If you’re a passionate bass angler, always on the hunt for a new thrill, then BFS (Bait Finesse System) fishing might just be the game-changer you’re looking for. Bringing together the precision of finesse with the subtlety of micro techniques, BFS fishing for bass is an innovative approach that offers a refreshing challenge. This post serves to be a light introduction into the world of downsizing your presentations and putting down those broomsticks with 100 pound shark-line we all like to throw around at those 2 pound bass.
What is Bait finesse Fishing?
BFS Fishing, or Bait Finesse System, is a lightweight lure fishing technique that employs the use of a baitcasting reel with lighter tackle, giving you the ability to cast smaller, more delicate baits. As the term micro implies, BFS fishing isn’t about the biggest bait or the longest rods. It’s about finesse and strategy, making it a perfect technique for switching up how you fish for bass. While horsing in a fish to the boat is a blast, BFS allows for every dink you hook into feel like a monster. If you are a person who simply likes a good fight when fishing, this is right up your alley.
The Magic of Micro: Perfecting Your fishing Technique
Mastering BFS fishing involves becoming adept at using lightweight lures, typically less than 1/8 ounce, and casting them with accuracy and precision. It’s not about power – it’s about finesse. For bass fishing in pressured waters, finesse is often king. Bass can be incredibly discerning when fishing pressure picks up and the heat rises, so the ability to deliver an enticing yet unobtrusive lure can be the difference between a fruitful day and going home skunked.
From a gear perspective, BFS fishing requires a different kind of tackle setup. A dedicated BFS reel, designed for casting lightweight lures, and a light action rod will greatly enhance your control and accuracy. The appeal of BFS is you are using a baitcaster and not a spinning reel, which is a huge plus in my opinion for both hand feel and getting your lures to where you want them.
What Gear for BFS?
Speaking of BFS gear, the market is exploding with a variety of options. The word is now out, and the big manufacturers have noticed the demand and are beginning to crank out some great rods and reels. Before, you had to go to overseas websites, as this was primarily popular in Japan.
While there are now a ton of options, a very solid combo you can pick up right now is a Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting Rod and a KastKing Zephyr Reel. Don’t let this reel fool you, even Matt & Tim from Tactical Bassin have recommended this reel as a nice budget option. However, don’t be afraid to peruse YouTube and even subreddits like r/BFSfishing for other ideas on lures, rods and reels, and other various tactics. As a note, BFS gear is not exactly cheap. If you are looking for some simple ways to make it more affordable, check out this article I wrote on how to ball on a budget.
Finesse Your Way to Bass Fishing Success
Bass fishing requires strategy and skill, and BFS is the epitome of this philosophy. Finesse fishing can yield impressive results with bass, as these fish often respond better to a less aggressive, more natural presentation.
Employing tactics like drop shotting, shaky head, or ned rig fishing can be quite productive when BFS fishing for bass. Pair these finesse techniques with micro lures for the best results. Remember, the goal is to mimic the natural prey of the bass as closely as possible, and sometimes, subtler is better. The best thing about BFS is it serves as a perfect multi-species setup, and most of the lures can serve to catch crappie, bluegill, and bass. With that, a lot of your typical panfish lures that you can buy at any big box stores serve BFS well, and are often cheaper than dedicated bait finesse lures that companies are now producing. A big favorite of mine are Bobby Garland Baby Shad Swim’r and Spro “Phat Flies” as shown below. Simply throw them on a small swimbait hook or jighead and get to chucking, and for the flies the name of the game is popping and reeling like you would any other jig-based bait. Other options that are great to look into include baits from companies like Z-Man, as they provide a variety of smaller plastics that are catered to bass.
BFS Fishing: A New Challenge for Bass Anglers
BFS fishing offers a unique and exciting challenge to bass anglers, adding a whole new dimension to your fishing adventures. It forces you to rethink your approach, fine-tune your technique, and really tune into the behaviors and preferences of the bass you’re pursuing.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to switch up your game or a newcomer interested in the art of micro and finesse techniques, BFS fishing is an exciting frontier to explore. And remember, in BFS fishing, it’s not about the size of your lure but the finesse with which you use it.
The call of the water is waiting, and there’s never been a more exciting time to answer it. Discover BFS fishing and take your bass angling experiences to a whole new level.
So gear up, apply your finesse, and join the BFS fishing revolution.
Tight lines,
Dawson
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