Bait finesse system offers anglers something new

I recently began experimenting with the bait finesse system (BFS). If you’re not up to date on the bass-fishing scene, it’s a way of targeting bass of all sizes using light-action baitcasting gear. With a lifetime of bass fishing under my belt, I was in a rut and wanted to try something new. The surprise was how many more fish I started catching in my usual spots. I even hooked more four-plus-pound bass on tournament-pressured lakes. The BFS is the result of an infatuation with baitcasting. Finesse fishing was catching on, but many anglers resisted abandoning their beloved casting reels and switching to spinning. Regular casting gear simply couldn’t handle light line or mini baits. So, in typical fashion, Japanese companies engineered reels that could. BFS reels easily accept six-pound lines and fling 1/16-ounce baits. This system had a niche following for nearly three decades in Japan, yet it struggled to gain traction in North America until recently. The internet and advancements in finesse fishing have bridged the gap. Many are still reluctant to replace their casting rods, but lighter-action setups are wonderfully effective and just plain fun. The idiom "anything you can do, I can do better" applies directly to this swap. You won’t feel out-gunned, either — bait finesse casting reels are tuned to perfection with ultra-smooth drags and plenty of power. Rod & reel power he heart of the BFS is the reel. Many feather-weight casting reels sport shallow, skeletonized spools to reduce weight. They are designed to spool light lines and machined to high precision. Modern materials and refined craftsmanship have cut weight without sacrificing strength. BFS reels weigh between four and six ounces. Finesse rods are increasingly popular as well. Ideally, a medium-light rod will cast well and still provide control. If technique-specific rods are not common where you shop, a simple and inexpensive alternative is purchasing a two-piece casting rod, which instantly drops a few levels in power when segmented. Baits that fill the void Any panfish or micro bass lure can be ideal for BFS. Baits of choice are light 3/32 to 1/4-ounce jigs, drop shot rigs, and neko rigs. BFS gear will enable anglers to cast these light lures further. Plus, its gears and drag are designed to handle light line and wild bass with ease. Shallow cranking is a classic presentation that easily fits BFS. In clear, pressured lakes, bass tire