5 Best BFS Reels for 2025

Bait finesse systems, or BFS fishing is kind of taking over the fishing industry right now.

It is essentially finesse fishing with a baitcaster reel. And yes, it is incredibly fun and effective.

And it all comes from the high quality, specialized BFS reels. Here are the 5 best BFS reels you can get.

Best BFS Reels

Bait finesse system reels are not yet wide spread within the United States.

So your options are a bit limited when looking for BFS reels. And this also means that some of these are going to be very expensive.

But there are still some great options for all types of budgets.

1. Shimano Curado

Price: $209.99

The Shimano Curado is far and away the best overall BFS reel you can get.

It is extremely high quality, and comes with one of the most affordable price tags out there.

The Shimano Curado BFS Casting Reel—a game-changer for finesse fishing.

Inspired by Japanese Domestic Market designs, this reel features an ultralightweight shallow spool for better casting with lightweight lures.

It incorporates Shimano’s Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) system, moving the brake to the palming side plate for smoother spool turning and precise braking.

Unlike traditional brakes, this reel adjusts automatically, enhancing casting accuracy without compromising on control.

Perfect for precise presentations with casting gear.

• X-Ship
• Hagane Body
• S3D
• Finesse Tune Brake (FTB)
• Exciting Drag Sound
• S A-RB
• Super Free Spool
• Cross Carbon Drag

2. KastKing Kestrel Elite

Price: $199.99

The KastKing Kestrel Elite is slightly cheaper than the Curado, and has just is just as high quality.

The only reason that it comes in a #2 is that Shimano is a more established and tenured fishing reel brand.

At just 4.4 ounces, it’s KastKing’s lightest reel, built with a full magnesium frame and carbon side covers for strength and durability.

Inside, it features a hard-anodized, 7075 aluminum main gear and shaft paired with a brass pinion gear for reliable performance.

With twelve double-shielded ball bearings, it delivers smooth operation and comes with a shallow aluminum spool and magnetic braking system designed for ultra-light line and lures.

The carbon disc drag and 80mm aluminum handle provide the power needed to handle big catches.

Compact yet powerful, the Kestrel Elite puts finesse control in your hands.

• Full Magnesium Frame
• Carbon Side Covers
• Hard-Anodized 7075 Aluminum Main Gear and Shaft
• Carbon Disc Drag System
• CNC Aluminum Handle
• Shallow Aluminum Spool

3. KastKing Valiant Eagle II

Price: $79.99

The KastKing Valiant Eagle II is the best budget option there is for the BFS market. It comes in at less than half the price of most BFS reels and still offers plenty of quality that will help you get into this style of fishing.

This reel excels in ultralight fishing, enabling you to target even the most wary fish with pinpoint accuracy. Its advanced FAF (Flyout Arc Finesse) Braking System features dual half-ring magnetic brakes, ensuring optimal spool control to prevent backlashes and achieve longer, more precise casts.

The patented LFTV line guide minimizes friction, promoting smooth line release for effortless retrieval.

If you’re just trying to get started in BFS fishing and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, the KastKing Valiant Eagle II is the best choice for you.

• Advanced FAF Braking System for backlash prevention and distance
• Ergonomic design for all-day comfort and reduced fatigue
• LFTV line guide ensures smooth line release
• 8.4:1 gear ratio delivers fast line retrieval
• Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Frame for strength without added weight
• Corrosion-Resistant component suitable for freshwater and light saltwater use
• Manufacturer’s one-year warranty

4. Shimano Aldebaran

Price: $469.99

Now, this is where the price starts really going up. Of course, the quality is truly amazing, and you won’t find better bait finesse system reels out there.

But yeah, they are very expensive!

The Shimano Aldebaran BFS Casting Reel is built for finesse fishing, combining a lightweight magnesium frame with a specialized braking system for ultimate finesse control.

Its Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) system reduces spool weight, allowing for precise casting with lightweight tackle and automatic braking only when needed to prevent backlashes.

The MagnumLite (MGL) Spool III enhances casting performance by reducing start-up inertia.

With MicroModule Gear technology for smooth engagement and power transmission, a Cross Carbon Drag system, and Exciting Drag Sound, this reel offers unmatched strength, smoothness, and sensitivity for finesse baitcasting.

• MicroModule Gears
• X-Ship
• HGN Body
• Ci4+
• MGL Spool III
• S3D Spool
• Silent Tune
• Finesse Tune Brake(FTB)
• S A-RB Bearings
• Super Free Spool
• Cross Carbon Drag
• Exciting Drag Sound

5. Daiwa Tatula BF70

Price: $239.99

Daiwa is at the forefront of the BFS market, and the Tatula BF70 is their version of a budget option. The Daiwa BFS reels, particularly the Daiwa Tatula BF70 Bait Finesse Reel, redefine precision and control for finesse anglers.

This reel boasts the innovative Hyper Drive Design, which includes elements like Hyper Armed Housing and Hyper Drive Digigear, ensuring durability and smooth performance under the toughest conditions.

The A7075 Air Spool’s ultra-small diameter and lightweight construction reduce inertia, allowing for unprecedented casting accuracy, essential for finesse techniques.

• Hyperdrive design
• A7075 Air spool
• T-Wing system
• Ultimate tournament drag (UTD) system
• 90mm swept handle

What Makes BFS (Bait Finesse System) Reels Different?

There are two main differences between BFS reels and traditional baitcasting reels.

First, the spool is much shallower. This means that you don’t have a heavy, thick spool that requires more weight to pull the line off.

Of course, you can’t hold quite as much line on these reels. But that isn’t a concern, because this are finesse fishing reels.

Second, the spools and reels are calibrated completely different from standard casting reels.

It is almost like the spool wants to unwind itself. This, paired with the proper BFS rods, means that you can cast incredibly light lures just like you could big heavy lures on a power casting setup.

How Much Line to Put on a BFS Reel

So when you are spooling your BFS reel, you are pretty much going to keep the same rules in mind.

Spool the line until there is about a 1/4 inch of gap in between the line and the edge of your reel spool.

Now like I just said above, the spools are much shallower than regular casting reels.

However, your are using very thin, finesse fishing line. This means you will still get plenty of line compacted onto your bait finesse system reel.

Depending in the exact line you choose, you’re going to get about 45-65 yards of line on the BFS spool.

Best Line for BFS Reels

You are going to be using the same line that your would on your finesse spinning reel setups.

6-10 lb Fluorocarbon or 8-14 lb braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. If you want to use monofilament, usually 8 lb test is perfect.

Reeling this In

The rise of Bait Finesse Systems (BFS) in the fishing industry, especially with specialized BFS reels like the Shimano Curado, KastKing Kestrel Elite, Shimano Aldebaran, Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW, and Abu Garcia Zenon MG-LTX, is evident.

While still gaining traction in the United States, these reels offer unparalleled finesse and control, particularly for casting lightweight lures with precision.

Despite the initial investment, the quality and performance of these BFS reels make them worth considering, especially for finesse fishing enthusiasts looking for the best tools to enhance their experience on the water.