KastKing Kestrel Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Finesse Baitcaster Lightest, Easily Cast Lures Down to 1/32 oz, 11+1 Double Shielded BB, Available in 8.4:1 and 7.5:1 Gear Ratios

I purchased the Kestrel BFS Finesse Baitcasting Reel late in the season so was only able to use it a few times before the weather changed but my initial impressions are that this is an excellent reel and a great value.I spooled it with 4 pound monofilament and had no difficulties casting small jigs. I had initially spooled a little too much line and got some backlash until I peeled a bit off. The build quality seems good and the reel is smooth. Its small size fits perfectly in my palm. Since I only got out a few times I can’t speak to the durability of this reel but my experience with other KastKing reels (both baitcasting and spinning) is that they hold up well.I started buying KastKing products a few years ago because didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount getting outfitted. I’ve purchased a number of rods and reels: lightweight for panfish, slightly heavier for walleye & northern, much heavier for Muskie, and pair of collapsible rods with spincasting reels for canoeing. I’ve been satisfied with everything that I’ve gotten.I think that the value is excellent, and the quality is better than I expected when I bought my first reel a few years ago. That reel had a small plastic “clutch plate” wear out this year. I was able to order a replacement part from KastKing for $13 after shipping which is much better than throwing out a perfectly good reel because I couldn’t find parts.When I contacted KastKing about replacing that part my emails got answered within a day or two and my calls got answered immediately. A year ago I had the locking mechanism on the handle of a collapsible net fail. It was under warranty and when I contacted customer service I got through to someone right away and they shipped a replacement to me without any hassle.

I have numerous other bait finesse casting reels and some that cost much more $ than this Kastking Kestrel BFS 2024 reel. I must say, this reel is impressive for the price point and has been a pleasure to fish with...mostly. I have one minor issue, but others may not have the same issue with these reels that I have had. The reel is very light and ergonomically it feels just amazing in my hand and it is a very smooth casting reel and has plenty of drag to fight larger fish and a real good looking reel too. However, due to the position of the external break dial on the reel and due to the way that I prefer to palm the reel I have noticed that in my particular case after I reel in and land a fish that my palm is turning the break dial and it tends to turn the dial which lowers the break setting to where the spool will speed up on the next cast and it has caused backlashing and line fluffing. I didn't figure the issue out right away so now after I reel in a fish I have to check at the external break dial and make sure it is on the same setting I had it on before and if it happened to turn the break dial and lower the break setting then I must readjust it to where I had it previously. Kind of a pain to have to check it as often as I have to now but otherwise it is a fantastic BFS reel and it can easily cast 1/16 oz jigs with 2 inch curly tail grub trailers and 1/8 finesse crankbaits 25 plus yards. I have landed several 1.5 to 2 + lbs bass with no problems at all. I have it paired up on a Handing Magic L ultralight 6 ft casting rod and it is a magical pairing in my opinion for BFS! I love fishing with this setup. You can get this rod on Amazon for under $40 and it is high quality and a beautiful looking rod too. I highly recommend both products. If you're still riding the fence on getting into to BFS game or you're just now getting into bait finesse fishing with a casting reel and you don't want to spend a lot then this reel is perfect. You can't go wrong. Good luck and land a big one!!! :-)

This is my first real Baitcasting reel. it comes in a really nice looking box. KastKing does not scrimp on quality on everything. Inside the box is the reel, a manual, a KastKing Sticker and stickers for line notes. Shipping was super fast. I ordered in the morning and I received the reel that evening.The reel is really sleek looking. It is very light, weighing in at 4.5 ounces. it fits right in the palm of your hand. I got the left handed reel as I am used to a spinning reel and the left handed retrieve feels more normal for me. I got the higher speed 8.4:1 and that should handle lure you choose to throw.It has a carbon fiber frame. The reel has up to 12lbs of Drag.The reel is easy to cast. I am still learning how to fish with a Baitcaster reel. I did not get any backlash. It will take some getting used to but once I learn how this will be a great reel for any level of fisherman. If you are looking for a great reel that will handle anything you throw at it then check out the Kestrel Finesse Baitcasting Reel.