Flipping and pitching rods are specialized equipment. Choosing the right one involves looking at all the factors. The line used has an effect on the action. How tall you are will affect the length. The power has to be high enough to pull the bass out fast. In other words, what works for one angler is not going to work for others.
Anglers choosing to start using a flipping rod will need other rods. The flipping and pitching rods do not perform for many other presentations. Also, there are no industry standards for power and action. The power and action vary some between manufacturers. Do research before buying.
Asking anglers on social media will get a lot of responses. You want specifics on why someone likes the rod. If they say it is great and nothing else. Look at other replies.
Flipping and Pitching Rod Selection
Flipping and Pitching is not a casting style. This technique is placing bait in shallow water cover. Then pulling the fish out fast. The key is the accurate placement of the bait. The method requires an angler to quietly put the bait in the cover. As a result, the length is important. A rod 7′ to 7′ 6″ inches is the average for these rods.
A person of below-average height may need a 7-foot rod and a tall person can opt for a 7’6″-foot rod. Most anglers use 7’2′ to 7’4″ rods. Also, a rod too long makes flipping harder. If one rod is used for both go a little shorter. A 7-foot rod is common for pitching. This length helps with the underhand motion.
The power of the rod will be medium-heavy to heavy in most cases. A few are extra-heavy from some manufacturers. The rod with enough backbone is what to look for in these rods. A few questions need answering to get the right power. What size weight will you be using? What type of line? A rod’s power relates to lure weight plus line strength. Find a rod with the weight rating fitting the lure.
The action varies with the type of line. Using fluorocarbon an extra-fast tip is best. The line has stretch and the extra-fast tip sets the hook better. The fast action works with a braided line. The braided line does not stretch so the rod has a good hook set.
The Best Flipping and Pitching Rods
Knowing what to look at in a rod it is time to look at a few. The rods will cost more for one that performs well. Going cheap is not an option. A rod under $100 is not going to work. It will lack performance, backbone, and action.
These rods have superior blanks, guides, and reel seats. Plus the handles are made of AAA cork. Lower-quality cork will not last as long. The blanks will be lighter in weight making use on long days more comfortable. A few ounces make a difference after several hours.
The guide materials let the line slide easier. The better reel seats offer better sensitivity. These rods are an investment in fishing performance and durability.
G. Loomis IMX-Pro Bass Casting Rod
G Loomis is the premier rod builder unless you go with a custom build. They design and manufacture the blanks. This results in specific tapers for various presentations. Their rods are about 15% lighter in weight also. As a result, fatigue is reduced when fishing all day. Fuji K guides are used on the rods. The guides on a rod make a difference. Some have issues with tangling, inset pop-outs, and other issues. These guides do not have problems.
This rod has 3 models suitable for flipping and punching. The 6’8″ medium-heavy power extra fast action, 7’1″ heavy extra fast action, and the 7’5″ heavy power fast action model. The longer models work better than the one under 7 feet.
- Proprietary IMX-Pro blank technology
- Specific tapers for specialized fishing techniques
- Matched powers and actions
- Well-spaced, premium guides
- Fuji ECS reel seats
- Exceedingly lightweight
A reel seat is an important part of a rod. The primary function is holding the reel but sensitivity relates to the seat also. A rod with better sensitivity lets you feel lighter bites. Plus, a good reel seat keeps the reel lower for more comfort. G Loomis is the best choice for a flipping or pitching rod.
Team Lew’s Custom Pro Series Casting Rod – Handle B – TLCPMPS
Lew’s makes a flipping-specific rod for serious bass anglers. The rod has heavy power with a fast tip. The reel seat offers very good sensitivity. Plus the guides are stainless steel frames with Zirconium inserts. The rod will perform for swimbait use also.
The 7’4″heavy power fast action Magnum Pitching Stick is the preferred model. The rod handles a large range of lure weights.
- Wide range of proven lengths and actions
- Multiple layered LFS-X5 super lightweight graphite blanks
- Tangle Free stainless steel guide frames
- Superslick Zirconium inserts
- Soft-touch graphite reel seat
- Trigger hook keeper
- A-Grade cork handles
The Lew’s rods are good performance-wise. The con is the handles are made of lower-quality cork and synthetic materials. Low-quality handles do not last as long. Comfort is an issue also. The synthetics lessen the feel and cheap cork is a rougher feeling.
