Fishing the Blue River in Oklahoma

For several Winters the COAF Field Team focused on fishing local community lakes and ponds for Rainbow Trout. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would publish its Winter Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule the latter half of November each year. The Team reviewed the schedule and adjusted work/personal commitments to maximize their chances at fishing for the scrappy Trout.

These locations included Bethany Lakes in Allen, Towne Lake in McKinney, and the Commons Pond in Frisco. Of the three, Bethany Lakes typically received a stocking mid-December, and then stockings in Towne Lake and Commons Pond would follow the next year in mid/late February.

About four years ago, the Team decided to try fishing the Blue River in Oklahoma. They heard from others that the River was less than two hours away, was stocked weekly starting November through March the following year, and offered an excellent opportunity for larger Rainbow Trout compared to the little Stockers being released the Team's area.

The Team's first fishing trip to the Blue River was November 13, 2010. The Team caught Trout; moreover, they saw some Bruisers that went easily over five possibly ten pounds! As it turned out, a Trout Derby was in progress. In support of the Trout Derby, larger fish were included in the stocking.

Since then the Team has returned several times to fish the Blue River with good results each time. More important, when the Trout fishing bug strikes, they have discovered a day trip to the Blue makes for a good cure!

Tinkering About... Made a DIY Whip Finish Tool! #flytying

Prototype Worked But...

Work is work but still cannot help but think about fishing. This time, I thought about making a Whip Finish Tool that was just a tad bit larger than the one I bought from Cabela's.

After a little brainstorming, I made a prototype using spring wire from little marker flags used for marking buried lines and cables before a contractor digs up the ground.

Prototype worked but the diameter needed to be smaller.

Let's Try Again!

Next round, I decided to head to Hobby Lobby for ideas. In short order, I picked the parts listed below:

• .047" Music Wire
• 3/32" Brass Tube
• 4mm Round Copper Beads
• Super Glue

Using pliers, diagonal cutters, and a vise grip, I cut and formed the Music Wire into a Whip Finish Tool using one I bought from Cabela's as a template. 

• The modification I made was to lengthen the gap of the tool. This allowed easier whip finishing larger flies that end "mid-body" like the Foam Grasshopper.
• Once the wire  was shaped and cut, I cut brass tubing to make a rotating handle and placed copper beads as spacers at both ends of the handle. 
• To complete the DIY project, I bent the end of the wire to secure the copper bead and added Super Glue for good measure.

Simple to make... do give it a go and make your own DIY Whip Finish Tool!

Till next time, Good Luck and Good Fishing!

PS: If you decide to go the simple and quick route, can always buy a DR Slick Whip Finish Tool courtesy of Bass Pro Shops!

The Under $25 Bait Finesse Systems (BFS) Fishing Rod from Bass Pro Shops MicroLite Rod! [Liking This One]

Bait Finesse Systems and the "BFS Bug" Bites!

Bait Finesse Systems Fishing can be expensive. However, Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Rod that sells for just under $25 makes getting started much easier on the pocketbook!

My entry into BFS Fishing started with $70 with the purchase of a KastKing Zephyr BFS reel and a repurposed baitcasting rod gathering dust in the corner of my home office.

Shimano BFS Reel

I was then hit with the "BFS Bug" and purchased a Shimano Scorpion 17 BFS reel for $290, another KastKing Zephyr BFS reel (a newer model with a reel drag clicker) for $80, and a Bass Pro Shop Graphite Series rod for $38.

Although I continued to repurpose rods I already owned, I ended up spending about $500 to satisfy the "BFS Bug" at least for now.

Just One More Rod?

Since my funds were running low, I planned to hold off on purchasing more gear. I was down to $75 remaining on the gift cards I received for Christmas; I had used them to buy two of the three BFS reels and the three foot short rod from Bass Pro Shops.

That was the plan until I noticed Bass Pro Shops offered a fiberglass fishing rod that was "bendy" and rated for 1/16oz lures. In short order, I came up with excuses to justify buying the rod - Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Rod:

• Since the rod's action plays a key role in casting light lures, I thought it would be a good fit to repurpose it for BFS fishing.
• I watched a video by Jimmy of raWr Fishing on YouTube who demonstrated the rod and showed its BFS capability.
• Finally, it was under $25, so I would still have $50 on my remaining gift card for other fishing related things!

