23 Conquest BFS / Phenix Classic BFS Review: BFS Fishing for Bass and How-To Catch MONSTER Bluegill

In this video, 23 Conquest BFS / Phenix Classic BFS Review: BFS Fishing for Bass and How-To Catch MONSTER Bluegill, Hobie-Wan Kenobi field tests the Conquest BFS and Phenix Classic BFS casting finesse lures for bass, bluegill and a surprise catch!

Link to Conquest BFS:
https://www.digitaka.com/items/5/4/2/...
Digitaka Discount Code: K63

Casting finesse lures with the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS is free yet controlled. There is plenty of control in the wind and the braking allows for pitching micro jigs with minimal adjustments to the braking system.

The drag got a real workout with these big bluegill. The drag peeled out smooth and started without any stuttering. The clicking drag sound is helpful to know how much line the fish takes out.

The only real downside is that the spool is set pretty deep in the frame of the reel. This makes it difficult to access the spool when setting the hook or...backlashing.

Comparing the 2023 Conquest BFS to the 2017 version, almost every aspect I would consider an upgrade. The gears being Micro Module aluminum can arguably be a downgrade but, I feel these gears will keep their smoothness for a long time compared to older Shimano aluminum Micro Module gears.

I will be comparing the Conquest BFS to many other BFS reels such as the Daiwa Gekkabijin AIR TW, Silver Creek AIR TW and Curado BFS.

Be sure to check out my future field testing of the Shimano Conquest BFS and also, a future TackleTour write-up!

8.9 gear ratio
13/1 bearings
7oz (195gr)
Micro Module gears
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Phenix Classic BFS 7'1" Specs:
BFS-C 71
7′1″
1 Piece
4-10 lb
3/32 – 1/4 oz (2.65 - 7gr)
Fuji Alconite guides

The Phenix Classic BFS has really impressed me so far. The taper/power really stands out to me for catching beefy panfish and medium sized bass. I will need to catch a few bigger bass to really test the upper end of the rod. I have caught a walleye and a few decent pike with the rod but, they were in open water.

Sensitivity is very good for a $200. Detecting bites was very easy, even on slack line. The power is a great balance to get a good hookset and be able to cushion the fight.

Future video will compare the Phenix Classic BFS, Dobyns Sierra Series 700c and the Cashion Icon 7ft Light BFS rods.

FROM PHENIX:
The anticipation and long wait are finally over. From the industry’s #1 ultra light rod manufacturer comes the Phenix “Classic BFS” rod series! Bait Finesse System (BFS) is a Japanese form of light line; light lure fishing for heavily pressured fisheries. The Classic BFS is built on a proprietary 36T Toray Carbon Fiber blank with a solid Carbon Tip section. This, combined with the Extra Fast action, leads to the most sensitive BFS rods on the market. Utilizing Fuji Micro Guides with Alconite inserts, a proprietary complete contact reel seat on the casting versions, and a Fuji VSS reel seat on the spinning versions, with quality Portuguese Cork grips, lends to a very JDM look and feel. Casting light lures from 3/32-1/4oz, or .88-7.39 grams on a 4-10lb line, has never been easier with the backbone to pull in larger-sized fish. Whether it’s trophy bass or trout, in heavily pressured waters where light line and small lures are necessary for success, go armed for battle with a Classic BFS rod.