Shimano has just unveiled three purpose-built rods designed to elevate the Bait Finesse System (BFS) experience for Australian anglers. With one premium model in the Artiesta BFS range and two value-packed options in the Ascenza BFS line-up, these rods are engineered for precision casting of ultra-light lures in tight, overgrown waterways — perfect for targeting finesse species like trout, bass, bream and whiting. Built with spiral-wrap guide trains, genuine Fuji components and refined aesthetics, they offer a tailored solution for local conditions and a compelling reason to make the switch to BFS.
The three models in the newly released Artiesta BFS and Ascenza BFS rod ranges are specifically designed and built to suit the increasingly popular Bait Finesse System (BFS) style of ultra-light baitcaster fishing. This specialised fishing genre sees anglers effectively casting lures that are much lighter than those traditionally associated with baitcaster reels to successfully target “finesse” species including trout, perch, bass, bream, flathead and whiting — often in super-skinny and tightly overgrown waterways where maximum precision and speed of presentation are paramount considerations.
The one model in the premium Artiesta BFS range and two models in the more affordable Ascenza BFS line-up each feature a unique spiral-wrap guide train configuration that dramatically decreases the all-up weight of the rods by reducing the total number of guides required, while also eliminating torque and any tendency for the rod to twist in the angler’s hands under load — both while casting and when fighting a fish. The result really needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated.
Both of these new Shimano BFS rod ranges feature genuine Fuji guides throughout (SiCs on the Artiesta and Alconites on the two Ascenza models), along with custom reel seats and grips and the sort of classy, understated cosmetics customers have come to expect from Shimano.
With the arrival of these three amazing Shimano BFS rods, local fans of this growing genre finally have access to a trio of readily available and highly effective tools that were inspired by real-world Australian fishing conditions and specifically suited to the needs of Aussie anglers, rather than simply inherited from often less applicable overseas scenarios. Match one of these rods up with a Shimano SLX BFS, Curado BFS or Calcutta BFS reel today and find out exactly why so many keen fishers are making the switch to BFS!
