Starting To Look At "finese" Baitcasters...... 2024
Drewski73 reply :
OK, so Im at the point where I fish weightless T-rig, mini flukes, and 1/16 - 1/8 oz drop shot often enough that I think I can justify the costs of a "finese" baitcaster to mount on my cumara medium fast rod. Im a Shimano guy historically, but fish a smoke, and have a pro max that I keep in the truck, and like both of those just fine. The cumara currently has a Curado 50e with abec 7's on it now, and while I really like the reel, I feel its better suited stepped up to my next rod, a Powell 733 where itll fish Flukes, Rage Rigs, 3/16 oz swimjigs, and light T rigs.
I REALLY like the looks of the Revo LTX. If I was buying a reel to look at, thatd be the one. I havent been able to handle any of the newer finese type baitcasters at all. The Pixy Type R is out of my price range. That leaves me with a Metanium, Revo LTX, and a JDM Pixy. Am I missing any? Does anyone have anything bad to say about any of those reels? At that price point, Im probably going to love what I end up with, but at that price point Im also going to do A LOT of research.
Thanks guys and gals
Drew
J Francho reply :
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Am I missing any?
Yes, every bass sized spinning rig made. 
If you want to throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz. baits, just get a nice spinning rig.
iabass8 reply :
there was a user on here that has the ltx,hopefullyhe will chime in.
Drewski73 reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 2:39 AM, J Francho said:Yes, every bass sized spinning rig made.
If you want to throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz. baits, just get a nice spinning rig.
I hate 'em! Ive tried over and over, spent too much money and time going down that path. I have two fantastic spinning rigs that just dont get used.
bassasaurus reply :
Out of the reels you mentioned I have an older generation metanium mg7, a couple of supertuned pixys and the pixy type r. You like the ltx but say that the pixy type r is out of your price range. If you look around you can find it new for less than 400. The "pixzillas" are amazing reels but modifying does not come cheap. The type r is an absolute blast to fish as well. If you upgrade to a shallow spool and tune your curado 50e, you probably wont see too much of a difference compared to the reels you mentioned when factoring in cost. You can find good deals on good condition pixys on that auction site.
21farms reply :
you forgot the shimano aldebaran BFS XG, which in my opinion, is easily the best of the bunch. $325 from rakuten hikoboshi
J Francho reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 2:45 AM, Drewski73 said:I hate 'em! Ive tried over and over, spent too much money and time going down that path. I have two fantastic spinning rigs that just dont get used.
Since you're bent on this, you really should be looking at rods, not reels, if you REALLY want to throw a bait that light. About the nicest rig I've used for stuff around a 1/8 oz. was Maico's NRX 802c with a Conquest 50 DC.
Drewski73 reply :
Im not sure Im bent on it. Its a combination of really prefering a baitcaster, and being pretty satisfied with my current line up, outside of finese fishing. I found something I didnt have, which means I need it, which means I get to do the really fun part of researching a new reel, and then buying it!
That aldebaran looks nice!
If I was to consider a shallow spool for the curado, where would I find one?
Thanks for all the replies folks!
J Francho reply :
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I hate 'em! Ive tried over and over, spent too much money and time going down that path.
Well, it sounded like you were dead set against spinning to me....
Either way, you'll really have to consider something different than a medium - fast rod for baits that light. The rod will be more important than the reel, though a reel with a light spool and fast start up will help. If you want to upgrade the spool in your Curado, places like Japan Tackle or Plat should have what your looking for.
Drewski73 reply :
I would rather use what I currently have, over spinning gear. But I really like nice new tackle, that serves a purpose as well.
J Francho reply :
Drop an Avail honeycomb spool in that 50e.
21farms reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 4:03 AM, Drewski73 said:Im not sure Im bent on it. Its a combination of really prefering a baitcaster, and being pretty satisfied with my current line up, outside of finese fishing. I found something I didnt have, which means I need it, which means I get to do the really fun part of researching a new reel, and then buying it!
That aldebaran looks nice!
If I was to consider a shallow spool for the curado, where would I find one?
