Tips for Flippin' and Pitchin'

Flipping heavy cover has evolved drastically the last few years. A term that once meant throwing a texas-rigged plastic into brush now encompasses everything from punching matted vegetation to pitching a jig around docks. Perhaps the term has been abused or perhaps we're learning new ways to expand and catch bass that are hiding in the dark. 

However you want to look at it, Flippin' has changed. In this video Matt breaks down everything from traditional texas rigged plastics on a straight shank hook to newer twists including screw locks, Superline hooks, and even jigs. The changes include rods as well so if you're flipping with a 7'6" rod you might want to consider expanding into both shorter and longer rods for different approaches. 

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Below is a breakdown of some of the gear Matt and Tim have found to help them catch more fish when flipping and pitching in cover...

Flipping Rods...

-Light Flipping 7'2" Zodias
-Heavy Flipping 7'6" Expride
-Heavy Flipping 7'9" Extreme 795
-Punching 8' Champion 805

-Reel: Shimano Curado 200 7:1

-Line: Sufix 832 65 lb braid

-Favorite Flipping Jig
-Favorite Punch Jig

-Tungsten Weight With Liner
-Dirty Jigs Punch Skirt
-Bobber Stop (Weight Stop)

-Gamakatsu EWG Superline Hook (4/0 Size)
-Owner Twist Lock Hook (4/0 and 6/0)
-Straight Shank Super Heavy Cover Hook

Preferred Baits...

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver
-Missile Baits D Bomb
-Strike King Rage Bug

Texas Rigs: When to Peg the Weight, When to Leave it Free

This week Tim compares the benefits of fishing a Texas Rig with a pegged weight to fishing it with a free sliding weight. We as anglers typically latch on to one method or the other. We all have our favorites and that's okay but when it comes to putting bass in the boat, we need to stay open-minded.  

Understanding when to fish each method can be the difference between a banner day and just putting a few fish in the boat. Pegging the weight on a Texas Rig is a great method in and around cover but if you're fishing an open bottom or around docks and wood, you can't beat the slow falling action of an unpegged rig.

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For a pegged rig Tim recommends using bobber stops, his favorite at the moment is the Paycheck baits. He typically pairs this with a tungsten weight. If you prefer your weight have an insert, you can't beat the Reins or River2Sea. If you prefer no insert, we've had great luck with Vike Tungsten lately.

Whether you're throwing an Ol' Monster, a Brush Hog, or a Keitech Crazy Flapper, the next time you're on the water and your fish stop responding to the bait, trying mixing it up, change the weight, and see if it makes a difference. Good luck out there!