When it comes to bass fishing techniques, flipping, and pitching are two of the most effective and widely used methods. These techniques require a specific type of fishing rod that is designed to accurately and effectively cast heavy lures and jigs into tight spaces with pinpoint accuracy.
Choosing the right flipping and pitching rod can make all the difference in your fishing success, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
In this article, we’ll review seven of the best flipping and pitching rods on the market, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision and take your fishing game to the next level.
Best Flipping and Pitching Rods: Quick Picks
This rod is incredibly sensitive yet has enough backbone to pull fish out of heavy cover. It's also extremely lightweight, which makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The E6X is built with high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity, and its fast action provides excellent accuracy and control when flipping and pitching.
This rod has the perfect blend of sensitivity and power, allowing me to detect the lightest of bites while still having the backbone to pull in big fish. It has a fast action, which gives me excellent accuracy and control when pitching lures into tight spaces. The XP Series pitching rod is also incredibly lightweight and well-balanced
Despite its affordable price, this Abu Garcia rod delivers excellent sensitivity, power, and accuracy, making it a great choice for anglers who are looking for a high-quality rod without breaking the bank. The Veritas is constructed with 30-ton graphite and other quality components, which makes it incredibly lightweight and sensitive yet still provides enough backbone to handle big fish.
Best Flipping and Pitching Rods: Full Reviews
Anglers that are searching for a nice pitching rod should check out the XP Series. You’ll find high levels of strength, power, and sensitivity from this rod, making it able for you to detect even the lightest bites while also being able to withstand the pull from trophy fish. It offers a medium heavy power so you can land fish quickly and easily.
- Exceptional sensitivity and power
- Fast action for accuracy and control
- Lightweight and well-balanced design
If you plan on spending hours out on the water at your favorite fishing spot, the Veritas should definitely be the flipping rod you consider using. It is made for superior comfort with a comfortable ergonomic handle and stainless steel guides to keep your line in order. The heavy-duty rod blank ensures you get both strength and sensitivity from this rod.
- High-quality 30-ton graphite blank construction
- Stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts
- Ergonomic handle design
This rod is an excellent choice for anglers looking for high levels of both durability and sensitivity. It’s the perfect option for both flipping and pitching due in part to its durable construction, highly sensitive and flexible tip, and extremely comfortable handle. The 3D guides and aluminum oxide inserts keep your line in order for improved casting distance and accuracy.
- High-quality SCII graphite blank construction
- Comfortable split-grip cork handle design
- Kigan Master Hand 3D guides
This premium rod is an outstanding choice for anglers looking for a dual-purpose flipping and pitching rod. The sensitivity on the rod tip is top of the line, with this good rod letting you detect even the slightest nibble from curious fish. For hauling large fish, you will get a high level of durability as well, thanks to the metal fiber rod blank.
- Exceptional sensitivity and power
- Ergonomic high-density EVA grips
- X47-ASL metal fiber rod blank
Coming from Daiwa, the Tatula Elite is a well-balanced and lightweight pitching or flipping rod that is often said to be one of the best flipping rods around. It’s made to be strong, durable, and highly sensitive to give you the best performance when out on the water. The cork handle is comfortable enough for long periods of fishing and will prevent hand fatigue when hauling in a fighter.
- X45 Bias graphite construction
- Fuji FazLite tangle-free K-guides
- Comfortable cork grip design
For any anglers looking for a reliable flipping stick made with high-quality materials, the Curado is an excellent choice. It’s built with Hagane blanks to ensure extreme strength while allowing precise sensitivity and has outstanding grip ergonomics for high levels of comfort over long hours of fishing. For both flipping and pitching, the Curado is the go-to option for big bass anglers of all experience levels.
- Superior strength and a very sensitive tip
- Equipped with Fuji Alconite guides
- Custom EVA foam grips for comfort
Loomis went all out on the E6X by using their in-house graphite technology to ensure this rod brings power and durability to the table. It’s a high-performing rod that is extremely sensitive to help deliver some exceptional results when it comes to both flipping and pitching. This rod is a great choice for all line types, from thin fluorocarbon to thicker braided line.
- High-quality E6X graphite rod blank
- Equipped with Fuji Alconite guides
- Custom cork handle for grip and comfort
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Look For in Choosing a Flipping and Pitching Rod
Length
The length of a pitching or flipping stick will affect its casting distance, accuracy, and overall performance. Most flipping sticks and pitching rods are shorter than other types of fishing rods, typically ranging from 6’6″ to 7’6″.
Shorter rods are generally better suited for flipping and pitching since they provide better control and accuracy when fishing in tight spaces or heavy cover. A longer rod can absolutely be used, usually provide greater casting distance, and are better suited for fishing in open water.