Dobyns Rods 766FLIP Champion Series
Dobyns is great with performance. Although not a big name like the others the rods are a solid choice. Dobyns uses the Fuji K-style guides with Alconite inserts. Lightweight graphite reel seats are standard. The rods are covered by a $70 no-hassle protection program.
- Fuji K-style Guides
- Fuji reel seats
- AA cork split grip handles
- Protection Plan available
The rod is longer than the other choices at 7′ 6″. It may be an issue for short or less-experienced anglers. The accuracy may be slightly diminished. The handles are AA cork that is still of good quality but AAA cork is better. These rods are lower-priced so the handle is a trade-off. The rod is a very good choice.
Good Rods for Flipping and Pitching
Understanding not everyone wants a rod over 200-300 dollars. There are few in the 100-200 price range. These rods do get the job done. The difference is usually the quality of the components. The handle will have a lower grade material. The reel seats are often lower in quality also. The guides may have a different insert material.
The overall performance will be close to the best rods. An angler wanting a good rod. But not seeking to enter tournaments will be well served by a rod at this price. As a result, any of these rods will perform for anglers fishing all day several times a week.
St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod – MJC74HF
The St Croix Mojo is one of the better-known bass rods. This rod comes in many powers and actions letting anglers choose the perfect fit. Pitching or flipping needs a well-fit rod. The best Mojo is the 7’4″ heavy power, fast action model.
- Premium-quality SCIII graphite
- Technique-specific bass series designed and built for superior performance
- Kigan Master Hand 3D guides
- Fuji ECS reel seat/black hood on casting models
- Split-grip/premium-grade cork handle
- Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish
The Fuji reel seat has the sensitivity needed for finesse fishing. The lower cost does have a trade-off or two. The guides are slightly lower quality with aluminum oxide inserts. It also lacks AAA-grade cork on the handle. The Mojo provides flipping and pitching rods in the mid-price range.
Fenwick HMG Casting Rod – Model HMG70MH-FC
The HMG by Fenwick is an all-around rod with the ability to flip and pitch. This rod is a choice for an angler on a budget wanting to flip or pitch. It is a well-made and performing rod. This rod is on the short side for flipping at 7 feet. This does improve the accuracy for less experienced anglers. People under 6 feet tall will find it suitable.
- High-end lightweight blank technology
- Carbon Bound spiral-wrapped
- Fuji guides with Alconite inserts
- Positive Lock soft-touch reel
- Premium-grade cork handle
Although the rod is slightly short for flipping. It is long enough with great accuracy. Plus, it does feature Alconite inserts in Fuji guides. The Full handle is nice but uses a mid-quality cork. The con with the rod is it weighs a little more. Fatigue is a possibility if fishing all day.
Price on Amazon More option at this link.
St. Croix Bass X Casting Rod – BXC74HF
St Croix Bass X is a budget rod with good performance. The price makes this flipping-specific rod affordable to all anglers. The rod is also suitable for smaller swimbaits. The lure rating allows up 1 1/2 ounces. This is something to consider with the rod.
- Legendary quality, wallet-friendly price
- Premium SCII graphite blank
- Black-framed aluminum-oxide guides
- Split-grip handle design with premium-grade cork
- Fuji ECS reel seat with black hood
- Finished with 2 coats of Flex-Coat slow cure
Aluminum oxide guides while not as superior as Alconite. They will last and allow smooth line control. The reel seat has good sensitivity with a good handle for the price. Plus the blank is slightly heavier in weight. Anglers will find budget-priced flipping pitching rods with the Bass X
Summary
Buying a flipping and pitching rod is for specific presentations. The rod needs the backbone and proper action. The length varies among anglers but 7′ to 7′ 6″ is the range. The price is reflective of the quality. As a rod for certain uses, it is not made in the sub-one hundred dollar range.
An angler will need more rods for other presentations. If you are new to fishing gain more experience. Then make an investment in any presentation-specific fishing rod.
John McIntyre