BUYER'S GUIDE: BFS (Baits, Rods, Reels, For Bait Finesse Fishing)

Bait Finesse is here to stay!! If you're wondering what BFS is for and how to do it, you aren't alone! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS baits, rods and reels for casting ultralight presentations with casting gear. If you're not familiar with BFS, anything you've ever done with a spinning rod can now be done with a bait caster, and with even more precision. Plus, it's a lot of fun!

BFS has been around for decades but has exploded into the US Market in the last 2 years. The arrival of the Shimano Curado BFS Reel, now followed by many others, has opened the door for a wave of anglers to experience BFS without paying outrageous prices for high end JDM rod and reel imports. If you've ever been curious about this incredible way of fishing, now is the time!

Below you'll find links to all the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite sizes and colors where applicable to make it as easy as possible for you to find the items you want. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Casting Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/EHi18PwH4mU

•Spinning Reel Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/T6_6rkyXdyY

•Hard Swimbait Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/g314S4ZyT6g

•Tackle Storage Buyer's Guide: https://youtu.be/m30hnkoqHBc

CRANKBAITS…

•Megabass BFS Griffin SR–X: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard

•Megabass BFS Griffin MR–X: https://bit.ly/47of55j

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Shad, MB Gizzard

•Damiki Disco 40 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/432XZaY

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Damiki Disco Deep 38 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3nwY1rk

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

BFS JERKBAITS...

•Megabass X–80 Jr BFS: https://bit.ly/3KFaLoz

Colors: GG Shad, GG Invisible Wakasagi

•Duo Realis Rozante 57 MR: https://bit.ly/3YurtNa

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Wakasagi

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Dog X Jr. Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: GG Wakasagi, Bahama Milk Pearl

•Owner Cultiva Zip N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner, Brown Trout

•R2S Whopper Plopper 60: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Phantom Shad, Monkey Butt, Bone

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: Mat Shad, MG Sexy Stream

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown, Yellow Perch

•Damiki Umpa 40 BFS Popper: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Bone, Mossy Shad

FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Underspin (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

•Zman TRD Gobyz: https://bit.ly/3P35U1R

NED BAITS...

•Missile NedBomb: https://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core, Fishaliscious

•Missile TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug

MICRO CRAW PROFILES...

•Reins 2.5" Ring Craw: https://bit.ly/3U0OQvC

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

•ZMan TRD Crawz: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Canada Craw

BFS TEXAS RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Weight– Reins Slip Sinker 1/16 oz: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Rig-N-Hook Size 1/0: http://bit.ly/2BnniXN

WACKY RIG...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Natural Shad

•Hayabusa WRM201 Wacky Hook: https://bit.ly/3UjDZx0

Size: 1

MICRO FLUKE...

•Jackall Rhythm Wag: https://bit.ly/3NT6OvF

Colors: Prism Shad, SS Shad

•BKK Chimera Hook: https://bit.ly/3IS3pwf

Size: 1/0

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis SpinBait 80: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Shiner

THE KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: Kasumi Ito KS, Setsuki Chiayu

BFS FISHING LINE...

Braid– Sufix 131: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Size: 6-10 lb

Fluorocarbon – Sunline Super FC: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Size: 6-8 lb

Tinted Fluoro– Daiwa Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Size: 6-8 lb

BFS REELS...

•Shimano Curado BFS Reel: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

•Shimano Aldebaran BFS Reel: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

•Kast King Kestrel Reel: https://bit.ly/3Or8X4W

BFS CASTING RODS...

•Dobyns Ultra Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Model: 700 (7' 0 Power)

•Shimano Curado: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

•Cashion Icon BFS: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Models: 6'10" ML, 7' Light

•Shimano Expride B: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Models: 6'8" Light

•Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Models: Pop X Stick (6'9")

•GLoomis Conquest: https://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Models: 842C MBR (7' Medium)

Where Do Bass Go In Winter? ( And Best Baits To Catch Them )

Bass are making their final move of the year, are you ready? The shallow fish are vanishing and surface activity is coming to an end. Where has everything gone? The lake seems so dead but guys are still catching giant bass! Don't get left behind, here's what you need to know about Winter bass.

The Winter transition brings completely different bass behavior. Fish will move toward deep water areas where they have ample food sources. You'll find them on the ends of deep points, on the edges of steep slopes near narrow "pinch points", and in featureless lakes, sitting out in the "hollows". The fish use these areas because they can move up and down the water column quickly with changing weather and there is typically an abundance of baitfish in these key locations as well.

