Using Bait Finesse System (BFS) for Crappie Fishing

The Bait Finesse System has been around for a few years, giving anglers a means to throw ultralight lures and other tackle on specialized bait casting equipment. However, it has been implemented very little for crappie fishing. Sure, anglers have caught crappie on bait finesse systems, but they have not been used much for crappie fishing mostly because the options out there were a little too beefy for bass fishing or a little too wispy for trout fishing.

FISHING GEAR USED
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Thankfully companies like Jenko Fishing are making rods specifically tuned for crappie fishing, especially casting to crappie with LiveScope. I was fortunate to spend time with the Jenko designers and anglers and got to test out the BFS rods before their public release last week at ICAST. I spent time casting jigs on the prototypes up at the shop as well as fishing with them on the water with Tony Sheppard. They gave me a rod to go experiment a few weeks ago, so I figured I’d document my initial experiences since this will be new for a lot of crappie anglers.

I spent some time chasing crappie with it and getting an understanding of what its advantages and disadvantages are. I was pleasantly surprised that BFS offers more advantages than disadvantages. In fact, it impressed me so much that I will likely make the switch to bait casting BFS gear for much of my crappie fishing now. From line management to casting distance, the Jenko Double Down rod was impressive with jigs as light as 1/32 ounce, and it’s rated to throw a 1/80-ounce jig.

BFS reels incorporate shallower designs with completely different gearing. So you can’t just put your regular bait caster on this rod and go crappie fishing. It won’t be a great experience. But I put a Shimano SLX BFS reel on the Double Down and had an absolute ball chasing crappie around on deep stumps and brush on the main river on a hot 100-plus-degree day.

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[RAW]

I'm really glad you guys are highlighting BFS in your videos now. Finesse Baitcasting is my favorite way to fish, and I love seeing when major players and influencers in the fishing communities talk about it. The more often it happens, the more likely American manufacturers are going to start to jump on the bandwagon and turn it into a thriving market with diverse options.

[stannotfound]

Really cool to see BFS getting more popular. I've been slaying White Bass and its an absolute blast. I have a iFishband Clamber paired with a Kuyang Teton 6'6 Light and like it a lot. I typically don't throw anything less than 1/16 oz on it although it is capable.

[crankbaiter_fishing]

Good to see BFS on this channel. bfs is underrated in North America

[HobieWanKenobi]

Looks to see BFS is growing!!! Doesn't seem like 10 years ago when I started BFS. Good to see you are enjoying it.

[jeremiahgiles]

Crappie was the first thing I thought about when I discovered BFS

[byycylv]

I ordered an inexpensive daiwa bfs reel online recently($55 Canadian with tax&shipping). Im going to use its spool w my lews tournament MB and/or my old curado 70 and pair it with a 7ft medium light/extra fast duckett or dobyns rod and target some rockbass, smallies, largies. I cant imagine what a 3lb+ bass would feel like on a BFS setup! I have some MICRO poppers (2", 1/16oz) and some Micro hard swimbaits i cant wait to throw em

[TimHaunFishing]

I have been on a huge bfs kick. Haven't even gotten around to using it for panfish yet.

[fnv_life]

I tried with Old18 rod and I like for those 1/16th oz you can give them a try

[NuteDobbs]

Plenty of bfs reels state side to choose from now days. Pretty easy to get your hands on them. He way over exaggerated on that lol

[Swimbait_fishing]

1/80th oz is pretty light even for a bfs rod. What is the tip diameter?

[onthefish]

I'm not sure what the advantages would be over using a long spinning rod. 🤔

[waynesammyswingle]

I can't see well enough. What jumped in front of the boat at 4:21. He just let that crappie go and is talking about the set up and right up over the top of the reel, straight in front of the boat something was feeding.

[NtheBlue]

A baitcaster’s spool should disconnect entirely from the gear train on the cast so I don’t understand what he’s saying about needing the gearing to cast well. Gearing should be irrelevant on the cast.

[connorerhardt]

Still dont get why people dont just use a spinning rod? The only reason i like using a baitcaster is for the power and torque i get from it to rip fish out if cover but with this you cant cast as far or accurate and you still have to play the fish slow.

[OutdoorsmenLee]

I guess bfs isn’t ready for your regular fishermen. Only bfs baitcaster at scheels is $450. That’s insane. No thanks.