner in the water as well, and a BFS will give you greater sensitivity with respect to the bait, so that you’ll be able to feel whether or not your minnow is wobbling or your spinner blade is turning, or if the lure is fouled.
A Bigger Challenge (and a More Gratifying Payoff)
Lastly, there’s the sporting aspect. While it is critical to match your line selection to your BFS trout fishing rod and reel (we recommend 4-strand PE braided line from Varivas for baitcasters and 8-strand PE braid for spinning reel), it still requires a great deal of dedication and skill to become a proficient BFS angler.
And, like fishing any lighter outfit, playing and landing a trout (of any size) on a BFS outfit will require greater finesse. You’re likely to feel a whole lot more accomplished at the end of the fight if you brought that 22” rainbow in on a BFS combo than if you did so on a generic bass outfit or any traditional trout rod.
Make the Change to a BFS Trout Fishing Rod This Season
Ready to reap the benefits of a BFS trout fishing rod? Jackson USA is leading the movement, with some of the only trout BFS tackle available stateside. You can learn more about BFS trout fishing on their website, and explore rods and baits there as well.
For more information about Bait Finesse Reel and Ultralight Baitcasting Reel Please visit: Jackson USA, Inc.
