Kestrel Bait Finesse System Finesse Baitcasting Reel

I had my reservations about the quality of the reels and rods offered by Kast King but heard good things so I decided to roll the dice. I was not disappointed! Reel casts light BFS lures a long distance with easy and I have had 0 backlash issues. The rod is light and sensitive. I am very happy with my Kestrel BFS rod and reel!

I spoiled it with Varivas Max power PE 14.5 lb. and I was able to toss a zman salty Ned shrimp on a 1/16 oz pro bullet swim jig with ease. The medium 6'9" kestrel rod held up to Texas Reds, trout, and sheepshead so far with no problems. I had reservations at first, but Kastking you proved me wrong. Best BFS combo I own by far. Thanks to RXangler for the suggestion.

I have a Royale Legend rod and reel setup that has been abused and left in the elements for a couple of years. It still works great, but I was wanting something that could cast smaller lures. I’ve tried using a couple of spinning setups, but couldn’t get any distance. Since my abused Royale Legend hasn’t let me down, I started my search on the KastKing website. The Kestrel BFS caught my attention. So I ordered the right hand 8.4:1 and paired it with the telescopic Blackhawk ll 7’1” M rod.

I just received them and couldn’t wait to try them out. Getting the Blackhawk extended took a little work ( because of my OCD) but it wasn’t difficult. Got the reel setup with 8lb braided line and dialed in, then took them out for a try.

It was amazing, a quick flick of the wrist and the distance was like wow did I just do that. I had to dial it in a little, could cast without thumb breaking with good distance. If you’re looking to get into BFS fishing I would highly recommended this reel.

This was my first true bfs reel, It feels good. I like the clicking drag. I also feel that the drag is smooth enough for 4lb line as well

The kestrel BFS is a truly a finessed product at a good price. Have used the product for one month so far and have no issues in casting micro baits that weight 1 gram or .035 or 1/32 oz. Really like the fit and finish and the durablity of carbon fibre infused reel frame material is sturdy while fish is brought in. Found easier to use due to centrifugal mag braking system. Mine is set on the middle setting 5 or 6. Learned how to use my thumb on the spool , once learned , cast with confidence. Coupled with the right BFS rod,the tiny lures are launched like Indiana Jns. whip by the use of your wrist. Love this reel for it's intended purpose.The 8 to 1 gear ratio is a great for skipping over logs,rocks in a stream. Strong steady retrieve action is an advantage on fish. Installed 6 lb mono filament line used. Have caught several bass of all sizes.

I ordered and received my first Kestrel about two weeks ago(see review). I liked it enough to order a second one which I got yesterday. This one is on an Old 18 Kinetic UL rod. Both of these reels came with hardly any oil or grease which surprised me. I use Cal’s grease on the worm gear and Shimano oil for spool bearings. It weighed the same 4.48 oz. like first reel. Same great performance. Ran no brakes on all baits with zero backlashes. With sale and online codes it was $86 to my door. Fish caught today on this combo.