Overview
Expanding the legendary line-up of Curado low profile reels, the Shimano Curado BFS Casting Reel is equipped with ground-breaking Shimano technologies and redefines finesse fishing for tournament anglers. Inspired by the Japanese Domestic Market, the Shimano Curado BFS Casting Reel utilizes an ultralightweight shallow spool designed for thinner diameter lines to allow anglers to cast lightweight lures more effectively than traditional low-profile reels. It also incorporates Shimano’s Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) system to reduce the spool’s weight by moving the braking unit from the spool to the palming side plate, resulting in a spool that takes minimal force to turn and allow anglers to effectively cast lightweight tackle.
Unlike traditional magnetic brake systems that maintain the same drag on the spool throughout the cast, the Shimano Curado BFS Casting Reel’s FTB system capitalizes on the cast’s centrifugal force and the magnetic brakes automatically adjust to slow down the spool only when braking is needed. Anglers can also add or remove individual magnets as needed to fine-tune the reel for different size lures. The perfect antidote for picky fish, the Shimano Curado BFS Casting Reel is the ideal tool for anglers downsizing their presentations that still want to use casting equipment.
Features:
-X-Ship
-Hagane Body
-S3D
-Finesse Tune Brake (FTB)
-Exciting Drag Sound
-S A-RB
-Super Free Spool
-Cross Carbon Drag
Previous Feedback
Comments: I am 50/50 with BFS reels. This one was my first one I have tried and it did cast how I was expecting. My set up wasn't true BFS I spooled the reel with 10lb fluorocarbon and the lure was around 4 grams. I was happy with the casting distance. Only thing I am up in the air about is the drag but I think it's my fishing mindset. Using small wire hooks doesn't require a strong drag because the hooks can straighten out but I couldn't tell a difference between a 2lb bass and a 8 plus lb bass. Both fish pulled drag. Couldn't tell the size of the fish until it came to the top. That was fun but I had trouble stopping the fish from finding that one stick and rapping itself around it about 5 ft below surface. Drag wasn't strong enough to stop it. On the plus side it's nice to be able to spool the reel several times out of the same fairly expensive spool of fluorocarbon line since the capacity is between 40 to 45 yards wit h 10lb fluorocarbon. With lighter lures you won't spool the line off in a cast. The reel palmed good and was comfortable to fish. Little noisy on the cast but that didn't bother me. Probably from the magnetic brakes. Retrieve was smooth but not quiet as smooth as the Curado 150 MGL. Maybe if the drag could be beefed up to around the 12lb mark would be perfect.
From: J676: Texas 6/2/23
Comments: I am 50/50 with BFS reels. This one was my first one I have tried and it did cast how I was expecting. My set up wasn't true BFS I spooled the reel with 10lb fluorocarbon and the lure was around 4 grams. I was happy with the casting distance. Only thing I am up in the air about is the drag but I think it's my fishing mindset. Using small wire hooks doesn't require a strong drag because the hooks can straighten out but I couldn't tell a difference between a 2lb bass and a 8 plus lb bass. Both fish pulled drag. Couldn't tell the size of the fish until it came to the top. That was fun but I had trouble stopping the fish from finding that one stick and rapping itself around it about 5 ft below surface. Drag wasn't strong enough to stop it. On the plus side it's nice to be able to spool the reel several times out of the same fairly expensive spool of fluorocarbon line since the capacity is between 40 to 45 yards wit h 10lb fluorocarbon. With lighter lures you won't spool the line off in a cast. The reel palmed good and was comfortable to fish. Little noisy on the cast but that didn't bother me. Probably from the magnetic brakes. Retrieve was smooth but not quiet as smooth as the Curado 150 MGL. Maybe if the drag could be beefed up to around the 12lb mark would be perfect.
From: Unknown: 6/2/23
Comments: This is sweet little reel. I'm running 10 lb Sufix 832 braid on it, with 8 lb Maxima Ultragreen leader and FG knot. Hooked it up with a Dobyns Ultra Finesse rod, and wow, I hate to put this thing down. I dislike using a spinning rod these days because of distance, accuracy, and line twist issues, and this really fits the bill because none of that is a concern anymore. I can absolutely bomb a weightless Texas rigged 4" Senko with a 2/0 EWG, as well as finesse bass jigs from 1/16 to 1/8 ounce. While the drag capacity is a little light, it makes sense to build in the extra cushion. I like the audible drag as well, I'd like to all casting reels eventually adopt it. So far it's easily handled fish in the 3-3.5 lb range with ease, and I have no reason to believe as long as you are not in heavy cover, bigger fish will come to the boat as well. It is definitely not built to fish in the thick stuff, but like any other tool, use it for the right job and it will excel. It's amazing how light it is in your hand. Fish with this set up for a while and when you pick up a standard medium heavy, it feels like a pool cue in comparison. The only downside I see so far is the brake control mechanism, it's very small, and kind of tough to access. It's hard to see the numbers on the dial, and it has a really tight feel to it. You almost have to use a fingernail to get into the knob serrations to turn it. Other than that, it's a smooth feeling little reel. Not only is it fun to fish with, but it's a serious tool for tackling tough, light biting fish.
From: Vince: Illinois 5/19/23
Comments: Its legit. I can bomb a 1/8 jighead and 2.8 swimbait and more accurately that with a spinning rod. Ive got 10# braid and could go lighter for sure. Very impressed so far.
From: nathan: AL 5/13/23
Comments: It's definitely a curado reel . Solid build quality long casting Smooth Retrieve. I currently have it on a lews custom speed stick I've thrown 3/16 crankbaits and weightless senkos no problem if your on the fence pull the trigger it's the best bfs reel for the price.
