Sometimes, the bass are right up close, and don’t require a long cast to get to them. You might be out there, walking the shore or running the trolling motor, and want to get a weedless jig or a drop shot rig into some lily pads.
Flipping and pitching are probably the two best bass fishing techniques for getting there. But people often get these two techniques mixed up.
While they do share some similarities, there are key differences. I am going to show you the differences, and explain when it is best to use each technique for maximum results.
First, let’s look at pitching.
Bass Fishing Technique: Pitching
I have had several conversations with anglers who have told me they love to flip jigs. When we’ve gone out to fish together, they demonstrate the technique, and what they are actually doing is pitching the jig.
Pitching is typically done with a baitcasting reel. It involves using a short, underhanded motion to throw the lure. Think of making a big U shape with the rod tip.
This casting technique is best used in situations where you need to get the bait underneath an obstruction like a dock or an overhanging tree. The technique gives a lot of control over the bait, and maintains a low trajectory, so it is very easy to get it underneath that target structure where the fish may be hiding.
Pitching will allow you to get more distance than will flipping, which we will take a look at next.
Bass Fishing Technique: Flipping
While pitching is done with one hand, flipping requires using both hands to get the bait in the water. With your rod hand, you will simply hold the rod and move the tip.
With your reel hand, you will be pulling some line out, and holding and releasing that line.
To start the technique, let out some line. Let the lure drop to the floor, and then engage the reel again. Now, grab the line between the reel and the first guide. You will make the same motion with the rod tip as you did when pitching, but you will control the bait entering the water with the reel hand.
This is a great technique to use when the water is very clear, the fish are shallow, and you want to get as quiet a water entry as possible. When the fish spook easily, flipping is the way to go.
Kevin VanDam Pitching Video
Take a look at this older video of KVD showing you how to get a great pitch, and some of the baits he likes to use. Notice how he keeps a nice, tight motion to cast the bait.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7VpYpmp_xI]
Flipping Video
Take a look at the young man in this video. He is flipping very well. This is a great technique to practice in the back yard a few times before you ever get out on the lake.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TermTljgqRI]
By now, you should have a good grasp on the difference between flipping and pitching, and when to use both. These are great techniques to use when the time is right. Have some fun with both!
See ya on the water…