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Largemouth Bass hiding amongst dense vegetation.
May 21, 2024

Pitch and Flip Your Way to Success

Are you ready to take your bass fishing game to the next level? Pitching and flipping techniques are essential skills every angler should master to target bass in various conditions effectively. Whether fishing in dense cover or open water, understanding how to pitch and flip can make all the difference in landing that trophy bass. In this guide, we'll break down the key components of pitching and flipping and provide tips on gear selection, bait choices, and where to focus your efforts.

Understanding Pitching and Flipping

Pitching and flipping are both precision casting techniques used to present lures or baits to bass in specific target areas with minimal disturbance. These techniques excel in targeting bass hiding in dense cover such as submerged vegetation, bushes, logs/laydowns or boat docks where traditional casting methods may not be effective. Don't pass up on the odd and obscure structure you may encounter while out on the water, including derelict boats, picnic tables, old tires, or any other random object that could function as structure for a bass! 

Flipping creature bait into laydowns.

Pitching:

  • Pitching involves making shorter, more precise casts to specific targets such as docks, overhanging trees, or brush piles.
  • It's a great technique for presenting baits in tight spaces where accuracy is crucial.
  • Anglers often use shorter rods (around 6'8" to 7'3") with medium-heavy to heavy power to quickly control and maneuver the fish out of cover.
  • Baits commonly used for pitching include jigs, and soft plastics like creatures, craws, and brush hogs. 

Flipping:

  • Flipping is similar to pitching but involves a more vertical presentation, allowing anglers to drop baits directly into heavy cover like thick vegetation, laydowns, or submerged timber.
  • It's a stealthy approach, as it minimizes the disturbance on the water's surface and reduces the chances of spooking fish.
  • Longer rods (7'3" to 8') with heavy power and fast action are often preferred for flipping, as they provide greater leverage for hoisting fish out of dense cover.
  • Baits used for flipping typically include jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, and creature baits.

Gear Selection

Choosing the right gear is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of what you want to look for when selecting a pitching or flipping set-up.

Pitching Rod Selection

When choosing a pitching rod prioritize a length of around 6'8" to 7'3" for accuracy and control in tight spaces. Opt for a fast or extra-fast action to facilitate quick, precise casts and efficient hook sets. Select a rod with medium-heavy to heavy power to handle big bass and navigate them out of cover effectively. Look for high-quality graphite construction for sensitivity and a lightweight feel, ensuring you can detect subtle bites while still having the strength to haul fish out of dense cover.

Staff Suggestions:

Shimano Expride B pitching rod.

Flipping Rod Selection

When selecting a flipping rod, prioritize a few key features. Opt for a longer rod, typically around 7'3" to 8', with a heavy power rating and a fast action. This length and action provide the leverage needed to make accurate flips into dense cover and quickly set the hook on big bass. Look for a rod made from high-quality graphite for sensitivity and strength, with a comfortable handle design that allows for extended use without fatigue. Ensure the rod can handle heavy line and lures commonly used for flipping, such as jigs and Texas-rigged soft plastics. Lastly, choose a reputable brand known for producing reliable bass fishing rods to ensure durability and performance on the water.

 Staff Suggestions:

Megabass flipping stick with vegetation in the background.

Reel Selection

Look for a low-profile baitcasting reel with a high gear ratio, ideally in the range of 7:1 or higher, to quickly retrieve line and efficiently work baits in tight spaces. This fast retrieve speed enables you to make rapid presentations and engage with fish swiftly, essential for pitching and flipping. Opt for a reel with a smooth and reliable drag system to control powerful fish and prevent line breaks in heavy cover. Additionally, choose a reel with robust construction and durable materials to withstand the rigors of these techniques. Weight is also important. Reduce fatigue during prolonged use, especially when making repetitive pitches or flips throughout the day!

Staff Suggestions:

Daiwa Tatula pitch and flip reel on the deck of the boat.

Line Selection

For pitching and flipping, it's essential to use a strong and abrasion-resistant line that can handle the rigors of fishing in dense cover. Many anglers use braided line due to its low stretch, high sensitivity, and excellent strength-to-diameter ratio. Braided line, typically in the 30- to 65-pound test range, provides the power needed to pull bass out of heavy cover quickly. Additionally, the lack of stretch allows for better hook sets and greater sensitivity, crucial when fishing in tight spots. Some anglers also use fluorocarbon leaders to add invisibility and abrasion resistance near the bait, especially when fishing in clear water or targeting pressured fish. Ultimately, the choice between braided line and fluorocarbon depends on personal preference, fishing conditions, and the specific cover you're targeting.

Staff Suggestions Braid:

Staff Suggestions Leader: 

Bait Selection 

Staff Pitching Bait Suggestions:

Big Largemouth caught using a Reaction Innovations creature bait.

Staff Flipping Bait Suggestions:

Green Pumpkin Missile Baits creature bait with big flipping weight in the front.

Terminal Tackle Selection

Having the right terminal tackle is essential to maximize your success in targeting fish in heavy cover. Start with strong and sharp hooks, preferably flipping or heavy-duty worm hooks, in sizes ranging from 3/0 to 5/0, depending on the size of your baits. Pair these hooks with tungsten or lead bullet weights in various sizes (1/4 to 1 ounce) to help your baits penetrate thick cover efficiently. Additionally, use bobber stops or pegging systems to secure your weights in place and prevent them from sliding up and down your line. Investing in the right terminal tackle will improve your accuracy, presentation, and hook-setting ability.

Staff Hook Suggestions:

Staff Flipping Weight Suggestions: 

Staff Peg/Stop Suggestions: 

Jacob Wheeler holding a Crush City creature bait rigged up flipping style.

Where to Focus Your Efforts

Look for cover such as submerged vegetation, docks, fallen trees, and brush piles, as these provide shelter and ambush points for bass. When pitching, which involves making shorter, more precise casts to specific targets, focus on visible cover or areas with sparse vegetation. This method works well in shallow water or when targeting isolated cover. On the other hand, flipping, which involves dropping the bait straight down into cover with minimal casting, is ideal for dense cover like thick vegetation or submerged logs. It's effective in shallow water or when bass are holding tight to cover. By understanding when to pitch or flip and identifying the right cover, you can improve your chances of landing that trophy bass.

Pitching a bait underneath a dock.

Conclusion

Mastering the techniques of pitching and flipping is a game-changer for any bass angler looking to elevate their fishing experience. By understanding the distinct advantages of each method, carefully selecting the right gear, and choosing effective baits, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Focus on prime bass habitats and adapting your technique to the specific conditions. With practice and the right equipment, you'll be well on your way to landing that trophy bass. Embrace the challenge, fine-tune your skills, and pitch and flip your way to unparalleled success on the water!

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