An Impressive Rod at the Right Price!

I stopped at the local Cabela's to see if there were any of the rods in stock. Since Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's merged rods from both companies are sold at Cabela's.

Unfortunately, they were out of stock. No worries, I ordered one online and saved the shipping cost by having it delivered to the store. In less than a week, I had a new rod for under $25!

Soon after, I "tested" it out at the local pond and was impressed by its feel and casting ability. Things I like in particular were:

BPS MicroLite Rod

• Flexibility or "bendiness" does make casting the light 1/16oz lures easier. I am able to take advantage of the rod helping "cast" the lure.
• Lightweight makes for fast casting, recasting, and repetitive casting. Able to cast for lengthy periods without tiring.
• Rod handle fit my hand well. I could palm the reel, switch from left to right hand and vice versa without a slip, and the trigger guard was positioned to prevent "losing" the rod and reel on a quick cast.

Only complaint and it is a minor one that I had was the rod's yellow color. It does not match well with the Shimano Scorpion 17 BFS reel's gray color. Else, I am liking this rod!

Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Rod!

Do add this one your arsenal for those wanting to try BFS Fishing but may be running low on Christmas Gift Cards!

Bass Pro Shops MicroLite™ Glass Casting Rod has advanced technology in lightweight rod built for chasing panfish and trout. Bonded high-density tubular glass construction has just the right amount of  flex for tossing light baits.... [See More]

Click picture to see details at Bass Pro Shops!

Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite YouTube Shorts

COAF Field Team on YouTube

Why Bait Finesse Systems - Pros and Cons | Thoughts? (Revisited)

Issues with the audi sync of the original live stream update from the Team! Here is a updated video with the sync issue resolved and additional footage to support the answer to the question about pros and cons of BFS versus Spin Casting.

Was tough to find info specific to comparing BFS with Spin Casting. Decided to try a different approach and then search online.

As I am a novice at BFS, thoughts were to collate inputs from other more experienced fishermen.

Do check out the pre-recorded discussion and lets us know why you decided to try Bait Finesse Systems Fishing!

bfsfishing #pondfishing #baitfinesse

Kastking Zephyr BFS with Reel Clicker | Got a Bass on the Short Rod and DIY Inline Spinner

New reel arrived – Kastking Zephyr BFS reel with reel clicker. Liked the model without a clicker, decided to try the one with a clicker.

Made a quick trip to the local pond and had a Bass on briefly before it threw the hook. Afterwards, it was a slow go without another strike.

Decided to demo the casting ability of the short rod combo. Casting the DIY inline spinner that I modified by adding a larger treble hook, the combo cast well.

Inline spinner weighed just over 1/16oz. Estimated casting distance was 20 yards based on steps. Was going to keep going longer but had to run to the grocery store for an errand.

Luckily, there is a pond near the store. Made a cast or two and landed a nice Bass. Looks like the Short Rod Combo and inline spinner can catch a fish or two!

Fun times!

Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series 3′ Casting Rod

Bass Pro Shops "Fun at Work Day" Event!

Just came in from Bass Pro Shops – announcement for Friday January 28, 2022!

Take a moment this Fun at Work Day and treat yourself to new gear at Bass Pro Shops!

Also, just ordered the BPS Micro Lite Glass Casting Rod. It’s fiberglass, meant to cast ultralight lures, and looks like it will pair well with a Bait Finesse Systems reel! 

And, it is a two-piece rod making for ease or portability when making the commute to the day job!

DIY Inline Spinner for BFS Fishing

Forgot I had the inline spinner lure making kit. It was gathering dust in the closet.

Luckily, I remembered it was there after ordering another Kastking Zephyr BFS Reel… this one has a reel clicker like the Shimano Scorpion 17 Reel.

In short order, made two inline spinners using 1/16oz worm weights for the body.

