MOST ANGLERS CAN recite the story of catching their first bass — that introductory experience that initially “hooked” them into the sport. No matter how far back in time the memory may be stored, there’s a twinkle in the eye as the story draws from one primary feeling: fun. Fun is the driving force behind why we fish; in fact, fun fuels the entire fishing industry. This “fun factor” is also the impetus behind a growing niche within the U.S. bass fishing market known as BFS, or bait finesse system, that uses miniature hard and soft lures with weights of 1/8 ounce and below — which appear better suited for panfish — to target bass. What makes BFS truly unique is the highly specialized baitcasting reels adapted to cast these micro-size lures with ease, offering some unique advantages over traditional spinning gear.
BFS may be an emerging trend in the U.S.; however, its roots in Japan go back as far as 20 years. The genesis of the BFS reel technology arose from the intense fishing pressure in Japanese lakes and streams, where anglers are accustomed to competing for space along crowded shorelines in extremely clear water. Under such difficult conditions, anglers were seeking more precise placement of a downsized lure into tight quarters, with lines as light as 4-pound test, in an attempt to fool bass acclimated to a parade of traditional lures. The adapted reel technology that led to BFS reels resulted in some distinct advantages over spinning tackle — namely, more precise lure placement through better distance control and less splash on
