Finesse Bc Set Ups 2025
clayton86 reply :
Ok so I'v been bored which is never good because I start to get crazy idea's so here is my latest. A finesse BC set up I was thinking getting a Revo MGX paired on a Villain 6'9" ML/MF and 10# flouro treated with KVD-LnL. I would use this for stuff like tubes, small weightless plastics, shaky heads things of that nature. I know traditionally these things are thrown on spinning gear but I'm not a big fan of spinning set ups and this would give me a excuse to get my MGX. What are your thoughts anyone else have a finesse BC set up I think the rod might be a little off I think a F or XF action might be better but thats what the villain has to offer I haven't looked at many other rods yet.
Goose52 reply :
I have 7 BC rods with power ratings of light or medium-light. I use them for the baits you mentioned, plus lighter hard baits - mostly in the 1/4-3/8oz range. One rod I've tossed down to 1/6oz. I haven't really tried to toss 1/8oz or lighter, although I have a couple of combos that would do it I guess. I have these combos not so much to take the place of spinning gear...but because fighting fish on lighter power rods is more fun, for me, than winching them in on heavier tackle. As I mentioned on another recent thread, in the summer months when the bite slows down, and the fish caught tend to be smaller, I use the lighter power stuff as a "fish magnifier" - makes those 12" to 14" inch fish as much fun as larger fish on MH rods. I got a 5 pounder a few weeks ago on a 6' ML-F rod and it was a blast, got a 3.5 pounder in the canoe yesterday on the same rod - great fun. 
If you're going light, there's at least 4 factors that come into play - rod, spool-startup of the reel, line, and mass/aero of the bait. Not all "L" or "ML" rods are the same and I don't know how Villians go as far as what their actual power is compared to their rating. The MGX is a light reel - I guess the spool must be fairly light as well, but it is a full-size reel with significant spool capacity so I don't know about start-up effort on that spool. On line - I use 10lb on some of my ML combos, but when I'm really trying to toss light stuff, I go down to 8 or 6lb.
Of the combos I have, the one with the best potential for going really light is probably the Phenix Recon 6'8" L with a Daiwa PX Type-R. I've only played with it a couple hours on the water and caught a few fish...but I haven't gone under 1/4oz with it yet. I need to see "how low I can go" on it one of these days... 
Fishes in trees reply :
I've tried this light line route (8 lb or maybe 6 lb line) with several different Shimano reels. I've tried it on a Calcutta 50, a Calais, a Curado 50 E and a Calcutta 200 TEGT. It worked OK practicing outside my shop and it worked OK in pristine fishing conditions. Given average fishing conditions, i.e. a little bit of wind or more and it was a pain. Serious backlashes happened often when I tried to cast any direction other than with the wind. In the real world, you aren't always able to get decent boat position with the wind.
So, I found it to be more trouble than it was worth. God made spinning tackle so that you could cast lighter lines and lures crossways and into the wind with less hassle than bait casting equipment, so you might as well use it.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Ive been trying light cranks SK Bitsy Minnows (1/8rated-actual 1/12oz .0832) on a couple set-ups. 50E & JM Carbonlite reels and Smoke 7MF, LTB 69MLXF rods. The Smoke rod performs better by just about 5' with an avg of 40' by both reels. Guess a light/fast ModF powered cast rod would work better but dont have one.My spinning set-up will toss one 60'-65'
Capt.Bob reply :
I have had many, meaning dozens of rod and reel setups for this type fishing over the years, and right now I have the best I ever put together. Sensitivity was my main interest, with enough tip power and stiff enough action to set the hook on Bass and mainly Walleye, in water over 15 feet deep up to 30 feet.