Thanks for all the replies folks!
i always look to japantackle for aftermarket spools. i have the yumeya 32mm BFS shallow spool in my chronarch 50E and it transforms the reel. the avail microcast 928 spool looks like it might be a good choice too.
On 11/7/2013 at 4:09 AM, J Francho said:you'll really have to consider something different than a medium - fast rod for baits that light. The rod will be more important than the reel, though a reel with a light spool and fast start up will help.
totally agree...the rod is just as important if not more than the reel. take a look at the phenix recon2 713C.
Drewski73 reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 4:36 AM, J Francho said:Drop an Avail honeycomb spool in that 50e.
WHOOOOOAAAAAA!
Arv reply :
drop a 50 series shimano on a dobyns 701 or 702c
JeziHogg reply :
I own the Abu LTX and LTZ, aswell as the Shimano Aldebaran BFS and 2x Core 51's (One with the Avail ALD0936RR aka Honey comb). The LTX is pretty much a MGX with a micro spool and the LTZ is an upgraded LTX that comes with a micro spool and a super micro spool. The LTZ has a different braking system aswell. As for the Shimano's they are the way to go. The Aldebaran is the best choice for performance/price range. If you don't trust international retail webpages you can also make an Aldebaran BFS with a Core 50 + an Avail ALD0928R and Kattobi Air Bait Finesse special Bearings. Its all personal preference, but I like the Shimano's a lot more because they are a smaller profile.
http://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product-list/12 is a great webpage to do some serious customizing to your baitcasters. (Gets expensive quick, but you can make some cool looking reels)
http://www.japantackle.com/ is also a good webpage to order JDM reels from.
You can also buy an Abu LT (same as the LTX, but without the carbon fiber handle) for like $220 American.
Edit:
You can also make a Chronarch 50 or Curado 50 series into a BFS reel aswell using the Hedge Hog studio webpage. But make sure you upgrade the braking system and bearings when your going micro spool for any reel. I prefer the Kattobi Air bearings over Boca's because they use micro ball bearings.
Grantman83 reply :
The pixy is a the finesse baitcaster is that was it's intended purpose. Upgrade the spool and you have a finesse machine
bootytrain reply :
What exactly is your price point? I have the BFS XG and its awesome.. it made my Core50 redundant. That said the Core/Curado/Chronarch 50 will sling 1/8 oz in stock form a pretty long ways on the right rod. They can even dip slightly under that. Whats more important actually is the rod. I have a Major Craft Volkey BFS 6'9 UL that's rated 1/32 to 1/4 oz. I have a couple of other rods that are rated down to 1/8 oz and they don't load up those weights nearly as well. Ive thrown Bitsy Minnows with accuracy on my Aldebaran/Volkey combo at least 40 ft. out of the box with 8lb mono, and they are rated at 1/16th oz. Finesse baitcasters are not big in the US but there are way more options than the status quo Pixy now. If you don't mind a slight weight increase take a look at the JDM Abu Revo LT. Its basically an aluminum version of the LTX with the same shallow spool and braking system. You can get them for about 190 from Japan.
Drewski73 reply :
Im selling most of my offshore gear and turning it into bass gear. My funds arent unlimited, but Id like to stay under $400 on the reel.
I own 3 curado 50e's and am very comfy with the size. I may end up with an aldebaran bfs, and dobyns champ 701. That way I can leave my current setup as is.
Where do you purchase your jdm reels jezi and booty?
Dwight Hottle reply :
Conquest 50 should be considered as well.
Drewski73 reply :
The Recon 2 713 is actually rated heavier than the Cumara Med fast jwr that Im currently using. Its rated 1/8 to 1/4 where the Recon is 1/8 to 1/2. The Recon 712 and dobyns 701 are looking good to me though. Both are 1/16 to 3/8.On 11/7/2013 at 5:06 AM, 21farms said:i always look to japantackle for aftermarket spools. i have the yumeya 32mm BFS shallow spool in my chronarch 50E and it transforms the reel. the avail microcast 928 spool looks like it might be a good choice too.
totally agree...the rod is just as important if not more than the reel. take a look at the phenix recon2 713C.
aavery2 reply :
Diawa T3 air or one of the KTF Alphas, but they are almost impossible to get.
bootytrain reply :
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On 11/7/2013 at 9:24 AM, Drewski73 said:Im selling most of my offshore gear and turning it into bass gear. My funds arent unlimited, but Id like to stay under $400 on the reel.
I own 3 curado 50e's and am very comfy with the size. I may end up with an aldebaran bfs, and dobyns champ 701. That way I can leave my current setup as is.
Where do you purchase your jdm reels jezi and booty?
http://global.rakuten.com/en/category/sports_outdoor/fishing/ prices fluctuate depending on the exchange rate but pros are, prices are the cheapest, cons are no warranty.
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bootytrain reply :
Im actually going to pick up a Revo LTZ AE-74. For the price it comes with a spare spool 
heres my BFS XG to wet your appetite lol
bassasaurus reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 10:20 AM, bootytrain said:Im actually going to pick up a Revo LTZ AE-74. For the price it comes with a spare spool
Nice combo. Which poison adrena model is that? How does it fish?
down4ttown reply :
Call up Ron at Valley Sports (a new sponsor) he is offering some crazy deals on the new Helios Air.
webertime reply :
Get that spool and seriously look at the Recon 713, it's a sweet rod for weightless small plastics and tiny cranks.
DaveT63 reply :
If you look used, you can find a Pixy Type R well under $400. I saw a mint one for sale on another forum yesterday for $325. Great price for that reel.
Raul reply :
You can follow several paths, I own Alphas, Zonda, Pixies, Chronarch 50 & Scorpion 1000 Mg, right here, right now the only addition I would purchase is the Pixy PX68, only because I like the platform. All those reels do the job brilliantly. Now there´s one reel I don´t talk much about which given the characteristics it´s above all the mentioned, that would be the TDZ105H, man what a fantastic finesse machine ! if you shop around you may find one in good condition for around 200 dollars. It´s got all the other reels I mention don´t have: 10 bearings, shallow V spool, clicking drag star and clicking tension knob cap, really exact magnetic braking system.
The other path is finding between the new reels one that you would like.
Drewski73 reply :
What if any customs fees are involved in importing a reel from Japan? Im sorry if thats asked a lot, but Ive honestly never seen it come up, and Ive never purchased a reel or parts from Japan.
I still have no idea what route Im gong, but Ive found a type r in my range, in the US, and I like that the Revo LTX's are domestica s well. The overseas deal worries me only because Ive never done it.
bassasaurus reply :
I've ordered many JDM reels and have yet to pay any customs fees for reels. Only on 1 piece rods.
bootytrain reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 10:51 PM, bassasaurus said:Nice combo. Which poison adrena model is that? How does it fish?
6'10 BFS model. Its light, crisp, feels like a fast tip but it can load down to 1/8th pretty good, not much under that though. Havent caught anything but dinks on it so cant comment about the power yet. ratings are for 4-15 grams
bootytrain reply :
On 11/8/2013 at 5:43 AM, Drewski73 said:What if any customs fees are involved in importing a reel from Japan? Im sorry if thats asked a lot, but Ive honestly never seen it come up, and Ive never purchased a reel or parts from Japan.
I still have no idea what route Im gong, but Ive found a type r in my range, in the US, and I like that the Revo LTX's are domestica s well. The overseas deal worries me only because Ive never done it.
The only customs fees I had to pay were for the Poison Adrena 1 piece rod, I don't know if it was because it was because of the size being one piece, or if it was because it was shipped by Fed Ex. My 2 piece rods and reels usually shipped EMS and I didn't have to pay a customs fee. Don't be afraid to order from Japan. Most stores on Rakuten take Paypal. As far as your choices, from reading peoples reviews, you can stick a Yumeya BFS spool in your Core50s and outperform the Pixy. You can find Pixys for under 350 all day on Rakuten, LTXs for around 280, and the Aldebaran BFS for about 320 depending on the exchange rate. Read this guys blog for more info http://lurerstyle.blogspot.com/ also there are several threads on finesse baitcasters on Tackle Tour.
Drewski73 reply :
Thanks for all the information guys. Ill be ordering an Aldebaran BFS XG this weekend. Im so comfortable with the 50 size, and it seems to be a highly regarded reel.
Im thinking a Dobyns DX701 is what Ill be mounting it on.
Felix77 reply :
On 11/7/2013 at 2:39 AM, J Francho said:Yes, every bass sized spinning rig made.
If you want to throw 1/16 to 1/8 oz. baits, just get a nice spinning rig.
IMO finesse and baitcasters don't go together. I fish with a lot of guys who fish weightless senkos, drop shot, finesse tubes etc on baitcasters. Not only do they seem to backlash more often they lack distance that a spinning reel setup can provide. Anything around or less than a 1/4 goes on my spinning gear.
I know distance isn't everything but sometimes when they are fussy or heavily pressured getting it out away from the boat is the only way to catch them.
J Francho reply :
No, distance isn't everything, but light line and an uninhibited fall are what some overlook in finesse presentations. I've drop shotted with a finesse casting rig - still do - but for anything more than six feet of water, it's a pain. Spinning - just leave the bail open and let the rig plummet. Much faster, and in 30+ feet of water, no swing back issues with the bait. Also, sometimes you are trying to expedite the bait to the bottom to the big girls, past smaller, more aggressive fish. Any hang ups on the way down, and you are dealing with a little squirt, or the wrong species altogether. I do like catching smallies on beds in spring with a drop shot and finesse casting, though.
David P reply :
The Dobyns 701 and 702 extreme rods are AWESOME for finesse stuff. If you're set on throwing baits 1/8oz and below and not a heavy plastic bait on it, the 701 will do great. Just be careful what types of baits you're putting on your shaky head, could easily find yourself close to 1/2oz after bait is added to that shaky head!
CTGalloway21 reply :
I am about to have 2 brand new Abu garica MGX's for sell.
Drewski73 reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 3:28 AM, David P said:The Dobyns 701 and 702 extreme rods are AWESOME for finesse stuff. If you're set on throwing baits 1/8oz and below and not a heavy plastic bait on it, the 701 will do great. Just be careful what types of baits you're putting on your shaky head, could easily find yourself close to 1/2oz after bait is added to that shaky head!
Yeah, finese type worms (5 inches or less) on 1/16oz heads would be the heaviest thing Id throw on this outfit. Thats why Im thinking the 701. I want it for a strictly finese type rod. The cumara with the 50e will get the bigger, heavier worms.
jtesch reply :
Revo MGX with Boca Orange seal bearings will do a pretty good job at a decent price and it's a great fit on the Cumara, crazy light
Drewski73 reply :
Well, Ive decided that Im converting one of my Curado 50e's to a BFS. Earlier today I ordered an Avail micro spool with 4 pin brake and Kotobi BFS Air bearings from hedgehog studios.
I do need to buy another 50 sized reel now, but not a BFS type.
Thanks for all your help! It just sounded like a tricked out 50 will be as good a BFS reel as anything else, so thats what I went with.
Drew
John G reply :
On 11/22/2013 at 2:20 AM, Drewski73 said:Well, Ive decided that Im converting one of my Curado 50e's to a BFS. Earlier today I ordered an Avail micro spool with 4 pin brake and Kotobi BFS Air bearings from hedgehog studios.
I do need to buy another 50 sized reel now, but not a BFS type.
Thanks for all your help! It just sounded like a tricked out 50 will be as good a BFS reel as anything else, so thats what I went with.
Drew
It's been awhile so how did your Avail spool work out for you?
oldschoolbasser reply :
You can get a better deal at Japan Lure Shop. Shimano BFS is $286.00,plus the shipping,Digitaka has it for about the same price with free shippingOn 11/7/2013 at 10:15 AM, bootytrain said:Quote
On 11/7/2013 at 9:24 AM, Drewski73 said:Im selling most of my offshore gear and turning it into bass gear. My funds arent unlimited, but Id like to stay under $400 on the reel.
I own 3 curado 50e's and am very comfy with the size. I may end up with an aldebaran bfs, and dobyns champ 701. That way I can leave my current setup as is.
Where do you purchase your jdm reels jezi and booty?
http://global.rakuten.com/en/category/sports_outdoor/fishing/ prices fluctuate depending on the exchange rate but pros are, prices are the cheapest, cons are no warranty.
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