Tried them at a couple of ponds and had one Bass strike but did not land it. Need to use a bigger treble hook.

Made the modification, now just got a catch a fish… who knows, maybe with the new Kastking Zephyr BFS with reel clicker. Supposed to deliver tomorrow!

bfsfishing #baitfinesse #inlinespinner

Short BFS Rod and Reel Combo Worked for Trout Fishing at Heritage Park!

Planned to fish a pond located North of us, then decided last minute to go West to the city of Flower Mound to fish Heritage Park. Its pond was recently stocked with Rainbow Trout.

Trout were there but were really picky. Did manage to catch some on a Gold Super Duper and a Pat’s Near Deere fishing fly before switching to bait – Shrimp is what the trout preferred as well as bread. They were biting on Corn initially but did not want PowerBait or PowerWorms.

The little three foot Bass Pro Shop’s rod and Shimano Scorpion 17 BFS reel casted nicely. But, no long casts were needed. Trout were lurking right below us near the pier!

Limited out with five trout; really small ones. No worries was a fun time.

#baitfinesse #bfsfishing #troutfishing

Rod and Reel Used!

Bass Pro Shop's 3' Graphite Fishing Rod Works for Ultralight Bait Casting!

Found this fishing rod at the local Cabelas. It’s a Bass Pro Shop Graphite Series Rod that is 3 feet long and rated for 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz lures. Since the two companies merged, I often find both brands at Cabelas and vice versa for Bass Pro Shop.

Had several Christmas Gift Cards burning a hole in my wallet, and since I bought a new BFS reel – the Shimano Scorpion 17 BFS XG, a new fishing rod was definitely in the near future.

I was debating about getting a 4-1/2 to 6 foot rod, but the ones I wanted were one-piece rods. I was hoping for a two-piece that I could break down easily as well as put together quickly.

While browsing around, I found this 3 foot rod that fit the bill. In short order, i bought it, took a few casts and could tell I made the right choice!

But, just in case, the next morning I did a quick test to see if I could cast at least 12 yards with it. I can cast 12 yard and then some with it.

Took it fishing to a recently stocked pond, and was able to cast without issue light lures as well as a rig using two split-shot. I did limit out on small trout but as it turned out, the trout were near the pier… right below me.

No need to cast far this round but good to know that I will be able to whenever needed!

#bfsfishing #baitfinesse #ultralightfishing

Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series 3′ Casting Rod – GRS30MT

The Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Casting Rod measures in at a mere 3′ in length making it an excellent rod for pitching lures under docks, working areas with thick brush, kayak fishing, and ice fishing!

Shimano Scorpion 17 BFS Reel | Quick Update

Live stream update from the Team! Still trying to catch a fish on the new Shimano Scorpion 17 BFS Reel mounted on the Daiwa Minicast Rod. The combo is casting light lures with ease… and I have my thumb educated where I am not backlashing. Now just gotta catch a fish!

#shimano #bfsfishing #mikelewispark

Shimano 17 Scorpion BFS Reel | Daiwa Minicast Rod | Casts 1/16oz Lure!

First time fishing the Shimano 17 Scorpion BFS Reel mounted on the Daiwa Minicast Rod!

After a backlash on the first cast, followed by several overruns, and then adjusting the spool tension and brakes, able to let it rip and cast in the dark without a backlash.

Liking casting 1/16oz Rooster Tails in the dark without a backlash!

Did not catch a fish but did learn the feel of the rod and reel combo and trained the thumb to cast confidently in the dark.

Next step… catch a fish!

PS. The 5ft rod breaks down into 5 pieces making it easier to “store” in the backpack I take to the day job!

baitfinesse #bfsfishing #shimano

Shimano Reel 17 Scorpion BFS Unboxing

New reel arrived. Going to open it and check it out! The Shimano Curado BFS reels were out of stock. Saw a review by RxAngler for the Shimano Scorpion. Liked It! See video at the end of this post.

Noticed the Shimano Reel 17 Scorpion BFS XG Right was in stock on Amazon. Had gift cards from Christmas, in short order… ordered one.

Plan to fish it sooner than later. Do check back on follow-up fishing videos!

