Shimano Curado BFS Baitcast Reel

Description

The Shimano Curado BFS XG is a low-profile baitcasting reel built for ultra-light finesse techniques. Part of the Curado family, it is designed to remove the difficulties of casting micro-lures on thin lines, offering the finesse performance associated with high-end Japanese domestic market reels alongside the rugged reliability the Curado name is known for. It suits anglers using ultra-light tactics on canals, rivers, and commercial pools. At the heart of the Curado BFS is its ability to cast lightweight rigs that would typically cause a backlash on standard baitcasting tackle. This comes from a lightweight, shallow aluminium spool that needs minimal startup inertia to rotate. Working with that spool is a finely tuned Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) system. This magnetic braking design moves the magnets closer to or further from the inner wall of the spool based on its rotational speed, giving precise control over the cast without adding unnecessary weight to the spool itself. Despite its delicate casting capabilities, the reel is built internally to handle hard-fighting fish. - HAGANE Body: the housing is constructed from a high-rigidity, lightweight aluminium alloy that eliminates frame flex, keeping the internal gears aligned even when winding under pressure. - X-SHIP System: by supporting the pinion gear with ball bearings at both ends, the X-SHIP system ensures smooth power transfer, delivering winding efficiency and smooth rotation when working micro-lures or cranking in a lively predator. - XG Gearing (Extra High Gear): the "XG" designation means this model features a fast gear ratio, allowing you to rapidly pick up slack line, work lures dynamically, and extract fish away from structure. The Curado BFS also includes an Exciting Drag Sound. Unlike traditional baitcasting reels with silent, clickless drags, this system produces an audible clicking sound when a fish runs and pulls line from the spool, giving tactile and auditory feedback when playing hard-fighting fish on ultra-light fluorocarbon or braided hooklengths. - Model: Curado BFS XG (Bait Finesse System) - Orientation: Right-Hand Crank - Frame Material: Lightweight Aluminium HAGANE Body - Braking System: FTB (Finesse Tune Brake) Magnetic System - Gearing Support: X-SHIP Precision Alignment - Drag Feature: Exciting Drag Sound (Audible Clicker) - Gear Ratio: Extra High Gear (XG) Bait Finesse System reels are high-precision instruments. To get the best casting distance with lures down to 2g or 3g, avoid overfilling the shallow spool. Loading it with too much line adds unnecessary weight, which increases the spool's startup inertia and defeats the purpose of the BFS design. Spool up with just enough thin-diameter braid or light fluorocarbon (typically 4lb to 8lb strain) to cover your maximum casting distance plus a safety margin. Ideal applications: - Light Lure and Street Fishing: a strong choice for targeting perch, chub, and trout on canals, small rivers, and urban venues using micro-jigs, tiny crankbaits, or Ned rigs. - Finesse Dropshotting: suited to structural drop-shotting where you need to drop light weights accurately and feel delicate, tentative bites from wary fish. - Ultra-Light Commercial Predation: ideal for targeting smaller, hard-fighting predators or species like silverfish on light tackle when standard spinning gear feels too clumsy. What is the minimum lure weight this reel can comfortably cast? Thanks to the shallow spool and the FTB magnetic braking system, the Curado BFS can comfortably cast ultra-light lures and rigs weighing as little as 1.5g to 2g, provided it is paired with a matching ultra-light BFS action rod. How does the FTB braking system work? The Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) removes the traditional centrifugal brake units from the spool itself. Instead, the magnets are located on the sideplate, protruding into the spool frame. As the spool spins faster, the magnets automatically apply more braking force, dropping back as the spool slows down to maximise casting distance without causing overruns. Can this reel be used in saltwater environments? While the Curado BFS features high-quality, corrosion-resistant components, it is primarily designed for freshwater finesse applications. If you do use it in light brackish or saltwater environments for species like LRF (Light Rock Fishing) bass, always rinse it thoroughly with a gentle mist of fresh water after every outing.