The Best BFS Casting Reel - Bates Fishing Co. Hundo LTS 100

Why Bait Finesse System (BFS)

Over the years, many anglers have turned to Bait Finesse Systems (BFS) to change their approach to finesse fishing. By utilizing lighter-action rods, compact shallow-spool casting reels, and ultra-light baits, BFS opens up a whole new playbook for finesse baits and techniques for anglers who may have previously used traditional spinning gear.

However, BFS is not a replacement for traditional spinning gear but simply a tool that allows you to achieve precision control for lighter baits and techniques that may sometimes be difficult for spinning gear. For example, light lines and long casts can often lead to wind knots and backlashes as the line flows off the spool of a spinning reel. Meanwhile, with a BFS Reel, the compact frame, shallow spool, and low-profile reel design provide better line management. So whether fishing a Z-Man Micro TRD or casting a Z-Man ChatterBait Micro Series, you'll experience enhanced casting control, accuracy, and distance with lighter line sizes.

Bates Fishing Co. The Hundo LTS 100 Casting Reel

A quality BFS reel is an essential component of the Bait Finesse System and is arguably the most important. You will need a reel with a quality drag system to control the light line, a lightweight, shallow spool to hold an adequate amount of line, a precision braking system for the ultra-light line and lures, and a compact, lightweight frame that ensures you feel everything through the palm of your hand. That's where the Bates Fishing Co., The Hundo LTS 100 Casting Reel, steps in.

The Bates Fishing Co. The Hundo LTS 100 (Light Tackle System) is Bates's premier Bait Finesse System reel. It is meticulously crafted for lightweight construction and the ultimate durability, strength, and precision that utilizes the same design as Bate's most popular reel, the Hundo 100.

Learn more about the Bates Fishing Co. reel lineup with our recent blog: Breaking Down The Bates Fishing Co. Casting Reels.

Construction

The Hundo LTS 100 is unlike other BFS reels in that it is constructed of fully CNC-machined 6061-T6 bar stock aluminum along a 9-axis machine. This aluminum is the same quality material used in aerospace, automotive, marine, industrial, and firearm manufacturing. 6061-T6 aluminum is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, with an incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Thus, it's rock solid, durable, and incredibly lightweight, weighing only 5 oz!

No plastics are poured into the frame during construction to further the manufacturing of this reel. This step eliminates additional material within the reel that would decrease its lightweight construction and overall sensitivity. This BFS reel will never wear down after extensive use in the elements as it is coated with an anodized anti-corrosion finish that is quite sharp with its gunmetal grey and gold finish.

Features

This 100-sized reel is equipped with premium materials for fine-tuning to ensure that your Bait Finesse System performs flawlessly. The re-engineered shallow skeletonized spool is ultra-lightweight, and the heart of the BFS reel can house 100 yards of 14lb mono or 30lb braided line. So whether you plan on using 6lb, 4lb, 2lb, fluorocarbon, monofilament, or braided line, the shallow skeletonized spool enhances that ability.

The adjustable braking system can make or break your BFS reel. The Hundo LTS 100 is finely tuned for BFS, with 8.5 lbs of drag and a clicker drag system that audibly informs you when it is in use. With a BFS reel, you can still set the drag very light and ensure a solid hookset by thumbing the spool and then removing your thumb to let the drag take over.

It is available in a 7.1:1 gear ratio, right and left-hand, featuring 10+2+1 bearings and an 88mm aluminum crank arm that picks up 28" of line per crank, creating the ideal combo for virtually all line and bait combinations with the ability to finely tune the Hundo LTS 100 to empower your finesse tactics.

If you want to see The Hundo LTS 100 in action on the water, watch this video: Bates Hundo LTS BFS Reel Cast Testing on UL Fishing Setup.

Conclusion

The Bait Finesse System is a great way to approach traditional finesse techniques and tactics. In doing so, you will need the right tools for the job, and nowhere better to start than with the Bates Hundo LTS 100.

The Hundo LTS 100 retails for $395 USD. This may sound steep, but the cost is very competitive in the BFS market compared to similar reels like the Daiwa PX BF70 Bait Finesse Casting Reel. However, you won't find a more well-constructed BFS reel than the Hundo LTS 100. Its utilization of CNC machining and 6061-T6 aluminum is as durable and lightweight as possible. Pair that with the precision tuning and adaptability of the reel you'll be setting yourself up for success on the water. Experience the difference of Bates Light Tackle System and get a Bates Fishing Co. The Huno LTS 100 Casting Reel is in your hands today to see what the hype is about!

Check out the full lineup of CNC-machined Bates Fishing Co. Casting Reels HERE!