Unveiling the Best BFS Reels: My $3,289 Journey

Hey there, fellow BFS Addicts! Aaron Hunt here, and today, I’m excited to share my extensive two-year quest for the best BFS reels. If you’re on the hunt for top-tier Bait Finesse reels, you’re in the right place. I’ve done all the legwork and spent $3,289 of my own money (and counting) to find you the crème de la crème of these reels. So, let’s dive into my findings and discover the best BFS reels on the market.

And if you just want to watch the video -here it is!

1. Daiwa Gekkabijin – Smooth Operator
My journey began with the Daiwa Alphas Air TW. I did not like the AATW, so at first, I was a bit skeptical of the Gekkabijin. It is built on the same platform as the AATW, and looks similar.

This reel steadily grew on me. It’s known for its unmatched smoothness, making casting a breeze even with lighter weights. It is the easiest reel I won to cast down to 0.75 grams on a consistent basis. The 8.5:1 gear ratio ensures a high-speed retrieve, and it’s a favorite among Daiwa fans. You can find it here at a great price.

2. Shimano Aldebaran – Versatility Defined
Next up is the Shimano Aldebaran, a reel that stole my heart with its versatility. While it might take some tweaking to dial it in, it excels at casting lightweight lures. Weighing only 135 grams, it’s remarkably lightweight and a great all-around option. I also have the confidence to push it to the top of the power BFS range as well. You can snag one here at a much lower price than places like Tackle Warehouse.

3. Daiwa Silver Creek – Perfect for Trout
For my trout fishing enthusiasts, the Daiwa Silver Creek is a must-have. This reel delivers precise and repeatable casts, making it ideal for those small trout streams. It may not be the smoothest or longest-casting reel on the list, but its accuracy more than makes up for it. Grab one at a sweet price from Amazon for your next trout adventure.

4. Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS – The Masterpiece of Reels
Now, let’s talk about the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS, which I consider a work of art. Despite being slightly heavier than the others, it’s crafted from high-quality materials and exudes elegance. Its refined braking system sets it apart. While it may be pricier at around $400, it’s worth every penny. Get yours here and experience its magic.

5. Abu Garcia ALC bf7 – A Hidden Gem
Last but not least, a hidden gem in the world of BFS reels, the Abu Garcia ALC bf7. Released in 2016, this reel offers a unique braking system with exceptional magnet adjustment flexibility. It’s incredibly smooth and offers excellent casting distance. If you can track one down, it’s a steal at around $200. Don’t miss out: grab one from Amazon while you can!

In conclusion, after testing over 20 reels over the last year, these five stood out as the best BFS reels you can get your hands on. Whether you’re a finesse angler, a trout enthusiast, or just an all-around fishing fanatic, these reels have you covered. They’re available for purchase at the provided affiliate links, so you can level up your fishing game right away.

What Other Reels Did I try in my search for the best BFS reels?

• Tsurinoya Dark Wolf Ultra (two of them!)
• Kingdom Micro Monster
• Kastking Valiant Eagle II
• Kastking Kestrel Elite
• Soloking / Doviello Acura
• Daiwa Alphas Air TW
• Shimano SLX BFS
• Shimano Curado BFS
• iFishband Tendershoot
• PureLure Silver Feather
• Nako Flight Feather
• YLT Tank 150
• Daiwa Salamandura
• Daiwa Tatula 80 TW (modified)
• Tsurinoya Genius
• Shimano SLX DC XT
• A couple of prototype designs of soon-to-be-released reels
• iFishband GH100 “Brilliance”

And those are just the ones I’ve personally owned!

Bait Finesse rods are specially designed to pair with BFS reels. They’re capable of throwing ultra-light lures, and the best of them also have the backbone to land big fish.

Check Out my roundup of the Best Budget BFS Rods.

And if you want the absolute BEST BFS rod on the market, Check out the Kistler Hunt BFS rods.

If you have a favorite BFS reel I missed or want to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Fishing is all about the community, and your insights can help fellow anglers make informed decisions. Happy fishing, and may your next catch be the one you’ll remember forever!