There are a variety of ways to catch these fish. You can catch them with traditional methods like jigs, small swimbaits, or a dropshot. But you can also go against the grain and catch them with big baits, or a variety of reaction baits. Below you'll find links to the exact baits that we rely on this time of year. to catch our fish. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some budget gear that will help you throw these baits effectively.

FINESSE FOOTBALL JIG...

Bait– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

Trailer– Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Cinn Black Purp, Green Pumpkin Blk

NED RIG...

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby

•ZMan Ned Football: https://bit.ly/3Ej3Kpm

Size: 1/8

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Natural: Mat Shad, GP Pro Blue, Elegy Bone

SPEED CRANKBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad, Northern Special

ALABAMA RIG...

Bladed– Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads– Matt Allen Swimbait (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

BIG SWIMBAITS...

•Savage Gear 8" RTF Trout (Fast Sink): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Color:  Dirty Silver, Trout

•Huddleston 8" Trout (ROF 12): http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Color: Rainbow Trout, Hitch

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

AFFORDABLE SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel– Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line–Sunline Super FC (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: http://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff A 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (30 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3O8zBye

Reel– Shimano Miravel 3000: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Top 5 Baits For December Bass Fishing!

December is cold but the bass are BIG! If you're ready to catch a giant bass, it's time to go fishing! We typically catch less fish in December but the bites you do get are bigger and you'll have a shot at the fish of a lifetime! Here are the baits we rely on to get bit during the cold month of December...

There are two very different approaches to bass fishing in December. Many anglers turn to finesse presentations and slow retrieves to catch lethargic bass. This can be very effective but it's also monotonous. This Winter, try focusing on baits that get reaction strikes, despite the cold, and you'll be surprised by the results. No matter what you choose, December gives you a great opportunity to catch a giant bass!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, in the exact colors and sizes that we trust to catch these fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included several of the key rod and reel combos we use to consistently catch fish with these presentations.

FOOTBALL JIG...

Bait– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Finesse Football: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Color: Supermatt Brown, The Go To

Trailer– Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Color: Green Pumpkin Blk

NED RIG...

•Xzone Ned Zone: https://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: Violet Secret

•ZMan Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Color: Mood Ring

•BKK Silent Chaser Ned Head: https://bit.ly/3ZvTJ2g

Size: 1/16th, 1/0 Hook

SMALL SWIMBAITS AND HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 oz

Head– Dirty Jigs Guppy: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 Hook

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real, Albino

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

Split Rings– Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

SPEED CRANKBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: Clearwater Minnow, True Shad

•Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Color: Sexy Ayu, MB Gizzard

ALABAMA RIGS...

•Hogfarmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

ALABAMA RIG COMPONENTS...

Heads– Matt Allen Swimbait (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Bait– Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Dummy Baits– Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (18 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

SPEED CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3fohguC

BUDGET NED RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

FIshing The Fall To Winter Transition! Cold Water Fishing Tips!

Come along for a fun afternoon of fish catching! Tim is exploring a large section of river and dialing in a pattern as bass transition toward their Winter haunts. He’s using everything from swimbaits to blade baits to draw a reaction bite as water temperatures drop.

Fall to Winter transition is always an interesting bite window. There are bass that can be found shallow to the end, but most fish have already begun making their moves to deeper water haunts where they will spend the Winter. You can slow down and finesse fish or speed up and look for a reaction bite. Today Tim focused on power fishing throughout the water column.

Below you’ll find links to the exact baits and equipment he used throughout the day. We’ve included his exact colors, bait modifications, and specific gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

ALABAMA RIG…

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Heads– Matt Allen Swimbait (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4” Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad

MID STROLLING…

Bait– Hog Farmer 4.5” Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Electric Shad

Head– Missile Baits Ned Ball: https://bit.ly/3e9HqSK

Size: 3/16 oz

BLADE BAIT…

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Black Holo

VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

Split Rings– Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Sizes: 2 and 3 (3 on tail and head, 2 on belly)

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

GLIDE BAIT…

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Bluegill

ALABAMA RIG COMBO…

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7’7” Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 20 lb: https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

MID STROLLING COMBO…

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Model: 7’1” Medium

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 832 (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BLADE BAIT COMBO…

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: Carbon Cranker (7’2” MHM)

Reel– 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz