Ideal Reel for Trout BFS

“Casting” is truly a fun part of trout bfs, so the reel’s spec and performance are extremely important.

A shallow spool is a must for easy start-up inertia in technical casts such as the flip cast.

The lighter the spool (including the line weight), the less rod swing speed you need.

High-speed retrieve is necessary for the up-cross approach in fast current.
A wide retrieve speed range is good to have, since slowing down is easier than turning the handle faster.

Durability is also an important factor, because falling and slipping are part of the game. A strongly built reel will survive most unexpected incidents in the backcountry.

Ideally, each arm is dedicated to one job: cast or retrieve.

If your casting arm is the right, choose a left-hand retrieve model to eliminate the down time of switching hands.

Twitching a minnow at a fast pace is easier with the dominant arm.

Round or low profile shape is personal preference.

The more surface touching the palm, the better leverage it gives, especially when fighting large trout.

Material is another difference between the two shapes. Most round profile models are made of aluminum, which offers superior drag and a solid retrieve feel.

Sub-30°F temperature is another thing to consider when choosing the material.

Aluminum becomes cold as ice, while magnesium and graphite are much milder on human skin in extreme cold.

A smooth drag is extremely important to avoid line break and hook-outs.

Also, a proper drag setting will avoid blank breakage.

It’s a good habit to loosen the drag whenever the reel is not in use, to keep the drag system in top condition.

Trout’s lips are softer than many other lure-targeted species until they grow to 20in.

They can rip their lips and get away if the drag is set too tight.

Servicing the drag with the manufacturer’s recommended grease at least once a year can increase the landing ratio.

Trout bfs only requires a minimal number of reels. It’s ideal to carry a back-up reel when entering remote areas, because an unexpected backlash with thin PE line (braid) can be unfixable.

A slip and fall into the river can put fine river sand into the reel, between the gear teeth and tight gaps such as the spool edge.

The reel must be overhauled before turning the handle, to minimize further damage to the moving parts.

Investing in two dream models and taking good care of them is the key in trout bfs.

A well-engineered model built specifically for bfs is no comparison to non-bfs models, and helps create unforgettable moments.

Vintage models are fun and stylish if the conversion is done correctly.

The cast-feel of vintage reels is so raw and pleasurable.

Replacing the spool and bearings is the minimum. Upgrading to hi-speed gears, smoother drag washers, a lightweight worm shaft and a dressy handle completes the conversion, but the first challenge is finding a reel with a straight frame and minimal damage to the side plates.

Choosing a model is certainly personal preference, but Shimano's FTB braking system, engineered by genius individuals, provides the ideal brake force for trout bfs.

Easy start-up inertia, and the way the brake force disappears at the end of the cast, are the advantages of the FTB system.

Its precisely adjustable brake range is also ideal for swapping minnows and handling wind.

Tempo and rhythm are key to an enjoyable trout bfs approach. The last thing we need is to fight our equipment in the backcountry.

Choose your model wisely.