The Kestrel Ultimate Bait Finesse System casting reel is KastKing’s latest entry into the increasingly popular world of BFS fishing. After spending time with the reel spooled with 8-pound Yo-Zuri Super Braid 9, I was surprised with its casting performance and lightweight design that paired well with FishUSA’s Flagship BFS stick. While it isn’t perfect, it offers a tremendous amount of performance for anglers looking to fish lightweight presentations without spending premium Japanese BFS prices.
In The Hand
The Kestrel Ultimate is remarkably well-packed, arriving in an impressive box with graphics printed on the front. Inside, there’s a padded, semi-rigid foam-filled case that closes using a zipper. Opening that zipper reveals the reel, packed inside a form-fitting neoprene case. With a little maneuvering, I was able to get the case over the reel while it was on a rod, so that case can protect its contents while traveling.
Once I removed the reel from the box, the first thing I noticed was how light the Kestrel Ultimate feels in hand. At only 4.6 ounces, it virtually disappears on a finesse casting setup. The magnesium frame and side plates keep the weight down while still feeling surprisingly rigid. Combined with the compact frame, the reel palms comfortably and remains easy to fish for long days on the water.
Specs
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Bearings: 9+2+1
- Gear ratio: 8:4:1
- Drag: 13.2 lbs
- Frame: full magnesium frame and side covers, protected by KastKing’s proprietary Mg-Shield™ Finish.
On The Water
Casting is where the Kestrel Ultimate really shines. The ultra-light 3.8-gram shallow spool starts quickly and makes casting tiny lures almost effortless. With 8-pound Yo-Zuri Super Braid 9, the reel handled lightweight finesse presentations well, launching small jigs, Ned rigs, and other compact baits with excellent accuracy. Even anglers new to BFS fishing should appreciate how forgiving the reel is once the braking system is dialed in.
The FAF (Flyout Arc Finesse) braking system deserves much of the credit. The automatic magnetic braking works seamlessly throughout the cast, providing enough control to minimize backlashes without sacrificing distance. The external brake adjustment dial also makes it easy to fine-tune the reel for changing lure weights or windy conditions. Once adjusted, the reel consistently produced smooth, controlled casts with very few overruns.
One feature that also contributes to its casting performance is KastKing’s unique line guide, which helps reduce friction during the cast. While it’s difficult to isolate exactly how much this contributes on the water, it sure does a good job of throwing even the lightest Ned rigs and creature baits further than you’d expect.
Cranking baits back in was pretty smooth, too. The 9+2+1 bearing system delivers a fluid feel, and high-speed gear ratios (8.4:1 as tested) make it easy to quickly recover line between casts or keep up with fast-moving fish. This proved to be an advantage when fishing fast-flowing rivers. And the aluminum main gear, brass pinion gear, and aluminum gear shaft give the reel a refined feel.
The only real drawback was the drag. Although it’s rated for up to 13.2 pounds, it felt a little light, and I got bullied a bit. I’d guess it tests significantly lower than that. The drag remained smooth and consistent, but if you’re targeting bass of any significant size around heavy cover you may find yourself wishing for a bit more stopping power. For traditional BFS applications — smallmouth, stream bass, trout, panfish, and finesse largemouth techniques — it performs well, but it’s worth keeping in mind if big fish are part of your regular game plan.
I’ve had a very limited time with the Kestrel Ultimate, so I can’t say how it will hold up. Only time will tell.
In Conclusion
Overall, the KastKing Kestrel Ultimate is an outstanding BFS reel combining lightweight construction, excellent casting abilities, and smooth operation. For anglers looking to get into BFS fishing — or experienced finesse anglers wanting a high-performing reel without venturing into the highest price tiers — the KastKing Kestrel Ultimate is easy to recommend.