From: Charles: KS 4/1/23
Comments: I have this bfs reel pair with a dobyns micro finesse bfs rod. Great combo. Reel casts smooth. Retrieve started fairly smooth but I can feel the gears more over time. Overall decent reel but expected a little more out of Shimano on longevity/quality.
From: Unknown: 11/12/22
Comments: Curado bfs is an awesome lightweight reel. I purchased this reel locally, out of stock at TW, and was shocked at how truly shallow the spool is. Box says 8lb flouro at 50yds. I currently have 10lb (.011 in diameter) flouro on it and think it will hold .012in 12lb flouro just fine without spooling on the cast. Keep in mind drag is 9lb. The spool lacks a bearing behind the drive pin, only bearings at each end of spool shaft. But does have two bearings and two bushings on both knob handles. Incredibly smooth retrieve and cast. Primarily use for 1/8oz to 5/16oz lures, total weight. This reel excels with a medium light rod and lighter. A medium 1/4 oz to 5/8oz rod will simply not load up with light lures. Find the correct rod and this reel shines....
From: Ky novice: Kentucky 11/1/22
Comments: This reel with my Dobyns bfs rod is perfect for my local pond. Catching 1-2lb bass, crappie, and other panfish. Good set up for small ponds and casting light lures for those finicky fish.
From: James: Texas 2/22/22
Comments: BFS reel. Now you can almost put that line twisting spinning reel away. Put 6 pound test on it. Match up to a Megabass P5 Pop X rod or a Sigitt rod. 3/32 oz. Lures casting no problem. NO not a flipping reel by no means. For sure UL crankbaits/ jerkbaits / bug baits topwater. Tiny stuff! That is not Fly. This reel can cast it. Will not hold alot of line. Just enough small creeks and river fishing. Yes thinking of going trout fishing with a baitcaster. Not leaving my mico light 2 pound spinning combo behind. It's just more convenient more fun more line management control on a baitcaster. Then with spinning. Some will disagree. Yes you can fish light. A dream dropshot setup. No missed fish cause of open bail anymore. A dream caster has come to the U.S.A. put some fun back in your baitcast fishing
From: Marvin: Houston, MO 12/15/21
Comments: By far the nicest reel I've used. I paired this reel with a 6'9 Daiwa Fuego Medium Light and it is the best combo I have ever touched. Put 15 pound braid on here and it will absolutely launch ned rigs and micro lures. 100% worth the money.
From: Unknown: 10/19/21
Comments: Absolutely love this reel so far. I have it paired with an old 18 UL rod and it's been great for tiny moving baits 1/8 to 1/16 but that's more due to the rods action. Ive hooked into a few bass under three pounds and it's been fun. Though the real blast was taking it down to the Texas coast catching some reds and trout in Baffin bay. This winter I'm going to change rods to a true trout BFS rod for trout up in Broken Bow.
From: Chris: Dallas, Texas 9/22/21
Comments: Just wow. This is one fine tool, ladies and gentlemen. I expect you could spend more on a BFS reel but I cannot imagine how this could be improved upon. Tosses tiny soft plastics on 1/16oz heads with ease and to greater distance than I can cast 1/8oz with an Aldebaran on the same rod. I am seriously impressed with this little bomber! Great reel for under $200.
From: Buc: Texas 9/9/21
Comments: I have been waiting for this reel since April and got it two months ago and paired it up with the shimano sensilite. And in that time I have caught over 100 smallmouth and around 40 largemouth and 1 12 pound channel catfish with this reel and it has performed flawlessly I threw 1/16 ounce drop shots and up to 1/4 ounce ned rigs in clear water to throwing 1/8 ounce finesse jigs. And I have not had a single problem and today was the first day I cleaned the reel since I first got it. Because of the high gear ratio you can fish in and around medium cover and patches of grass where you can not fish a spinning reel so it is perfect for finesse jigs. I would highly recommend you to buy this reel.
From: Justin: Wilmington, DE 9/7/21
Comments: This is an Amazing reel! Ive been waiting along time for a bait caster that could cast very light lures without a backlash. Ive finally found it! I can cast the Okashira 1/16 oz. head with a 3 spark shad 60 feet without even thumbing the reel. Absolutely Incredible! Paired up with Shimano Expride A Casting Rod 72 Medium Lt+ The Perfect match! Thanks Shimano & Tackle Warehouse!
From: Brian: Inwood, WV 8/14/21
Comments: Have the left handed model of this reel. It is currently my favorite reel. I rarely use spinning rods in the deep clear lakes I fish. I have several Aldebaran, curado 70, and scorpion equivalent of these reels. None will cast light lures like the curado BFS. The closest is the curado 70 mgl and the lure star c9 air.
I use 8 to 10# braid with 6 to 10 # FC depending on the application. There are several Chinese BFS reels that have to stolen Shimano FTB brake systems but none have X Ship retrieve of the Shimano. It is perfect for casting 1/16, 1/8 and even 1/4 oz lures into the wind with no backlash and then very smoothly reel the lure in. I have yet to have a low line issue with the lower line capacity. People need to get over being able 120 yds of line on their reels. Light shallow spools are the way to go for many applications
From: Rod: Clovis, CA 8/9/21
Comments: had an SLX MGL 70, and thought I'd give this a try for lighter baits. I dont throw much lighter than 1/4 oz, and both reels excell with that. I'd save a few bucks and go with the SLX due to the extra line on the spool. They both are really good with a weightless senko.
From: Ron: Farwell, MI 7/20/21