The rod I chose because of price, and the fact it was as light as a Legend Elite and nearly as sensitive, it was a 6'8" MXF Legend Tournament Bass, and weights 3.8 OZ. The single hooks used for finesse rigs are usually taken deeper and may have to penetrate bone so I shy away from the lighter ML power and stay with the Medium, plus they have enough power to get 10 LBS + Walleye and 5 + Bass in the boat.The reel I wanted to keep weight down as the lighter the easier it is to feel vibrations, the heavier it is the more it dampens vibration.I also found the Lews Tournament Pro that weighs 6.7 OZ. to be one of the smoothest reels I ever used, and has a 7.1:1 gear ratio to pickup slack line in deeper water very quick and a butter smooooooth drag to tier the really big ones. Line is important because you want optimum feel, and the ability to use as light of weight as possible to present your offering. For the line, Fireline Tracer Braid in 20# test works remarkable, it is 6 lbs test mono diameter, it does not absorb water, it telegraphs vibrations like only Braid can, and has ZERO stretch, this gives instant hook sets with MXF rod. The Tracer Braid which I have used all summer is amazingly easy to detect movement and does not bleed the color from the line like other colors. I then use a quality Fluorocarbon leader in 6 to 8 lbs. test for increased invisibility and sensitivity over mono.
This rig weigh's 10.5 oz. and is the most sensitive Baitcasting setup I have ever used, let alone owned.I have several friends that have used it in my boat and feel the same way. Plus it has enough balls to land the bigger fish in these species, and still enjoy landing the smaller ones without hogging them in. There other components to meet every ones choice of manufacturer, and these were just what I found the best. What ever you choose these should be your considerations bellow.
This would be my guide to your quest. Medium Power to handle even the bigger fish, "Extra Fast Action" for tip speed and hook setting, and a quality blank for sensitivity that weighs less than 4 oz. For the reel, I love mine for its compact size smooth drag and over all performance of the reel over most with this line capacity. But any reel that keeps the body size as small as the TP and weighs under 7 oz. will work as long as it as smooth as possible, this is very important to sensitivity while the handle is turning. The line again any quality Braid will work, I wont go under 20 lbs. test which is 6 lbs diameter in mono, and as light as can be used on baitcast reels without diggin and other problems being to much, it gets down quicker with less weight than 6 lbs mono which makes for more realistic presentation, and is the most sensitive line available. Personally the Fireline Braid beats Power Pro, and with the Tracer colors alternating every 29", the slightest movement on slack line is very easily detected by these worn out 57 year old eye balls. And I always use at least a 10 to 12 foot Fluorocarbon leader for finesse rigs and in clear water. Good luck, stick to this guide and I am sure whatever you put together you will love it's performance. I would guess you will be doing more of this style of fishing as well!
PS By the way with this reel 30 yards is common with 1/6 oz 1/4 usually 45 to 50 yards. If you are compatant with full free spool and these type of reels.
new2BC4bass reply :
I have no experience with the MGX, It was voted down on another thread as a first reel for a beginner. If it has a light spool that starts up quickly, then I can see why it was not suggested as a first reel for a beginner. I have the Lews TP, but it came loaded with new 15# Elite Camo. Being somewhat frugal (ok, maybe more than a little bit 
) it will be staying on for awhile. I bought a used Daiwa Sol to use exactly for what you want to do. Also bought a Presso spool for it (which will require a spacer on each end).
DVT cleaned the Sol for me before I ever used it. Don't know if he made it super fast, but I am having fits with anything below 1/4 oz with it on a Falcon Expert ML. Maybe I need to try another rod. Or maybe I need new line. I put new 8# mono on the 51E while the Sol came with what looks like 6# mono. Unlike "Fishes in trees" I had no problem using my Curado 51E with 3/16 oz. spinnerbait on the water. Guarantee it isn't because I am a better caster. Lighter may cause trouble, but don't know yet.
I sometimes think it is not only the caster, but possibly the slight differences in manufacturing tolerances between reels of the same model that have some people casting 1/8 oz. lures while others can't go below 1/4 oz. with the same model. Then again it could just be that I need a better educated thumb. Like you I want to use a B/C setup for everything I can.
I have the Villain ML spinning rod (same length), but only rated from 1/8-3/8 oz. I can tell you it doesn't load well with anything below the 1/8 rating which is why I picked up a Fenwick River Runner..