The best flipping rod or pitching rod will normally be around seven feet or a shorter length, especially for beginners. Anything longer than that is better suited for hybrid techniques or extremely long pitching techniques.
Power
Power is often rated on a scale from light power to heavy power, with additional ratings such as medium-light, medium-heavy, and extra-heavy. Light power rods are ideal for targeting smaller fish or when using finesse techniques, while heavy power rods are better for targeting larger fish or fishing in heavy cover.
When choosing a flipping and pitching rod with smooth power, most anglers will need to consider the type of fishing they’ll be doing and the size of the fish that will be targeted. A pitchin’ or flippin’ stick with the appropriate light to heavy power will allow you to effectively and comfortably fish with the right amount of weight and resistance, increasing your chances of landing your next trophy.
Action
Action is often described as slow, medium, or fast, with additional ratings such as moderate-fast and extra-fast. Slow action rods flex along their entire length, which makes them good for targeting smaller fish that require a gentle touch.
Medium action rods flex in the middle and offer a mix of sensitivity and power that can handle a range of techniques and fish sizes, while fast action rods flex primarily at the tip of the rod, giving you a chance to feel even the lightest nibble on your lure or bait.
There is no right answer for which action is the best one to choose. It is very much a personal preference, and many anglers use different actions on different fish with success. Most flipping rods benefit from being medium action for the best mix of benefits.
Line Weight
It’s important to choose a flipping and pitching rod that is compatible with the line weight you’ll be using, as this will affect the rod’s performance and overall effectiveness. The preferred line weight range for a flipping and pitching rod is typically indicated on the rod itself or in the manufacturer’s specifications.
When choosing a flipping and pitching rod, consider the fish you want to target most often and the line weight you’ll be using for those fish. From there, choose a rod that is compatible with that weight and has the extra features you prefer. Keep in mind that different line types will also work differently with your rod, as some rods are not as effective when using braided line for example.
Lure Weight
Choosing a flipping and pitching rod with the appropriate lure weight range will ensure that you are able to cast your lures accurately and effectively and that you can feel the action of the lure through the rod.
Similar to line weight, it’s important that you consider which fish you want to focus on since this will give you a general idea of the lure weight and size you will be using. By matching your rod’s lure weight range to the size of the lures you will be using, you can ensure an accurate and effective cast.
Durability/Material
The material of the fishing rod affects its sensitivity, weight, and durability. Common materials used for flipping and pitching rods include graphite, fiberglass, and composite materials.
Graphite rods are lightweight, sensitive, and strong, making them a popular choice for flipping and pitching rods. But they can be brittle and more prone to breaking than other materials.
Fiberglass rods are more durable than graphite and can handle heavier lures and fish. But this material is heavier and less sensitive than graphite.
Composite materials offer the best of both worlds, combining the sensitivity of graphite with the higher durability of fiberglass.
In addition to the rod material itself, consider the line guides, reel seat, and handle materials too. EVA foam and cork are both common for the handle, with both offering firm or softer and more ergonomic feelings. Fuji reel seats are commonly seen on many rods, but any high-strength reel seats will do. Line guides, inserts, and pins can be made from a variety of premium components, including nano resin technology, stainless steel, 3D-printed high-density plastic, and more.
FAQs
What Is Flipping?
The flipping technique is a method used in bass fishing where the angler flips their bait or lure into specific areas with precision and accuracy, usually near cover or structure where fish are likely to be hiding. Flipping is an effective technique for catching bass in areas where traditional casting methods from even the best rod may not be as effective such as under overhanging trees or docks or in thick vegetation.
What Is Pitching?
Like flipping, pitching involves using precise and accurate casts to deliver bait or lures to specific shallow water locations, often near cover or structures where fish are likely to be hiding, feeding, or spawning. Pitching allows for greater control over the distance and direction of the cast than the flipping method would and is often used to target fish in shallow water.
What’s the Difference Between Flipping and Pitching?
The primary difference between the flipping technique and the pitching technique is in the casting itself. The best flipping involves holding the fishing rod with both hands and releasing the line with a flick of the wrist while pitching involves holding the rod with one hand and releasing the line with a more linear motion, similar to throwing a ball underhand.
Because of the differences in casting technique, flipping is generally better suited for shorter casts with higher accuracy, while pitching is better for longer casts with a bit less precision.
Flipping and pitching also require slightly different equipment. Flipping rods are typically shorter and stiffer, with a faster action, while pitching rods are longer and more flexible, with a slower action. The flipping technique also benefits from a heavier weight to help the bait or lure fall quickly, while pitching usually works best with a lighter weight.
