Flipping and pitching

Flipping and pitching are both fishing techniques that produce similar results of catching bass, while having a different approach. When other methods of fishing fail to catch bass, these methods prove successful in catching bass and that too some heavyweight ones. Here are both the techniques:

Flipping:

Flipping can be defined as the technique of uncovering and wrestling out the bass from the heaviest of covers. To understand the technique of flipping it is essential to understand the behavior of bass. Generally they are driven to seek cover under conditions like increased fishing, hot weather, increased boat traffic and cold temperatures. Also they are negative feeders most of the time, so instead of the fish coming to you for food you have to go to the fish. To use the technique of flipping you should use a long and stout rod which could be nearly 7 ' feet and has heavy action and a bait casting reel. The rod should be spooled with a 20 to 30 pound test line. To place the bait you should use a pendulum motion with the rod's length of line and nearly 4 to 6 feet of line in the hand. Once the bait starts forward, the line held in the hand should be left to flow smoothly. This helps in aiming at targets even at 8 to 12 feet away. Once the bait is laid in the cover, the rod tip should be raised and lowered to let the bait crawl up the grass, tree limbs, wood, rock or other obstructions. The repeating of the procedure lures the bass to inhale the bait. Once the bait has been stricken, major part of the slack from the line must be reeled and the hook should be set with a sweeping motion to remove the bass from under the heavy cover.

Pitching:

The technique of pitching is useful when the target is inaccessible. With the pitching technique and use of different baits, it is possible to reach easily spooked largemouth or the ones under the covers. The correct pitching technique assures bigger and more bass catch and that too in all weathers and seasons. The technique involves the usage of bait casting or spinning rod that has a lighter but faster tip. The rod should have a solid hook set. The rods used in pitching should not be very long but between 5 to 6 feet. Pitching involves lowering the rod and releasing the lure simultaneously. Pitching presents a better eye contact with the lure as the direction of the rod and the lure are the same and the distance can be judged. The lure also takes a low arc which helps its entry into the water without any disturbance. The reel settings can be done as per the preference.

The baits for pitching and flipping:

Typically plastic worms and jigs are used for pitching and flipping but a variety of combinations work equally well. These other baits could be buzz baits, worms, curly tailed grubs, rattling baits and spinner baits. Different baits have their advantages and therefore each should be used when applicable.

Therefore the techniques of flipping and pitching are the best techniques for catching bass in situations like negative modes of feeding or highly pressured water.