Goose52 reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 4:02 AM, new2BC4bass said:....I had no problem using my Curado 51E with 3/16 oz. spinnerbait on the water.....
Not sayin' that a 51E can't toss light weights - just a comment about spinnerbait weights. If you were tossing a bait with a "book" weight of 3/16oz, it actually probably weighs around 3/8oz, or perhaps more. The SB weight is basically for the size/weight of the head and perhaps the hook and arm, the blades are "extra." I've weighed 3/16oz Booyah SBs at 3/8oz and over for instance. Unless a bait is weighed on an accurate scale, one really doesn't know the actual weight - and SBs and other blade baits are usually the most out-of-whack with their book weights...
Here's a chart I made-up a while back based on a bunch of spinnerbaits I had on hand - actual weights were rounded-off to the nearest 1/8oz on all examples other than the 1st one:
shootermcbob reply :
I am currently experimenting with a shimano curado 50E spooled with yo-zuri hybrid #10 mounted on a shimano cumara 6'8" medium power Extra fast action rod. So far, unfortunately, I have yet to catch a bass with this set-up. However, I have no problems casting an unweighted senko.
I still prefer my spinning tackle for unweighted soft plastics, but a guy has to experiment.
fishking247 reply :
a spinning rod with 6-8lb test
retiredbosn reply :
I have a KVD Quantum M/L reel is a Curado Bantum 100B I set it up for throwing small in line spinners for trout fishin, could throw 1/8 inline easily. With what you are describing you should have no problems, I don't throw a lot of shaky heads, but I can use my Convergence M/F rod to throw dropshots using 1/8 lead with the small flukes, of course the M/L is better suited but not necessary. Of course things like the full size flukes and senkos are heavy enough to throw on a MH rod
BASSHUNTER1961 reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 8:26 AM, fishking247 said:a spinning rod with 6-8lb test
He asked about BC set-ups not spinning gear.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 5:59 AM, Goose52 said:Not sayin' that a 51E can't toss light weights - just a comment about spinnerbait weights. If you were tossing a bait with a "book" weight of 3/16oz, it actually probably weighs around 3/8oz, or perhaps more. The SB weight is basically for the size/weight of the head and perhaps the hook and arm, the blades are "extra." I've weighed 3/16oz Booyah SBs at 3/8oz and over for instance. Unless a bait is weighed on an accurate scale, one really doesn't know the actual weight - and SBs and other blade baits are usually the most out-of-whack with their book weights...
Here's a chart I made-up a while back based on a bunch of spinnerbaits I had on hand - actual weights were rounded-off to the nearest 1/8oz on all examples other than the 1st one:
That is an eye opener. If you can't believe a company's advertising, what can you believe? The spinnerbait I was using is fairly small. I do have a scale from back in the days when I use to handload. Will have to see if I can find it, and weigh a few lures. Thanks for the information.
Goose52 reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 10:55 AM, new2BC4bass said:That is an eye opener. If you can't believe a company's advertising, what can you believe?
The spinnerbait I was using is fairly small. I do have a scale from back in the days when I use to handload. Will have to see if I can find it, and weigh a few lures. Thanks for the information.
Been handloading for 35 years - that's why I have accurate scales...add curiosity and you end up weighing stuff...
new2BC4bass reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 11:11 AM, Goose52 said:Been handloading for 35 years - that's why I have accurate scales...add curiosity and you end up weighing stuff...
I'd still be handloading if I hadn't taken a job in an area where I had to give up hunting. And it would add up to more than 35 years! :) Oops. Almost gave away my age.
