Midnight

Bait Finesse System (BFS) casting series from Texas-based Old18, made for freshwater anglers throwing the lightest lure categories, ned rigs, dropshots, micro swimbaits, and finesse presentations, on a baitcasting setup. BFS demands blanks with very low tip mass and high sensitivity; the Midnight series uses Northfork X-Ray blanks (Gary Loomis design) to meet that standard. Built for wade fishermen on Texas Gulf Coast streams and similar pressured, clear-water bass environments where spin-gear-weight lures on a caster gives a presentation edge.

Blanks are Northfork X-Ray graphite, a premium, high-modulus construction that translates bite detection through very light lures. Titanium-frame guides with RS Zirconia ring inserts keep weight at the blank minimum, critical for BFS where tip recovery affects lure drop and cast accuracy. Grade-A cork handle and fighting butt. American Tackle reel seat. Quality control concerns surface occasionally in user reviews regarding finish work, though blank performance draws consistent praise. Three ML XF models at 6'5", 6'6", and 6'9" form the core; all handle the same 6–12 lb / 1/8–3/8 oz window with extra-fast action for quick hook sets with light-wire hooks.

The outlier is the MID-70ULC-MF: UL power, mod-fast action, and 4–6 lb / 1/32–3/16 oz rating, a dedicated micro-lure model suited to split-shot, tiny jigs, or ice fishing-weight presentations on a baitcaster. The three ML models differ mainly in length, giving anglers casting-distance and leverage options.