Real World Tests: This was one of the few instances I didn't have to waste precious time sorting through scenarios in my head of which reel I should pair with a new rod because ARK Fishing International debuted their Gravity BFS casting reel last year. All I had to do is freshen up the supply of line on mine with some Varivas Super Trout Advance Double Cross x8 in gau #0.8 and tie on a leader of Seaguar Gold Label FC in six pound (6lb) and I was ready to go! Or so I thought.

A closer look at that reel seat

After putting the combo together, it ended up sitting on my to-test rack for several weeks before getting the chance to hit the water. In the midst of that waiting period, ARK Fishing sent me a late model prototype for a new BFS reel they have in development. This reel is being targeted as a sub $100 option and save for some cosmetic and possible bearing changes, is very close to production model. I ended up swapping the line I had on the original reel over to the proto and used the prototype instead of the Gravity BFS.

Light line, light baits, light fish... BFS is about catching activity, not size

Casting: With a lure rating on the low end of one thirty second of an ounce (1/32oz), I was ambitious tying on a number 2 sized worm hook and rigging it with a Keitech Swing Bait unweighted for a total lure weight of about two grams (2g = .07oz : 1/32oz = .03oz). That's about as light as I'd go in a practical fishing situation and I'm happy to report the BF-68LXC handled that svelte little bait very well. Together with the prototype BFS reel, I was able to cast that Keitech Swing Bait very fishable distances.

A look at the proprietary guides built with titanium frames and NanoForce inserts

Sensitivity: When it comes to sensitivity, ARK's BF-68LXC ticks the boxes in two very important characteristics. First, it's made from a blank rolled with a high grade of graphite (46T) for a crisper than normal blank (meaning it's also probably pretty fragile). Second, it's a very light powered rod, so you're naturally going to feel more with this stick than you are if fishing with something a few powers higher. There are no issues feeling what's going on at the end of your line and especially detecting bites with the BF-68LXC.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our ARK Fishing Gravity Bass Finesse Series BF-68LXC against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty plus years

Power: Back to that topic of power, for what it's worth, the BF-68LXC's deflection curve seems to align nicely with our average of what we'd consider finesse powered sticks. You're not going to cross any eyes or flip any hawgs into the boat with this stick unless you're targeting bluegill or minnows. But this stick does have enough power to slowly subdue your prey - you just have to exercise patience during the battle.

ARK's Gravity BF-68LXC with 24oz of weight applied to the tip

Design & Ergonomics: ARK's BF-68LXC comes in at that once popular length between six feet six inches and seven feet even, bucking the trend for sticks between seven feet even and seven feet six inches. If your goal is to cast as far as possible, the longer sticks are obviously more advantageous, but with light line and shallow spools, BFS makes more sense at more manageable distances. Either way, the BF-68LXC is a very capable, light, and well balanced stick overall. In fact, it is exceedingly light at barely over two and a half ounces. Note, the other three models in the Gravity BFS casting lineup are even shorter.

A look at the back end of the reel seat

Aesthetically, this is a very unassuming and borderline stealth stick with its all black motif including a split rear grip of black EVA. The only slightly out of ordinary detailing touch on this stick is the stamp of the rod's model number on the reel seat locking mechanism - a slight nod to the JDM aesthetic if you will.

A nod to JDM aesthetic with the rod's model number stamped on the reel seat hood

The detail looking down the reel seat hood

Simple yet contemporary detailing at the end of the grips

Price & Applications: The use of proprietary components helps ARK Fishing keep the price of this new stick in the very competitive two hundred dollar range. High enough to be out of consideration of a budget rod, but low enough not to be considered high end. While many people are afflicted with that dreaded middle child syndrome, fishing tackle thrives in this middle ground.

BFS fishing is about fish catching action, but when you do lay into one of size, it can be absolutely thrilling

Conclusion: It's only taken about two decades, but the BFS movement is in full force now across North America. While the BF-68LXC is a very capable stick for black bass, the remaining models in ARK Fishing's Gravity Bass Finesse Series, given their shorter lengths and even lighter powers, are very appropriate for panfish and trout, and let's not forget about the spinning models. In the meantime, if you're in the market for a capable and relatively affordable new casting rod for your finesse fishing pursuits, don't discount the BF-68LXC, while it isn't the flashiest BFS rod out there it's definitely a keeper.

Looking for an ARK Fishing Gravity Bass Finesse Series Casting Rod?

Try TackleWarehouse