BradH reply :
I've got a 50E on a TFO 7'3" ML/F casting rod I picked up over the winter. Rod was pretty much free with cabelas points. I've been casting wacky rigged weightless or with a 3/32 ounce jighead finesse worms with it for a couple months now. Works great. I also have the same reel on a Fenwick 6'10" M/F Smallmouth rod. It won't cast the finesse worms as well but still does good with them and is a little better for 4" senkos. Both rigs are spooled with 8 pound fluoro. I flushed the bearings on one and put ABEC 5 ceramic in the other, that really woke them up more than anything for the lighter baits.
clayton86 reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 2:16 AM, Capt.Bob said:I have had many, meaning dozens of rod and reel setups for this type fishing over the years, and right now I have the best I ever put together. Sensitivity was my main interest, with enough tip power and stiff enough action to set the hook on Bass and mainly Walleye, in water over 15 feet deep up to 30 feet.
The rod I chose because of price, and the fact it was as light as a Legend Elite and nearly as sensitive, it was a 6'8" MXF Legend Tournament Bass, and weights 3.8 OZ. The single hooks used for finesse rigs are usually taken deeper and may have to penetrate bone so I shy away from the lighter ML power and stay with the Medium, plus they have enough power to get 10 LBS + Walleye and 5 + Bass in the boat.The reel I wanted to keep weight down as the lighter the easier it is to feel vibrations, the heavier it is the more it dampens vibration.I also found the Lews Tournament Pro that weighs 6.7 OZ. to be one of the smoothest reels I ever used, and has a 7.1:1 gear ratio to pickup slack line in deeper water very quick and a butter smooooooth drag to tier the really big ones. Line is important because you want optimum feel, and the ability to use as light of weight as possible to present your offering. For the line, Fireline Tracer Braid in 20# test works remarkable, it is 6 lbs test mono diameter, it does not absorb water, it telegraphs vibrations like only Braid can, and has ZERO stretch, this gives instant hook sets with MXF rod. The Tracer Braid which I have used all summer is amazingly easy to detect movement and does not bleed the color from the line like other colors. I then use a quality Fluorocarbon leader in 6 to 8 lbs. test for increased invisibility and sensitivity over mono.
This rig weigh's 10.5 oz. and is the most sensitive Baitcasting setup I have ever used, let alone owned.I have several friends that have used it in my boat and feel the same way. Plus it has enough balls to land the bigger fish in these species, and still enjoy landing the smaller ones without hogging them in. There other components to meet every ones choice of manufacturer, and these were just what I found the best. What ever you choose these should be your considerations bellow.
This would be my guide to your quest. Medium Power to handle even the bigger fish, "Extra Fast Action" for tip speed and hook setting, and a quality blank for sensitivity that weighs less than 4 oz. For the reel, I love mine for its compact size smooth drag and over all performance of the reel over most with this line capacity. But any reel that keeps the body size as small as the TP and weighs under 7 oz. will work as long as it as smooth as possible, this is very important to sensitivity while the handle is turning. The line again any quality Braid will work, I wont go under 20 lbs. test which is 6 lbs diameter in mono, and as light as can be used on baitcast reels without diggin and other problems being to much, it gets down quicker with less weight than 6 lbs mono which makes for more realistic presentation, and is the most sensitive line available. Personally the Fireline Braid beats Power Pro, and with the Tracer colors alternating every 29", the slightest movement on slack line is very easily detected by these worn out 57 year old eye balls. And I always use at least a 10 to 12 foot Fluorocarbon leader for finesse rigs and in clear water. Good luck, stick to this guide and I am sure whatever you put together you will love it's performance. I would guess you will be doing more of this style of fishing as well!
PS By the way with this reel 30 yards is common with 1/6 oz 1/4 usually 45 to 50 yards. If you are compatant with full free spool and these type of reels.