Ultralight Bass Fishing | Kastking Zephyr and 1/16oz Rooster Tail Works!

Fished the local pond with the Kastking Zephyr BFS reel on a Shakespeare Microcast Rod and 1/16oz Roostertail. Switched the 10lbs braided line that had a 2lbs mono equivalent diameter for 4lbs mono… no more line slipping under the spool!

Caught two bass and found a lure someone lost… not bad, left with more lures than I had at the start. Not the norm for yours truly!

PS. Shimano BFS reel delivers today… check back for an unboxing post!

Okuma Rockaway Surf Rod | Liking It! #productreview

A quick product review of the Okuma Rockaway Surf Rod – specifically, the 12′ Medium Heavy Spinning Rod that is rated for 1-4oz weights.

Check out the video, and if you are interested in one, see more at Amazon and our COAF Field Team Amazon Page!

OKUMA RA-S-1202MH Rockaway Surf

Almost Lost My GoFish Cam | Recovered #shorts

TBT to warmer days. This one has me taking a swim to recover my @GoFish Cam that was snagged to some line while fishing Denison Dam one Summer! Glad I got it back!

Mystery Tackle Box Unboxing #bfsfishing

Received a three month subscription to the Mystery Tackle Box! First box delivered. Let’s open it up and see what is inside! I chose the Panfish and Trout package as the last time I had a subscription there were some great lures that I consider perfect for BFS ultralight fishing!

Trout Fishing Strategy 1,2,3 - Spinning Gear | New HubPages Article Posted!

May be of interest to some… Trout Fishing Strategy 1,2,3 – Spinning Gear. Targets trout but it can easily be modified for other fish and methods. Check it out!

First Fish for 2022 | Bass on an Inline Spinner #bfsfishing

This time it is the first fish of the year for yours truly; a Bass that went for a Yakima Rooster Tail inline spinner while BFS fishing with the Kastking Zephyr! Tried a Rapala jerk bait but did not catch a fish this round with it. Switched to the inline spinner, caught two Bass and lost another one.

Fun stuff fishing with a BFS reel aka ultralight baitcasting. Do check out the video, and do give BFS a try and let us know how it worked for you!

Closed Out 2021 Kayak Fishing Lake Texoma | One Striper, Two Carp or Buffalo? | GoFish CAM

Warm temps had us setting out the kayaks for a go at the Striped Bass at Lake Texoma. Our Texoma Licences were good till 12/31/21 and the Annual COE Permit was good to go till August 2022.

Foggy trip up the road from Allen but things cleared and we put in at East Burns Run with the plan to dead drift flukes and shad for the Striped Bass.

Water was chilly, wind was not too bad at all, and waves were not an issue. The only issue we had were no Stripers.

Not wanting to closeout 2021 on a strikeout headed to Denison Dam to fish the tailrace. Fishing Buddy hooked up with one Striped Bass and yours truly although did not catch a fish, did get some video footage of what was lurking below.

What a difference a day makes,… or in this case months. Earlier in the year, we fished Denison Dam and put in the GoFish Cam. There were fish everywhere… this round, saw two fish only – looked like Carp or Buffalo.

Here’s to 2022 and more fishing fun and more “Learn to Fish by our Trials and Errors”!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

Ultralight Baitcasting with a Mepps Inline Spinner

Decided to run down the road to the local pond (Bethany Lakes) and see what was biting. Brought the KastKing Zephyr BFS Reel and Ultralight Lures and left the fly rod at home. Plan was to fish Roostertails but switched to a Mepps Inline Spinner since the Trout seemed to be interested in them – specifically, a copper bladed Mepps Inline Spinner. Trout were following the spinner but not striking which was promising given they ignored gold, silver, and black.

For fun and games, fished only the copper bladed Mepps Inline Spinner to see how many fish I could catch. Worked the banks of two of the four ponds at Bethany Lakes… “Main Pond” and “Back Pond”. Caught a number of fish – Bass and Bluegill.

Check out the video, and do guess how many I caught…?

bfsfishing #kastkingzephyr #pondfishing