Thanks I'll have to re look at some rods, I'm pretty confident with full free spooling all my reels my two Revo S's, Revo SX, and Citica are ran with NO brakes what so ever and the spool tension as loose as it goes without the cap falling off. Rarely do I adjust brakes unless I'm really really struggling with wind or something crazy. I'v actually got a reel well combo that does exactly what I'm asking for a combo to do but its such a POS I must buy a newer higher end set up. I have a Quantum Tenacy AP from dicks its a 6'6"M combo I paid 30 bucks for spooled with 10 trilen XT that set up for some reason will throw a weightless mini fluke a country mile seriously like my Revo's and Citica will throw a "regular" bait but the reel grinds and binds and sticks on the retrieve its such a plastic POS. I'm pretty set on getting a MGX iv read a lot about guys loving them for some light weight stuff even in the wind without issue. Even though I originally listed a MGX and Villain a very light weight set up I'm not worried about weight of the combo if a big round BC did the job id use that weight doesn't bother me in combo's I'm still young I don't get tired chucking heavy combo's and high resistance lures all day like some older folks no offense.
Bass_Fanatic reply :
I just bought a St. Croix Legend Elite 6'9" ML/XF off of the St. Croix bargain room for $180!!! I paired it up with a 50e and it is a finesse fishing dream.
OkobojiEagle reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 12:09 AM, clayton86 said:I would use this for stuff like tubes, small weightless plastics, shaky heads things of that nature.
I'll counsel you to find a light weight, fast action spinning rod in a length you are most comfortable with and pair it with a smooth 2000 sized spinning reel that has a bearing supported line roller. Balance the rod/reel combo to rest on your index finger with the rod tip at 10:00, and spool with the most sensitive line you've used. In my case that's NanoFil.
oe
BASSclary reply :
If you plan on dropping MGX bucks for a finesse reel, get a Daiwa Pixy. They'll handle the lower weights much better, with minimal backlash problems. You want the lightest spool possible. Pair it up with a ML/XF rod, (You want some backbone, not a noodle), and some 6# flouro, and you've got a true finesse caster my friend (:
fishking247 reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 8:35 AM, mabasshunter said:He asked about BC set-ups not spinning gear.
I am being sarcastic. IMO nothing throws finesse baits better then a spinning combo
Capt.Bob reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 7:42 PM, clayton86 said:Thanks I'll have to re look at some rods, I'm pretty confident with full free spooling all my reels my two Revo S's, Revo SX, and Citica are ran with NO brakes what so ever and the spool tension as loose as it goes without the cap falling off. Rarely do I adjust brakes unless I'm really really struggling with wind or something crazy. I'v actually got a reel well combo that does exactly what I'm asking for a combo to do but its such a POS I must buy a newer higher end set up. I have a Quantum Tenacy AP from dicks its a 6'6"M combo I paid 30 bucks for spooled with 10 trilen XT that set up for some reason will throw a weightless mini fluke a country mile seriously like my Revo's and Citica will throw a "regular" bait but the reel grinds and binds and sticks on the retrieve its such a plastic POS. I'm pretty set on getting a MGX iv read a lot about guys loving them for some light weight stuff even in the wind without issue. Even though I originally listed a MGX and Villain a very light weight set up I'm not worried about weight of the combo if a big round BC did the job id use that weight doesn't bother me in combo's I'm still young I don't get tired chucking heavy combo's and high resistance lures all day like some older folks no offense.
I would suggest to try and just back your spool tension knob off till there is no tension on the main shaft, it cannot get any freer by loosening it more, this is usually where most reels are at peak casting efficiency, as the spool does not wonder back and forth, usually makes a big difference, from having the cap ready to fall off, it will make cast's more consistent..
The other thing you should consider is if the "finesse rig" is really what you want, weight is a major concern, chunken high resistance lures is the opposite of what you ask about, finesse is super light, delicate, and requires excellent feel to make tantalizing presentations to entice finicky fish and do it efficiently, at any age. Armature, Pro, beginner, or veteran. As for chunken all day, this old man loves throw'n his custom double 10 Bucktails @ around 2 3/4 oz on up, I make, and sell, on 70 and 100# test fluorocarbon leaders, I also custom make and sell, with my 7 1/2' heavy action w/ custom 400B Calcutta for Muskie all day long, and I assure you 2 #10 colorado blades will give new meaning to resistance when throwing spinner baits! . But it would be ridiculous to try and us it for finesse fishing, unless you are trying to finesse Blue Whales. weight of your equipment is a huge factor for a GOOD finesse rig, why most don't use round reels, you want to feel weightless lures so know what you are presenting. Easy to do for an old man, No offense!!
BASSHUNTER1961 reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 11:03 AM, fishking247 said:I am being sarcastic. IMO nothing throws finesse baits better then a spinning combo
I agree that spinning tackle is better suited to finesse baits.
kickerfish1 reply :
Goose52 provided you with great info!
Matching the line size, style of rod and spool are the biggest factors if you ask me. Medium light with 8-10 lb line on a reel with a smaller spool would be a great set of criteria.
Upgrade your spool bearings and have the reel supertuned and it will make it that much better.
My current finesse casting rig is a dobyns dx742 with a custom TD alpha 103 Ito with 10lb floro. Thinking I will downsize the line size down to 8lb next season.
A pixy would be a great reel on the pricier end while a 50 series shimano would be a good less expensive alternative.
For rods I would look at an recon, i-rod air, or dobyns. Something medium light in 6"6 foot to 7"4 rod.
Silas reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 8:06 PM, Bass_Fanatic said:I just bought a St. Croix Legend Elite 6'9" ML/XF off of the St. Croix bargain room for $180!!! I paired it up with a 50e and it is a finesse fishing dream.
I did the same with the bargain Tournament 6'9" and 50e. You are SO right.....I'm running 10# yozuri hybrid at the moment; I may go to 6# just for fun!
I think my rod was $115. (Thanks, Capt. Bob!)
Silas reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 12:08 AM, BASSclary said:If you plan on dropping MGX bucks for a finesse reel, get a Daiwa Pixy. They'll handle the lower weights much better, with minimal backlash problems. You want the lightest spool possible. Pair it up with a ML/XF rod, (You want some backbone, not a noodle), and some 6# flouro, and you've got a true finesse caster my friend (:
Did just that yesterday! A Daiwa Pixy Liberto, slightly used, coming from Japan.....an Airy Red Pixy! I believe the Red has a slightly lighter spool than the yellow or silver....I believe it's a 2005 model.
What 6# flouro are you using and what ML/XF rod did you pair yours with?
Also, just as an experiment, today I ordered 12# Tasline from Paul in Australia. It's a white 6 strand braid with a very small diameter. Will spool that on the Pixy.
Quitlimpin reply :
Enjoy that reel! I have mine paired with a Dobyns DX702 and 8 lb yo zuri. It is a finesse machine!
Silas reply :
On 10/23/2012 at 9:15 PM, Quitlimpin said:Enjoy that reel! I have mine paired with a Dobyns DX702 and 8 lb yo zuri. It is a finesse machine!
Good to know! I just happen to HAVE a Dobyns 702 Drop shot finesse! Have the Curado 50E on it at the moment.
Thinking of getting a custom Phenix as Vince Borges suggested. Waiting for an answer from Bob.
Bob must have been too busy...so I ordered a JBCustom "Baby Snake" custom rod instead from John Barlow. He called back and it was mailed today! Will try the SOL, 50e, and Pixy on it and see which is best.
Silas reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 1:49 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:Ive been trying light cranks SK Bitsy Minnows (1/8rated-actual 1/12oz .0832) on a couple set-ups. 50E & JM Carbonlite reels and Smoke 7MF, LTB 69MLXF rods. The Smoke rod performs better by just about 5' with an avg of 40' by both reels. Guess a light/fast ModF powered cast rod would work better but dont have one.My spinning set-up will toss one 60'-65'
I think there IS a lighter Smoke rod now...the Smoke PT Micro Guide 6'6" medium, fast. I played with one at Bass pro today and ordered it this afternoon! Feels extremely light and should pair up nicely with 50E or Daiwa Sol or Pixy. Been looking for a light rod to cast those small baits, for awhile. Price at Bass Pro about $150. On the web, to my door for $117. I can't find a deal like that.
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